“A lvars were a group of 12 Tamil poet-saints who lived in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries. They were devotees of Lord Vishnu and their devotional hymns, known as the Divya Prabandha, are considered among the greatest works of Tamil literature.Poigai Alvar: Poigai Alvar is considered one of the most prominent and revered of the 12 Alvars who are known for their contributions to Tamil literature and their devotional hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to have lived in the 6th century AD and was born in a village near Kanchipuram, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Poigai Alvar's hymns, which are part of the Divya Prabandha, focus on Lord Vishnu's avatars and his deeds, including his battles against evil forces and his acts of compassion and kindness towards his devotees.

His poetry is known for its lyrical beauty, rich language, and vivid descriptions of the divine, which capture the essence of Lord Vishnu's glory and power. In his hymns, Poigai Alvar expresses his deep devotion and love for Lord Vishnu and his belief in the power of the divine to bring salvation to all who seek it. He also extols the virtues of devotion, humility, and surrender to the divine, which he sees as the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Poigai Alvar's poetry has had a profound impact on Tamil literature and culture, and his hymns continue to be recited and sung in temples and homes to this day. His contributions to the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion and love for the divine as the path to spiritual liberation, have made him one of the most revered and beloved saints in the Hindu tradition.

Bhoothath Alvar: Bhoothath Alvar was one of the 12 Alvars who lived in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries. He is believed to have lived in the 8th century AD and his devotional hymns are known for their vivid descriptions of the beauty of Lord Vishnu and his various forms. Bhoothath Alvar's poetry expresses his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and his belief in the power of the divine to bring joy and fulfillment to all who seek it. His hymns describe Lord Vishnu's various incarnations, such as Krishna and Rama, and the deeds that make him the supreme deity. One of his most famous hymns is the Amalanadhipiran, which describes the beauty and grace of Lord Vishnu. The hymn is filled with colorful metaphors and vivid descriptions of the divine, such as "He whose feet are cooled by the waters of the heavenly Ganga and whose body is adorned with the most beautiful jewels."

Bhoothath Alvar's poetry is also known for its focus on the divine love between Lord Vishnu and his devotees. In one of his hymns, he writes, "Oh my beloved! Come quickly to me, for I am a helpless creature without you. My heart longs for your divine grace, and I am lost without your loving embrace." Bhoothath Alvar's hymns continue to be recited and sung in temples and homes throughout South India, and he is revered as a saint by followers of Vishnu. His contribution to Tamil literature and culture is widely celebrated, and his poetry remains a source of inspiration for those seeking a deeper connection with the divine.

Pey Alvar: Pey Alvar was one of the 12 Alvars who lived in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries. He is known for his devotional poetry that focused on the glory of Lord Vishnu and his role as the supreme deity. Pey Alvar was born in the city of Mylapore near present-day Chennai. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu from a young age and spent his life spreading the message of devotion and love for the divine. His hymns are filled with beautiful descriptions of the divine, and he often compares the Lord to precious jewels and other beautiful objects.

One of Pey Alvar's most famous hymns is "Tirunedunthandakam," which describes the divine beauty of Lord Vishnu's form as he rests on the serpent Adisesha. The hymn is known for its lyrical language and vivid imagery. Pey Alvar's poetry is also known for its emphasis on the path of devotion and surrender to the divine. He believed that true happiness and fulfillment could only be found through a deep and loving relationship with the Lord. Today, Pey Alvar's hymns continue to be recited and sung in temples and homes throughout South India, and his legacy as a great saint and poet is celebrated by devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Thirumalisai Alvar: Thirumalisai Alvar was a prominent Vaishnava saint who is believed to have lived during the 6th-9th centuries AD. He was born in the town of Thirumalisai, which is located near Chennai in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thirumalisai Alvar was known for his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and his hymns express his love and adoration for the divine. Thirumalisai Alvar's hymns are primarily focused on Lord Vishnu's various avatars, such as Rama and Krishna. He is also known for his unique style of composition, which is based on the Tamil music tradition. Many of his hymns are set to specific ragas and are meant to be sung in a melodic manner. In his hymns, Thirumalisai Alvar often emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to Lord Vishnu.

He believes that true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved through the grace of the divine. His poetry is also known for its beautiful imagery and vivid descriptions of the divine. Thirumalisai Alvar is considered to be one of the foremost saints of the Vaishnava tradition and his hymns continue to be sung and revered by devotees to this day. His contributions to the Alvar tradition have helped to shape the devotional landscape of South India and have inspired countless generations of devotees to seek the divine in their own lives.

Nammalvar: Nammalvar, also known as Satagopan, is considered one of the most important Alvars in the Vaishnavite tradition of South India. He was born in the town of Thirukkurugoor (modern-day Alwarthirunagari) near Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and lived during the 9th century AD. Nammalvar's life is shrouded in legends and miraculous events. According to one popular story, he was born to a Brahmin couple who were childless for many years. They prayed to Lord Vishnu, who appeared to them in a dream and told them that he would be born as their son.

When Nammalvar was born, he did not cry or open his eyes until a Vaishnavite saint named Madhurakavi Alvar visited him and sang a hymn in praise of Lord Vishnu. From that moment, Nammalvar became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Nammalvar's main work is the Tiruvaymoli, a collection of 1102 hymns arranged in 110 decads (groups of ten verses). The Tiruvaymoli is considered one of the most important works of Tamil literature, and its influence on the Vaishnavite tradition in South India is immeasurable. Nammalvar's hymns express his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and his belief in the power of the divine to bring salvation to all who seek it. He describes his own journey towards enlightenment, and urges his readers to follow the path of devotion and surrender to Lord Vishnu. Nammalvar's poetry is known for its beauty and elegance, as well as for its philosophical depth.

He explores the nature of the divine, the relationship between the individual soul and the universal soul, and the path to salvation. His hymns are also notable for their use of vivid imagery and metaphors, which bring the divine to life for his readers. In addition to the Tiruvaymoli, Nammalvar composed several other works, including the Tiruvasiriyam (a collection of hymns on the virtues of Lord Vishnu), the Periya Tiruvandadi (a collection of 87 hymns), and the Tiruviruttam (a collection of 100 verses). Nammalvar's influence on the Vaishnavite tradition in South India can be seen in the many temples and festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu that have sprung up in the region. His poetry continues to inspire and guide devotees of Lord Vishnu to this day.

Madhurakavi Alvar: Madhurakavi Alvar was a prominent saint and poet who lived during the reign of the Pallava dynasty in South India. He was known for his intense devotion to Lord Vishnu and his teachings about the path to enlightenment. According to legend, Madhurakavi Alvar was a disciple of Nammalvar, who recognized his spiritual potential and initiated him into the path of Bhakti yoga. Madhurakavi Alvar is best known for his composition of the "Kurunthogai", a collection of verses that describe the divine love between Lord Vishnu and his devotees. In these verses, Madhurakavi Alvar speaks of the beauty and grace of the divine, and the joy and fulfillment that come from surrendering oneself to the Lord.

Madhurakavi Alvar's hymns are also notable for their vivid descriptions of nature and their use of metaphors and similes to convey spiritual truths. For example, in one of his verses, he compares the Lord to a bumblebee that is drawn to the fragrant flower of devotion, while in another, he describes the devotee's soul as a bird that longs to be united with the Lord's divine form. Through his hymns, Madhurakavi Alvar sought to inspire others to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with the divine. His teachings emphasized the importance of devotion, love, and surrender as the keys to unlocking the ultimate truth and achieving enlightenment. Today, Madhurakavi Alvar is remembered as one of the greatest saints of the Bhakti movement, and his hymns continue to inspire and uplift spiritual seekers around the world.

Kulasekhara Alvar: Kulasekhara Alvar, also known as Kulashekhara Azhwar, was a king who ruled over the Chera dynasty in present-day Kerala. He is considered one of the twelve Alvars, and his contributions to the Vaishnava tradition are highly respected. Kulasekhara Alvar's life and works are known for their deep spiritual significance and have inspired generations of devotees. Kulasekhara Alvar was born in the 9th century AD and was known for his bravery, leadership skills, and adherence to dharma. However, he gradually became disillusioned with material life and developed a strong desire to seek the divine.

He renounced his throne and retired to a life of spiritual contemplation, devoting himself to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Kulasekhara Alvar's hymns express his deep devotion and love for Lord Vishnu. His compositions are noted for their simplicity, sincerity, and profound spiritual insights. He wrote two major works: the Mukunda Mala and the Perumal Tirumozhi. The Mukunda Mala consists of 51 verses that praise Lord Krishna and his divine qualities, while the Perumal Tirumozhi comprises 105 verses that glorify Lord Vishnu in his various forms. In his hymns, Kulasekhara Alvar expresses his belief in the power of the divine to bring salvation to all who seek it.

He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the divine will and seeking refuge in the Lord as the ultimate goal of life. His poetry is also known for its beautiful language and vivid imagery, which convey his deep love and devotion for Lord Vishnu. Kulasekhara Alvar's life and works continue to inspire and guide devotees in their spiritual journey. His teachings emphasize the importance of devotion, surrender, and love in the path of self-realization. His contributions to the Vaishnava tradition have had a lasting impact on Indian culture and spirituality.

Periyalvar: Periyalvar was a revered saint and poet who lived in South India during the 8th century CE. He is considered one of the 12 Alvars, who were Vaishnavite saints known for their devotional poetry in Tamil language. Periyalvar's birthplace is believed to be the town of Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu. Periyalvar's poetry was focused on praising Lord Vishnu, specifically his avatars and his divine qualities. He was known for his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and his ability to convey his love and reverence for the divine through his poetry.

His hymns are filled with vivid descriptions of the Lord's grace, beauty, and power. One of Periyalvar's most famous works is the "Periya Tirumozhi," a collection of 473 hymns that describe the glories of Lord Vishnu. In these hymns, Periyalvar talks about the Lord's many avatars, including Rama and Krishna, and describes their divine qualities and deeds. He also describes the various festivals and rituals associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu. Periyalvar is also known for his devotion to his daughter, Andal, who was also a poet and saint.

He wrote several hymns in praise of her and her devotion to Lord Vishnu. Periyalvar's poetry played a significant role in the development of the Bhakti movement in South India and continues to be an important part of Tamil literature and culture. Periyalvar is revered as a saint by followers of Vaishnavism, and his contributions to Tamil literature and culture are widely celebrated. His poetry continues to inspire and guide devotees on the path of devotion and love for Lord Vishnu.

Andal: Andal, also known as Kodhai, was born in the 8th century AD in Srivilliputhur, a town in Tamil Nadu. Legend has it that she was found as a baby by the temple priests, who took her in and raised her. From a young age, Andal showed an intense devotion to Lord Vishnu, and it is said that she used to make a garland of flowers every day to offer to him. As she grew older, her love for the divine only grew stronger, and she composed beautiful hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu. Andal's most famous work is the Tiruppavai, a collection of 30 hymns that describe the rituals and beliefs associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

The Tiruppavai is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature and is widely recited and sung in temples and homes to this day. Andal's hymns are known for their beautiful language and vivid imagery, which evoke a deep sense of devotion and wonder in the hearts of her readers. Andal's life and work have had a profound impact on Tamil culture and society. She is revered as a saint, and her contribution to Tamil literature and devotion is widely celebrated. The Srivilliputhur temple, where she was raised, is dedicated to her, and every year, a grand festival is held in her honor. Andal's story continues to inspire millions of people around the world, and her hymns remain a testament to the power of devotion and love for the divine.

Thondaradippodi Alvar: Thondaradippodi Alvar, also known as Thirumazhisai Alvar, was born in the village of Thirumazhisai near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu from a young age and composed hymns in his praise throughout his life. His most famous work is the Thirumaalai, which is a collection of 45 hymns that describe the various divine qualities of Lord Vishnu, such as his compassion, his power, and his ability to grant salvation to his devotees. Thondaradippodi Alvar's hymns are known for their simplicity and clarity, as well as their powerful imagery. He often used metaphors and analogies to describe the divine in a way that would be understandable to the common people of his time.

For example, in one hymn he compares Lord Vishnu to a mother who protects her child from harm, and in another he compares him to a doctor who can cure all of the illnesses of the soul. Thondaradippodi Alvar's hymns continue to be recited and sung in temples and homes throughout South India to this day. He is revered as a saint and his contribution to Tamil literature and culture is widely celebrated. In addition to his spiritual teachings, Thondaradippodi Alvar is also remembered for his acts of charity and compassion towards those in need. He is a shining example of devotion, humility, and service to others, and his teachings continue to inspire people all over the world.

Thiruppaan Alvar: Thiruppaan Alvar, also known as Bhaktisara, was a great saint and poet who lived in the Tamil-speaking region of South India during the 8th century CE. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the most important of the 12 Alvars. Thiruppaan Alvar's hymns are noted for their emotional intensity and their emphasis on the power of divine love to bring about salvation. His most famous work is the Periya Thiruvandhadhi, a collection of 87 hymns in which he praises the divine qualities of Lord Vishnu.

In these hymns, Thiruppaan Alvar describes the beauty and grace of the divine and expresses his deep devotion and love for the Lord. The hymns are also known for their vivid descriptions of the path to salvation, which Thiruppaan Alvar sees as a journey of surrender and devotion to the divine. Thiruppaan Alvar's hymns are known for their powerful emotional content, which has inspired generations of devotees to seek out the divine and to deepen their own spiritual practice. His contribution to Tamil literature and culture is widely celebrated, and his hymns continue to be recited and sung in temples and homes throughout South India. Thiruppaan Alvar is revered as a saint and his teachings continue to inspire people to this day.

Thirumangai Alvar: Thirumangai Alvar's life story is an inspiring example of how devotion to the divine can transform a person's life. He was originally a powerful and wealthy chieftain who was known for his violent and ruthless ways. However, after encountering the teachings of the Alvars and experiencing a profound spiritual awakening, he renounced his former ways and became a devoted disciple of Lord Vishnu. Thirumangai Alvar's hymns express his deep sense of gratitude and devotion to the divine, as well as his belief in the power of the divine to bring about profound transformation in the lives of those who seek it.

His works are filled with vivid imagery and beautiful language that convey a sense of wonder and awe at the divine. The 12 Alvars played a significant role in spreading the Bhakti movement in South India and their hymns continue to be recited and sung in temples and homes to this day. They are revered as saints by followers of Vishnu and their contribution to Tamil literature and culture is widely celebrated. Their collective works serve as a testament to the power of devotion and the deep spiritual wisdom of the Bhakti tradition.