Paribhāṣā

Paramārthar

பரமார்த்தர்

Also known as: paramartha, paramarthar, seeker of ultimate truth, one oriented to moksha

Meaning

One who is oriented toward the highest truth (*paramārtha*) — a sincere seeker or realised devotee whose sole concern is ultimate liberation and who has no interest in lesser, worldly goals (*artha*, *kāma*).

Detailed Explanation

Paramārthar — The Seeker of Ultimate Truth

Paramārthar (Sanskrit: parama = highest/supreme + artha = meaning/goal; 'one [oriented to] the highest meaning') refers to a person whose entire orientation is toward paramārtha — the supreme goal of mokṣa and union with Bhagavān — to the exclusion of lesser puruṣārthas (dharma, artha, kāma).

The Four Puruṣārthas: Classical Indian thought recognises four goals of human life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kāma (desire/pleasure), and mokṣa (liberation). The paramārthar is one who has turned wholly toward mokṣa, recognising that the first three, however legitimate, are not the ultimate purpose of human existence.

In Śrī Vaiṣṇava Context: The paramārthar is contrasted with those who approach Bhagavān for worldly boons (arthārthi) or even for ritualised duty (dharmārthi). The paramārthar seeks Bhagavān for Bhagavān's own sake — bhagavat-prāpthi (attainment of Bhagavān) itself is the goal, not any secondary benefit. Nammāzhvār embodies this orientation in Thiruvāymozhī.

Āchārya Teaching: The Āchārya's task is to lead the disciple toward becoming a true paramārthar — detaching from lesser aims and orienting the entire life toward Paramapada-prāpthi. A disciple who remains attached to worldly goals cannot fully receive the Āchārya's grace.

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