The Alvars were celebrated Tamil poet-saints from South India, renowned for their unwavering bhakti (devotion) to Lord Vishnu. Their hymns, overflowing with themes of longing, surrender, and ecstasy, form a cornerstone of Vaishnavism, where Vishnu is worshiped as the Supreme Being.
The Alvars played a pivotal role in the Tamil Bhakti Movement. Their devotional hymns, collectively known as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (4000 Divine Verses), transformed Tamil religious practices by emphasizing devotion over ritualistic Vedic traditions. Through their worship of Divya Desams—108 sacred Vishnu temples—they inspired a culture of personal connection to God.
Traditional beliefs date the Alvars to the Dvapara Yuga, but modern historians estimate their existence between the 5th and 9th centuries CE. Some even associate Kulasekhara Alvar with the Chera king Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara. However, orthodox traditions suggest their lifetime spanned 4200 BCE to 2700 BCE.
The word “Alvar” originates from Tamil āṛ (to immerse), signifying "one who dives into God’s divine attributes." Sudalaimuthu Palaniappan proposed an alternate origin, suggesting it was initially āḷvār (One who rules). Scholars like Alexander Dubyanskiy support this theory, illustrating the term’s evolution through phonetic changes and folk reinterpretations.
The Alvars hailed from diverse social strata, symbolizing unity in devotion:
The Alvars are revered as incarnations of Vishnu’s divine qualities, fulfilling his promise to restore the prestige of the Tamil language. Their hymns, inspired by divine visions, emerged as a profound response to Sanskrit hegemony, showcasing Tamil as a sacred medium for spiritual expression.
The Alvars composed the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, often referred to as the Tamil Veda, compiled by Nathamuni. Their hymns, integral to temple rituals, include:
The hymns of The Alvars catalyzed the Bhakti Movement, shifting religious attention from Jainism and Buddhism to Vaishnavism. Their spiritual and literary legacy continues to resonate across Tamil Nadu, shaping religious practices and devotional culture.
The Alvars, living between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, expressed their devotion through hymns called pasurams. These hymns, characterized by personal surrender and divine love, laid the foundation for Tamil Vaishnavism and propagated bhakti as the path to liberation. Their contributions transcend time, influencing Hindu devotional movements across India.
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