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Conversion to Hinduism

From the Bhakti List Archives

Jaganath.Bharadwaj • November 5, 1996 


Conversion to Srivaishnava tradition is as old as the Azhwars
themselves.  The process of Prapatti is open to any living entity
whether man, animal, god or insect.  I have been told of at least one
instance where Andavan Swamigal performed Prapatti to a grasshopper.
Temple cows and elephants are routinely given Prapatti.

Anyone outside the faith of Hinduism can covert to Srivaishnavism by
getting the same SamAshrayam and Prapatti process in the case of
Vadagalai or SamAshrayam in the case of Tengalais.  Upanayanam is not
done in the case of Vadagalais unless one is born in a family that
traditionally has upanayanams.  In the case of Tengalais I have known
at least two instances where Upanayanams have been done to people
converted to Srivaishnavism.

After Prapatti one can do service to Sriman Narayana as instructed by
one's Acharya.  Even though Jnana is not a requirement for Moksha,
the only two things one is allowed to pray for, and is in fact
encouraged to pray for, is Jnana and Bhakti.  Moksha is a state where
one renders service to Sriman Narayana at all times, in all places
and under all circumstances.  This service begins here and now.  But
until the time of Moksha, there could be interruptions in service
because of maturation of past sins.

Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Vedanta Desika Yateendra Mahadesikaya
Namah:

Jaganath.