Scriptural

Adhikāra-Saṃgraham

அதிகார ஸங்கிரஹம்

Also known as: adhikāra-saṃgraham, adhikara samgraham, adhikarasamgraham, adhikara-sangraham

Meaning

Vedānta Deśika's concise Sanskrit verse summary of the spiritual qualifications and path for liberation — a synoptic guide to Viśiṣṭādvaita soteriology.

Detailed Explanation

A Compendium of Qualifications

Adhikāra-Saṃgraham ('Compendium of Qualifications') is a Sanskrit verse work by Vedānta Deśika summarizing the adhikāra (eligibility and qualification) for different spiritual paths, the nature of the means (upāya), and the goal (upēya) of liberation. It is one of Deśika's shorter independent compositions and serves as an accessible overview of the longer Rahasyatrayasāra.

Scope

The text addresses: who is qualified for what path; the relative merit of bhakti-yoga versus prapatti; the role of the Ācārya; the nature of the Lord as both the means and the goal; and the certainty of liberation for the qualified aspirant. Deśika synthesizes the Vedic, Smṛti, and Āgama evidence in compact verse form.

Relationship to Other Works

Adhikāra-Saṃgraham belongs to Deśika's cluster of shorter Sanskrit works on prapatti and liberation, alongside Nyāsa Viṃśati, Nyāsa Tilakam, and Nyāsa Daśakam. Together these texts provide the Vaḍakalai tradition's comprehensive articulation of liberation theology.

Related Terms