Book Review—Srivaisnava Studies Today

Writing in a Yet Richer Language

Authors

  • Francis X. Clooney S.J.

Keywords:

Srivaisnavism, Sanskrit, Tamil, Vedanta, Ramanuja, Divya Prabandham, Tiruvaymoli, Manipravala, Prapatti, Purusakara, Gadyatraya, Vasudha Narayanan, Nampillai, Robert Lester, John B. Carman, A.K. Ramanujan, Friedhelm Hardy, Patricia Y. Mumme, Tamil Theology, Cross-cultural Scholarship

Abstract

Francis X. Clooney reflects on the evolution of Srivaisnava studies in Western academia, emphasizing the need to move beyond Sanskrit-dominated perspectives to include Tamil sources like the Divya Prabandham and Tiruvaymoli. He critiques earlier scholars for overlooking Tamil contributions and praises recent works—especially by Vasudha Narayanan—for integrating Tamil theology into Ramanuja studies. Clooney argues for a future scholarly "manipravala" that blends both traditions to faithfully represent the Srivaisnava heritage.

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Published

1993-10-20

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (1993): Śrīvaiṣṇavism? (Winter)

Section

Articles