During the first half of 12th century, Ramanuja preached Vaishnavism. Devotion to God became the essence of his preaching. He was born in South India. But he became famous in many parts of India by travelling and preaching.
According to Ramanuja, Bhakti was the real way to get God. God was the supreme cause of all creation, of all existence, and of all destruction. It is not possible for men to know the attributes of the Supreme Being. It is also impossible to know about the mystery of creation. The real duty of man therefore was to offer himself to God. Absolute devotion to God could bring salvation.
Ramanuja advised men about the necessity of as Guru. The Guru could initiate the devotee to the path of devotion.
Ramanuja looked at all human beings in equal eyes. He showed the path of Bhakti to sudras and the fallen. According to him, all men had the equal right to realize God and to work for salvation. He tried to open temples for the so-called untouchables.
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The teachings of Ramanuja influenced many men in northern and southern India. He was one of the first among the medieval Bhakti preachers.