Sri Vaishnavism is a Hindu sect that focuses on devotion to Vishnu, one of the major deities in Hinduism, through the teachings of Ramanuja. It is one of the prominent branches of Vaishnavism, which is a larger sect within Hinduism that worships Vishnu as the supreme deity.

The word "Sri" in Sri Vaishnavism refers to the goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to be the consort of Vishnu. This sect places a strong emphasis on bhakti or devotion to Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Rama and Krishna. The ultimate goal of Sri Vaishnavism is to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, through surrendering to Vishnu and attaining his grace.

The teachings of Ramanuja, a 12th-century philosopher and theologian, form the foundation of Sri Vaishnavism. He emphasized the concept of "Vishishtadvaita" or qualified non-dualism, which states that while Vishnu is the ultimate reality, the individual soul is a distinct entity that is eternally dependent on Vishnu. Ramanuja also stressed the importance of karma and dharma in attaining moksha, and the role of grace and devotion in the path to liberation.

Sri Vaishnavism also places a strong emphasis on the worship of Vishnu in the form of his sacred symbols, such as the conch, discus, and lotus. These symbols are believed to represent the divine qualities of Vishnu and are used in various rituals and ceremonies.

One of the unique aspects of Sri Vaishnavism is the practice of "prapatti," which means surrender or self-surrender to Vishnu. This involves complete surrender of the ego and the individual's actions to Vishnu, with the belief that he will guide and protect the devotee in their journey towards moksha.

Sri Vaishnavism also has a rich tradition of devotional literature, including the works of the Alvars, a group of 12th-century poet-saints who composed devotional hymns in praise of Vishnu. The most famous of these is the "Divya Prabandham," a collection of 4,000 hymns that are considered sacred texts in Sri Vaishnavism.

In conclusion, Sri Vaishnavism is a sect within Hinduism that focuses on devotion to Vishnu and his avatars, with the teachings of Ramanuja as its foundation. It emphasizes the concepts of bhakti, karma, and dharma, and the practice of prapatti or surrender to attain moksha. With its rich history, literature, and rituals, Sri Vaishnavism continues to be a significant aspect of Hinduism and a source of spiritual guidance for its followers.