Sri Vedanta Desika: Makers of Indian Literature

Book Details

• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi

• Author: M. Narasimhachary

• Language: English

• Pages: 94

• Cover: Paperback

• Size: 8.5 inches × 21.5 cm

• Weight: 150 gm

• Edition: 2010

• ISBN: 9788126018901

Description

This scholarly monograph presents a comprehensive study of Sri Venkatanatha (Vedanta Desika) (1268–1369 A.D.), one of the most eminent post-Ramanuja philosophers of the Visistadvaita school. A towering intellectual figure, Vedanta Desika was a polymath whose prolific output—spanning more than one hundred works—covered diverse disciplines including Nyaya, Mimamsa, Vedanta, and Sahitya.

Authored by Dr. M. Narasimhachary, a distinguished Vedanta scholar, the book highlights Desika’s extraordinary contributions as a philosopher, poet, theologian, and institution builder. It examines his writings in Sanskrit, Manipravala, Prakrit, and Tamil, his role in reinforcing Sri Ramanuja’s philosophical system, and his rigorous engagement with rival schools of thought. The work also sheds light on Desika’s spiritual life, marked by humility, renunciation, and deep devotion to Sriman Narayana.

The monograph discusses Desika’s enduring legacy, including his influence on later scholars, his role in preserving important Vedantic texts during times of crisis, and his contributions to Srivaisnava institutions such as Sri Ahobila Matha and Sri Parakala Matha. Written in clear and scholarly English, this work offers a balanced blend of historical, philosophical, and literary analysis.

Published by Sahitya Akademi, this book is an essential reference for students, researchers, and readers interested in Indian philosophy, Vedanta studies, Vaishnavism, and medieval intellectual history.