Home > Society > Religion in India > Types of Prapatti
Types of Prapatti
Types of prapatti are mainly categorised according to the mode of observance that is followed. The role of the acharya is considered of utmost importance whatever be the type of prapatti being followed.

Share this Article:

Prapatti can be of different types depending on the mode of its observance. It must be noted at this juncture that whatever be the mode of observance or the types of Prapatti being followed, the role of the acharya is important in this matter. This is because a person seeking moksha needs to be initiated with the preaching of the requisite mantras and imparted with the basic knowledge of the Vaishnava doctrines. The importance of acharya or a Vaishnava disciple is so great that a section of Vaishnavas regard the love and worship of an acharya (acharya bhimana) as one of the subsidiary means to moksha. Unlike bhakti yoga which is a lifelong process, prapatti as a means to moksha is to be performed only once. This is compared to the function of a clever archer who shoots the arrow at the target in a moment. Thus, says the Mundaka Upanishad, "The pranava (syllable aum) is the bow; one`s self is the arrow; Brahman is the target of it; it is to be hit with concentration of mind; thus, the self becomes united with it like the arrow (with its target)."

The different ways in which prapatti can be observed are mainly two. It can be observed by means of the recitation of the prescribed prayer with the help of a qualified preceptor, the acharya. This kind of Prapatti is known as uktinistha. Alternatively, one may do it through the medium of an acharya, who on behalf of the concerned individual performs saranagati in the prescribed manner. This is known as acharya nistha.

There are also other modes of observance and the prescribed ritualistic procedure varies from one sect to the other even among the Sri Vaishnavas. But whatever procedure is followed, it is definite, according to the Vaishnava theology, that the attainment of moksha is assured. Once it is done there is no need to pursue any other spiritual discipline for the purpose of moksha. The aspirant can than feel himself as a person who has done his duty and he can live in peace for the rest of his life without any fear of rebirth and engage himself in divine service for the pleasure of God.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Religion in India


Religion in Indus Valley Civilization
Religion in Indus Valley Civilisation included Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Details about the religion in Indus Valley Civilization have been gathered from archaeological artefacts.
Shaivism Religion
Shaivism is the second largest “religious community” in modern India with its roots deeply seated in the Hindu Vedic belief.
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is among the more popular denominations of Hinduism, with its own distinctive ideas about spirituality and morality. Vaishnavism concentrates on worshipping god Vishnu and of his incarnations.
Hinduism Religion
Hinduism is more of a philosophy which is a way of living according to the understanding of the principles of Vedas and Upanishads.
Islam
Islam is a religion that beliefs in Allah as the one and only God and creator of the Universe. Islamic law or Sharia is characterised by the five pillars of Islam which comprise the essential duties of every Muslim.
Christianity
Christianity is a religion based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ and it is the largest religion in the world.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and a philosophy that encompasses a wide variety of beliefs, practices and traditions that are chiefly based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha and its later disciples.
Jainism
Jainism chronologically preceded the religion of Buddhism. It is considered as one of the oldest religions of India. Jainism in India shared with Hinduism and Buddhism. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice, but it is not a Hindu sect and not a Buddhist heresy, as earlier scholars believed.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, closely related to Judaism, Christianity and Islam was founded by Zoroaster.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a religion started by Guru Nanak in land of Punjab in 15th century A.D.
Iyer Brahmin
Iyer Brahmins are originally from Tamil Nadu of South India. The Iyers have always taken an interest in preserving the arts and sciences.
Barai Caste
Barai Caste is the professional cultivator caste of betel leaf. Tamboli and Pansari are the terms used indifferently for Barai Caste. The diversity of names of the sub-divisions of Barai Caste discloses the mixed elements that formed the caste.
Dangi Caste
Dangi Caste is largely distributed in the high land regions, and the word Dangi is said to have originated from the geographical features of their territory. Main occupation of the members of Dangi Caste is cultivation.
Nadar Caste
One of the most renowned castes of Tamil Nadu is the Nadar caste. The Nadar community is a mixture of sub-castes and classes of different origins, which came under one banner of Nadar caste gradually.
Kumbhakar Caste
Kumbhakar is the potter caste who manufactures all kinds of earthen vessels.
Gujjars in Maharashtra
Gujjars in Maharashtra have several sub-castes. Here, in this state the Gurjars are listed as a separate caste. They are included in the Maharashtra OBC list.
Awasthi Brahmin
Awasthi is a surname or a family name of a particular sub-caste of Brahmins in the Indian continent.
Bhoyar Caste
Bhoyar Caste is largely found in the Central Provinces of the country. Traditional occupation of Bhoyars is agriculture. They are good cultivators and mostly grow sugarcane.
Gujjars in Mughal Era
Gujjars in the Mughal era enjoyed great power. Further their power increased with the decline of Aurangzeb, Mughal emperor.
Origin of Vaishnavism
Origin of Vaishnavism shares its attributes to many sources and religious evolution, dating back to pre-Vedic epoch.