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Thiruppavai, composed by Sri Andal (Goda Devi), is one of the most sacred works in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. It consists of 30 pasurams sung during the month of Margazhi (December–January), wherein Andal awakens her friends to observe the Pavai Nonbu vow and seek the grace of Sri Krishna. The work occupies a unique place because Andal is considered an incarnation of Bhudevi (Sri). Periyalvar, her father, discovered her in the temple garden of Srivilliputhur, and she grew up immersed in devotion. Thiruppavai encapsulates the essence of both Vedanta and Bhakti — it teaches Sharanagati (surrender), the supremacy of Sriman Narayana, and the inseparable relationship between the Jiva and Paramatma. Vedanta Desika called Thiruppavai the essence of the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Divya Prabandham in just 30 verses. Every Sri Vaishnava temple recites it daily during Margazhi, and it remains central to the Ubhaya Vedanta tradition.

Prapatti (Sharanagati) is the act of total surrender to Sriman Narayana. According to Sri Ramanujacharya, it is the ultimate means (upaya) for moksha, accessible to all regardless of caste, learning, or qualification — unlike the arduous path of Bhakti Yoga which requires lifetimes of practice. Ramanuja describes Prapatti as having five angas (limbs): 1. Anukulya Sankalpa — The resolve to act in ways pleasing to the Lord 2. Pratikulya Varjanam — Avoidance of acts displeasing to Him 3. Maha Vishvasam — Absolute faith that He will protect 4. Goptrtva Varanam — Explicit prayer seeking His protection 5. Karpanyam — Acknowledgment of one's utter helplessness In the Sharanagati Gadyam, Ramanuja himself performs Prapatti before Sri Ranganatha, setting the template for all subsequent Acharyas. The Vadakalai and Thenkalai traditions differ on whether Prapatti is a direct means (svatantra prapatti) or whether the Acharya's mediation (Acharya-abhimanam) is essential, but both affirm its centrality.