12 Alwars And Their Literary Works 🖐

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12 Alwars And Their Literary Works: An Introduction

The Alwars (Tamil: роЖро┤рпНро╡ро╛ро░рпН, meaning “the immersed ones”) were 12 Tamil poet-saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE and devoted their lives to the worship of Vishnu, the supreme deity of Vaishnavism. They composed thousands of hymns in praise of Vishnu and his incarnations, which are collectively known as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (Tamil: роиро╛ро▓ро╛ропро┐ро░ родро┐ро╡рпНро╡ро┐роп рокро┐ро░рокроирпНродроорпН, meaning “the divine collection of 4000 verses”). The Alwars are considered to be the incarnations of various attributes or accessories of Vishnu, such as his conch, discus, mace, sword, jewel, lotus, garland, etc. They are also revered as the founders of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, which follows the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) as expounded by Ramanuja, one of the most influential Vaishnava teachers.

Who were the 12 Alwars?

The 12 Alwars are as follows:

  1. Poigai Alwar: He was born in Kanchipuram and is considered to be the incarnation of Vishnu’s conch (Panchajanya). He composed the first hundred verses of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, known as the Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi (the first centum).
  2. Bhoothath Alwar: He was born in Mahabalipuram and is considered to be the incarnation of Vishnu’s mace (Kaumodaki). He composed the second hundred verses of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, known as the Irandam Thiruvandhadhi (the second centum).
  3. Pei Alwar: He was born in Mylapore and is considered to be the incarnation of Vishnu’s sword (Nandaka). He composed the third hundred verses of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, known as the Moondram Thiruvandhadhi (the third centum).
  4. Thirumazhisai Alwar: He was born in Thirumazhisai and is considered to be the incarnation of Vishnu’s discus (Sudarshana). He composed two works: the Nanmugan Thiruvandhadhi (96 verses) and the Thiruchanda Virutham (120 verses).
  5. Nammalwar: He was born in Alwarthirunagari and is considered to be the incarnation of Vishvaksena, Vishnu’s commander-in-chief. He composed four works: the Thiruvaimozhi (1102 verses), the Thiruvasiriyam (7 verses), the Thiruvirutham (100 verses), and the Periya Thiruvandhadhi (87 verses).
  6. Madhurakavi Alwar: He was born in Thirukollur and is considered to be the incarnation of either Kumuda Ganesha, a disciple of Vishvaksena, or a lotus flower. He composed one work: the Kanninun Siruthambu (11 verses), which is dedicated to Nammalwar.
  7. Kulasekara Alwar: He was born in Tiruvanjikkulam and is considered to be the incarnation of Kaustubha, Vishnu’s jewel embedded in his necklace. He composed one work: the Perumal Thirumozhi (105 verses).
  8. Periyalwar: He was born in Srivilliputhur and is considered to be the incarnation of Garuda, Vishnu’s eagle mount. He composed one work: the Periyalwar Thirumozhi (473 verses).
  9. Andal: She was born in Srivilliputhur and is considered to be the incarnation of Bhu Devi, Vishnu’s consort. She composed two works: the Thiruppavai (30 verses) and the Nachiyar Thirumozhi (143 verses).
  10. Thondaradippodi Alwar: He was born in Tirumandangudi and is considered to be the incarnation of Vanamala, Vishnu’s garland. He composed two works: the Tirumaalai (45 verses) and the Tiruppalliyezhuchi (10 verses).
  11. Tiruppan Alwar: He was born in Uraiyur and is considered to be the incarnation of Srivatsa, Vishnu’s mark on his chest. He composed one work: the Amalanadipiran (10 verses).
  12. Tirumangai Alwar: He was born in Tirukurayalur and is considered to be the incarnation of Saranga, Vishnu’s bow. He composed six works: the Periya Thirumozhi (1084 verses), the Thirukurunthandagam (20 verses), the Thirunedunthandagam (30 verses), the Siriya Thirumadal (40 verses), the Periya Thirumadal (78 verses), and the Thiruvezhukootrirukkai (1 verse).

What are their literary works?

The literary works of the 12 Alwars are collectively known as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, which means “the divine collection of 4000 verses”. The term “divya” means “divine” or “belonging to God”, and “prabandham” means “collection” or “composition”. The term “naalayira” means “four thousand”, but it is not a precise count of the number of verses. The actual number of verses is 4000 plus 10 introductory verses called thanians. The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is divided into four parts:

  • The Mudhal Ayiram (the first thousand), which consists of three centums by Poigai Alwar, Bhoothath Alwar, and Pei Alwar.
  • The Irandam Ayiram (the second thousand), which consists of four works by Nammalwar.
  • The Moondram Ayiram (the third thousand), which consists of seven works by Kulasekara Alwar, Periyalwar, Andal, Thondaradippodi Alwar, Tiruppan Alwar, and Tirumangai Alwar.
  • The Naangam Ayiram (the fourth thousand), which consists of nine works by Madhurakavi Alwar, Nammalwar, Kulasekara Alwar, Periyalwar, Andal, Thondaradippodi Alwar, Tiruppan Alwar, Tirumangai Alwar, and Thirumazhisai Alwar.

The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is considered to be equivalent to or even superior to

What is the significance of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham?

The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is considered to be the essence of the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism. The Alwars have revealed the truths of the Vedas in simple and beautiful Tamil verses that can be easily understood and appreciated by everyone. The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is also regarded as the Tamil Veda, as it contains the same teachings and doctrines as the Sanskrit Veda. [9] The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is a source of inspiration and guidance for the Sri Vaishnava tradition, which follows the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) as taught by Ramanuja, one of the most influential Vaishnava teachers. Ramanuja gave equal importance to the Naalayira Divya Prabandham and the Vedas, and enshrined them on the same pedestal in many temples. [10] The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is also a treasure of devotional poetry that expresses the love and surrender of the Alwars to Vishnu and his incarnations. The Alwars have sung about their personal experiences of Vishnu’s grace, mercy, beauty, and glory in various forms and places. The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is a testimony of their intense bhakti (devotion) and ananda (bliss) in Vishnu.

How is the Naalayira Divya Prabandham recited?

The Naalayira Divya Prabandham is recited in a special manner called santhai, which means “learning by oral repetition”. [11] Santhai is a traditional method of teaching and learning scriptures in Tamil Nadu, especially among Vaishnavas. Santhai involves a teacher reciting a verse or a portion of a verse, followed by the students repeating it after him or her. The teacher then explains the meaning and significance of the verse, and corrects any mistakes made by the students. Santhai helps in memorizing, understanding, and pronouncing the verses correctly and clearly. Santhai also helps in developing a reverence and attachment to the scriptures. Santhai is usually done in groups, either in temples or in homes, under the guidance of a qualified teacher or an elder. Santhai can also be done individually by listening to audio recordings or reading books. Santhai is considered to be a form of worship and service to Vishnu, as well as a means of spiritual upliftment.

What are the Divya Desams?

The Divya Desams are the 108 sacred shrines of Vishnu and Lakshmi that are mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. The term Divya Desam means “divine realm” or “divine abode”. The Alwars have sung about the glory and grace of Vishnu and Lakshmi in these temples, which are spread across India, Nepal, and beyond. The Divya Desams are also known as the 108 Tirupatis or 108 Vaishnava Kshetras. [12] The Divya Desams are classified into six regions: Chera Nadu (Kerala), Chola Nadu (Tamil Nadu), Pandya Nadu (Tamil Nadu), Pallava Nadu (Tamil Nadu), Vada Nadu (North India and Andhra Pradesh), and Vinnulaga Tiruppathigal (outside the earthly realms). [13] The Divya Desams are also categorized based on the posture of Vishnu (sleeping, sitting, or standing), the direction he faces (east, west, north, or south), and the attribute or accessory he incarnates as (conch, mace, sword, discus, etc.). [14] The Divya Desams are considered to be the most sacred and auspicious places to worship Vishnu and Lakshmi, and to attain their blessings and salvation.

Where are the Divya Desams located?

The Divya Desams are located in various parts of India, Nepal, and beyond. Here is a list of some of the prominent Divya Desams and their locations: [15]

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