Virodhi Parihāraṅgaḷ — Obstacles and Their Resolutions
Virodhi Parihāraṅgaḷ (Tamil/Sanskrit: virodhi = obstacle + parihāram = resolution; 'resolutions of obstacles') is a foundational Śrī Vaiṣṇava prose work composed by Pillai Lokāchārya (c. 1205–1311 CE) — one of the greatest Āchāryas in the post-Rāmānuja tradition.
Structure: The work presents 93 obstacle-resolution pairs, ascending in spiritual sophistication from the most elementary (obstacles to svargam) through intermediate aspirations (obstacles to ātmānubhavam and bhakti) up to the highest goals of bhagavad kaiṅkaryam and bhāgavata kaiṅkaryam (serving the Lord's devotees in Paramapadham).
The Pedagogical Genius: By listing obstacles at every level, Pillai Lokāchārya illuminates the ascending arc of Śrī Vaiṣṇava aspiration. What is an obstacle at one level becomes the goal at a lower level; what is the goal at one level becomes an obstacle at the next. This dynamic teaching reveals how a prapanna's understanding must continuously deepen and refine.
Key Teachings: The work famously teaches that ātmānubhavam (kaivalyam) is an obstacle to Bhagavad anubhavam; that Bhagavad anubhavam itself can become an obstacle to bhāgavata kaiṅkaryam; and that the highest aspiration is eternal loving service to Bhagavān and His devotees in Paramapadham.
Relation to Other Works: Virodhi Parihāraṅgaḷ is one of Pillai Lokāchārya's Ashtādaśa Rahasya (18 Rahasya Granthams) that systematically expound the deeper meanings of the Rahasyatrayam and the principles of Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta.