Prof. S. S.

Raghavachar

Prof. S. S. Raghavachar was born in 1911 in Melkote, in the family of the fourth Sthanikam
(Yatirajadasa), tracing his lineage to direct disciples of Sri Ramanujacharya in 10/11 th century CE.
After studies in the local veda pathashala, he went to Mysore University, completing in 1938 his M.A.
in Philosophy with first rank and gold medals. He was already renowned as a debater, and had been
elected the Vice President of the University Students Union. In 1939, he presented a paper on the
Buddha in Mysore Maharajas College Philosophical Association. This paper attracted appreciation
from well-known Buddhist scholars like Dr. Kalidas Nag of Calcutta, and was published in a
reputed journal. This paper has been quoted by Dr.B.R. Ambedkar in his book, The Buddha and his
Dhamma.
Prof. Raghavachar held several teaching positions in Mysore University, becoming in 1966 the Head
of the Department of Post-graduate Studies and Research in Philosophy at Manasa Gangotri, Mysore.
He held this position for many years. His several books on Vedanta and Indian Philosophy, covering
major works of different schools, are hailed as reference books. His books on Vishishtadvaita and
Dvaita won three Golden Jubilee Awards of Mysore University in 1970s. Even afterwards, he
continued to be a much sought-after speaker and research guide in several universities (Madras,
Annamalai, Venkateshwara, Benares, Patiala, etc.)
Prof. Raghavachar owed much to the Ramakrishna Mission from his school days. Almost all his
books have been published by Ramakrishna Math and many of his books have gone into reprints. His
books on Ramanujas philosophy have found appreciation from scholars worldwide:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Introduction to Vedartha Sangraha, and translation of Vedartha Sangraha .

Sri Ramanuja on the Gita.
Sri Ramanuja on the Upanishads.
The Philosophy of the Brahma Sutra and the significance of Sri Bhashya.

Prof. Raghavachar passed away in 1993.

(Excerpts from an article in the Arts Journal, Sec.A, Vol. LV, 1993, by Prof. K. Seshachar)