Alvars
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The Alvars (Tamil: ஆழ்வார்கள்) (aːɻʋaːr) Alvars, or ‘those immersed in god’ were Tamil poet saints of south India who lived between sixth and ninth centuries and espoused ‘emotional devotion’ or bhakti to Visnu-Krishna in their songs of longing, ecstasy and service.[1] Usually twelve Vaishnava saints, who, during the early medieval period of Tamil history, helped revive devotional Hinduism (bhakti) through their hymns of worship to Vishnu and his avatars. They included a woman (Andal). The collection of their hymns is known as Divya Prabhandham
The Bhakti literature that sprang from these Alvars has contributed to the establishment and sustenance of a culture that broke away from the ritual-oriented Vedic religion and rooted itself in devotion as the only path for salvation. In addition they helped to make the Tamil religious life independent of a knowledge of Sanskrit. [2] As part of the legacy of the Alvars, five Vaishnava philosophical traditions (sampradayas) has developed at the later stages.[3]
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[edit] Etymology
Alvars or 'Azhwars' literally means 'people who are immersed'. They are so called because they were immersed in their devotion and love to their Lord, Vishnu. [4]
[edit] Legacy
The twelve Alvars were all inspired and ardent devotees who transmitted their divine infatuation to millions. They have left behind an imperishable legacy of devotional Tamil poetry - naalaayira Divya Prabhandham (considered to be the essence of the Vedas, in Tamil, and all in praise of Lord Vishnu). These have been rarely equalled either in quantity or in quality ever after.
The one held in greatest esteem among the Alvars is Nammalvar. He lived during the seventh century CE. His contribution to the four thousand prabandhams is as many as 1352. His hymns are considered by the Vaishnavites to contain the essence of the Vedas. His works - Thiru Aasiriyam, Thiru Virudham, Periya Thiruvandhadhi correspond to the Yajur, Rig and Atharva Vedas respectively. His other work Periya Thirumozhi (Divine words) is the one of the key works of Vaishnavism.
Periyalvar delighted in worshipping Vishnu as mother, nurse, devotee and lady love. Andal, who grew up in Periyalvar's home, is attributed the Tiruppaavai, a most beautiful collection of 30 verses giving expression to the purest love of God.
Thirumangai Alvar has done mangalasasanam (sung in praise) of maximum number of Divya Desams.
For a detailed list of number of paasurams of all Alvars on each Divyadesam: Mangalasasanam by Divyadesam
[edit] Alvars; their place, month and star of birth
The following tables shows the place, century and star of birth of each Alvar. [5]
| Sl no | Alwar Saint | Period and Place | Other names | Month | Nakshatra | Sign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poigai Alvar | 7th C. AD, Kanchipuram | Saro-yogi, Kaasaara-yogi,
Poigai-piraan, Padma-muni, Kavinyarporeyeru |
Aiypassee | Thiruvonam (Sravana) | Panchajanya (Conch) |
| 2 | Bhoothathalvar | 7th C. AD, Thirukadalmallai(Mahabhalipuram) | Aiypassee | Avittam (Dhanishta) | Kaumodakee (Mace/Club) | |
| 3 | Peyalvar | 7th C. AD, Mylapore | Kairava-muni, Maha-daahva-yaar, Thamizh-Thalaivan | Aiypassee | Sadayam (Satabhishak) | Nandaka (Sword) |
| 4 | Thirumalisai Alvar | 7th C. AD, Thirumazhisai | Bhakthi-saarar, Bhaargavar, Magisaaraapuriswarar, Mazhisai-piraan | Thai | Magam (Magha) | Sudarshanam (Discus) |
| 5 | Nammalvar | 9th C. AD, Azhwar Thirunagari (Kurugur) | Sadagopan, Sadaari, Paraankusun, Maaran, Vakulaa Baranan, Kurugaiyar-kone | Vaigaasi | Vishaakam (Vishaaka) | Vishvaksena (Commander) |
| 6 | Madhurakavi Alvar | 9th C. AD, Thirukollur | Inkaviyaar, Azhwaarukku Adiyaan | Chitthirai | Chitthirai (Chithra) | Vainatheya (Garuda) |
| 7 | Kulashekhara Azhwar | 8th C. AD, thirvanjikkolam | Kolli-kaavalan, Koodal-naayakan,
Koyikone, Villavar-kone, Cheyralar-kone |
Maasee | Punar Poosam (Punarvasu) | Kaustubha (Gem Necklace) |
| 8 | Periyalvar | 9th C. AD, Sri Villiputhur | Vishnu-chitthar, Patta-naadan, Battar-piraan, Sri-Villiputthooraar, Sriranganaatha-Svasoorar | Aani | Swathi (Swaathee) | Garuda (Chariot) |
| 9 | Andal | 9th C. AD, Sri Villiputhur | Choodikoduttha Naacheyaar, Godai,
Godai-piraatti |
Aadi | Pooram (Poorva Phalguni) | Bhoodevi |
| 10 | Thondaradippodi Alvar | 8th C. AD, Thirumandangudi | Vibranaaraayanar, Thirumandangudiyaar,
Bhakthangirirenu, Palliunartthiya-piraan |
Maargazhi | Kettai (Jyeshta) | Vanamaalai (Garland) |
| 11 | Thiruppaan Alvar | 8th C. AD, Uraiyur | Paanar, Muni-vaahanar,
Yogi-vaahanar, Kaveeswarar |
Kaarthigai | Rogini (Rohinee) | Srivatsa |
| 12 | Thirumangai Alvar | 8th C. AD, thirukurayalur | Kaliyan, Aalinaadan, NaaluKaviPerumaal,
Arulmaari, Parakaalan, Mangaiyarkone |
Kaarthigai | KrithikaI (Kritthikaa) | Saranga (Bow) |
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Food 1996, p. 131
- ^ "About Alvars", divyadesamonline.com. Retrieved on 2 July.
- ^ Mittal, S. G. R. Thursby (2006). Religions of South Asia: An Introduction. Routledge. Page 27."As part of the legacy of the Alvars, five Vaisnava (devotion to Visnu) philosophical traditions (sampradaya) emerged that were based on the teachings of ..."
- ^ "Meaning of Alvar", www.ramanuja.org. Retrieved on 2 July.
- ^ "Birth place and stars of Alvars", srirangapankajam.com. Retrieved on 20 June.
[edit] References
- Flood, G.D. (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press.
[edit] External links
- The Twelve Alvars
- Alvars and Srivaishnavism
- The Alvar Saints (ramanuja.org)
- The Alvar Saints of Tamilnadu by Jyotsna Kamat
