Ramanuja was a famous Brahmin who lived in south India. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. After successfully completing his Brahmachrayashram (maintenance of celibacy during the student life) and Grihastashram (a householder's life), now it was the time for him to enter into Vanaprasthashram (renouncing all the worldly matters and going to the forests).

He made his hermitage among the dense forests on Venkatachala, at the bank of the river Akashganga. He commenced his severe penance continuously chanting 'Om namo Narayana'. Unbearable heat of the summer, torrential rains in monsoon and chilling winter could not deter his faith. During winter, he observed his penance submerging his body in cold water. For many years at length, he ate nothing but dry leaves. After that, he quit eating dry leaves as well and lived only on water. Ultimately, he even quit having water.

Pleased with his penance, Lord Vishnu manifested Himself before Ramanuja. Ramanuja was exalted at the magnificent sight of the Lord who had a conch, chakra, mace and lotus in each of His four hands. All the ten directions were glowing with His divine radiance. Ramanuja fell at His feet. Lord Vishnu lifted him and embraced him and said: "O great sage, ask for any boon, because I am very pleased with your devotion and penance".

Ramanuja for whom the mere sight of Lord Vishnu had given ultimate satisfaction did not wish for anything else. He said: "O Narayana! Ramanatha! Shrinivasa! Janardhana! Accept my salutations. Just having your divine sight has fulfilled my whole wishes. One who is unknown even to Brahma and Lord Shiva has been most gracious to me by giving me an opportunity to see His divine appearance. But still, if you insist, I ask only for my total devotion towards you".

Lord Vishnu blessed him saying: "TATHAASTU" (So be it) and also assured him of unification with Him after his death.

Then, Ramanuja requested Lord Vishnu to describe about all the qualities of an ideal devotee in detail.

Lord Vishnu said: "One who does not find fault with others, one who is not jealous of others, one who has the knowledge of the self, one who is of gentle and tranquil nature, one who is not desirous of accumulating wealth, one who respects his parents is my true devotee".

After describing the qualities of an ideal devotee in detail, Lord Vishnu vanished out of Ramanuja's sight.

Ramanuja spent the rest of his life singing hymns in the praise of the Lord Vishnu and chanting His names on the bank of the river Akashganga. Ultimately, he attained salvation.