# Alvars

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{{Short description|Tamil poet-saints of South India}}
{{for-multi|the Indian city in Rajasthan|Alwar|the village in Iran|Alvars, Iran|the 2007 Indian Tamil film|Aalwar}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox Hindu leader
| name               = Alvars
| image              = {{image array|perrow=1|width=200|height=130|
  | image1 = Thiruthankal temple (7).jpg
  | image2 = Thiruthankal temple (8).jpg|caption2 =[Murtis](/source/Murtis) of the Alvars, Ninra Narayana temple: (From the left: First row: Periyalvar, Tirumalisai Alvar, Tiruppan Alvar, Tondaradippodi Alvar, Kulashekara Alvar, and Madhurakavi Alvar, also featuring Nathamuni. Second Row: Bhootathalvar, Peyalvar, Nammalvar, and Tirumangai Alvar, also featuring Ramanuja) 
  }}
| religion           = [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism)
| philosophy         = [Vishishtadvaita](/source/Vishishtadvaita)
| region             = [Tamilakam](/source/Tamilakam)
| notable_works      = [Naalayira Divya Prabandham](/source/Naalayira_Divya_Prabandham)
| known_for          = [Bhakti movement](/source/Bhakti_movement)
| influenced         = Regional Vaishnava movements{{sfn|Jestice|2004}}
| school             = [Bhagavata](/source/Bhagavata)
| denomination       = [Vaishnavism](/source/Vaishnavism)
}}
{{Vaishnavism}}
{{Hinduism}}

The '''Alvars''' ({{langx|ta|ஆழ்வார்|Āḻvār|translit-std=ISO|lit=The Immersed}}), are the [Tamil](/source/Tamil_people) poet-saints of [South India](/source/South_India) who espoused ''[bhakti](/source/bhakti)'' (devotion) to the [Hindu](/source/Hinduism) preserver deity [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu) through their songs of longing, ecstasy, and service.{{sfn|Nippard|2009}} They are venerated in [Vaishnavism](/source/Vaishnavism), which regards Vishnu as the [Ultimate Reality](/source/Brahman).

Tradition posits the number of Alvars as ten, though there are other references that include [Andal](/source/Andal) and [Madhurakavi Alvar](/source/Madhurakavi_Alvar), bringing the total to twelve.{{sfn|Flood|1996|p=131}} Together with the 63 contemporary [Shaivite](/source/Shaivism) [Nayanars](/source/Nayanars), they are among the most important saints from Tamil Nadu.

The Alvars are considered the twelve supreme devotees of [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu) in [Sri Vaishnavism](/source/Sri_Vaishnavism), who were instrumental in popularising [Vaishnavism](/source/Vaishnavism) in the Tamil-speaking regions.{{sfn|Sujatha|2011|p=47-48}} The Alvars were influential in promoting the [Bhagavata Sampradaya](/source/Bhagavata_Sampradaya) and the two Hindu epics, the [Ramayana](/source/Ramayana) and the [Mahabharata](/source/Mahabharata).{{sfn|Sujatha|2011|p=42}} 

The hymns of the Alvars are compiled as the ''[Naalayira Divya Prabandham](/source/Nalayira_Divya_Prabandham),'' a collection of 4000 verses, and the 108 temples revered in their hymns are classified as ''[Divya Desams](/source/Divya_desam)''.{{sfn|Rao|2008|p=27}} The verses of the various ''Alvars'' were compiled by [Nathamuni](/source/Nathamuni) (824–924 CE), a 9th-century Vaishnavite theologian, who called it the "Dravida Veda" or the "Tamil Veda".{{sfn|Mukherjee|1999|p=15}}{{sfn|Garg|1992|pp=352–354}} The songs of the ''Prabandham'' are regularly sung in various Vishnu temples of South India, daily, and also during festivals.{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=211}}

== List of the twelve Alvars ==
The Alvars are described as corresponding to the 63 Shaivite Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) mentioned in the [Periyapurana](/source/Periya_Puranam).{{Sfn|Bhandarkar|1913|p=142}} Tradition counts twelve Alvars:{{Sfn|Bhandarkar|1913|p=49}}{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
# [''Poygai Āḻvār''](/source/Poigai_Alvar)
# [''Putattāḻvār''](/source/Bhoothath_Alvar)
# [''Pey Āḻvār''](/source/Pey_Alvar)
# [''Tirumaḻiśai Āḻvār''](/source/Tirumalisai_Alvar)
# [''Nammāḻvār''](/source/Nammalvar)
# [''Madhurakavi Āḻvār''](/source/Madhurakavi_Alvar)
# [''Kulaśekhara Āḻvār''](/source/Kulasekhara_Alvar)
# [''Periyāḻvār''](/source/Periyalvar)
# [''Āṇḍāḻ''](/source/Andal)
# [''Toṇḍaraḍippoḍi Āḻvār''](/source/Thondaradippodi_Alvar)
# [''Tiruppan Āḻvār''](/source/Tiruppan_Alvar)
# [''Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār''](/source/Thirumangai_Alvar)
}}Andal is the only female Alvar.{{sfn|de-Gaia|2019}} 

==Etymology==
The precise meaning of the term ''Āḻvār'' (often transliterated as ''Alvar'' or ''Azhwar'') has been debated. The common understanding is that the traditional meaning is derived from the [Tamil](/source/Tamil_language) root ''āḻ'' or ''azh'' (ஆழ்) which means "deep". {{sfn|Narayanan|2007|p=187}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=34}} From this, definitions such as "one who has plunged deep into the divine" ,{{sfn|Padmanabhan|1993|p=2}} "who is immersed in deep meditation" ,{{sfn|Palaniappan|2004|p=64}} "god-intoxicated mystics" ,{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=14}} and "one who is deeply immersed in God's experience" {{sfn|Chari|1994|p=247}} are commonly given.

Scholars like S. Palaniappan (2004) argue that the original term ''āḷvār'' underwent a process of sound variation, taking the form ''āḻvār''. This linguistic shift and the subsequent folk etymology are seen to have occurred over approximately two centuries in the [Srirangam](/source/Srirangam) area. Some linguistic analyses show that the term was initially ''āḷvār'' (from the verbal root ''āḷ''), meaning "to rule". {{sfn|Palaniappan|2004}} In this sense it could mean "those who rule, lords". {{sfn|Dubyanskiy|2014|p=3}} This interpretation is supported by its semantic parallel with ''Nāyaṉār'' ("lord, master"), the title given to Saivite saints. {{sfn|Palaniappan|2004}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=34}} Early temple inscriptions also give weight to this etymology. {{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=35}} The term ''āḷvāṉ'' (singular masculine form of ''āḷvār'') is also found in earlier texts, including in reference to [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu)'s devotees and even to [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu) himself. {{sfn|Palaniappan|2004}} [Andal](/source/Andal), the only woman Alvar, is referred to as ''āṇṭāḷ'' "the lady" (literally "she who rules"). This is seen as a fairly precise semantic parallel to ''āḷvār'' in the sense of "lord" or "ruler".{{sfn|Palaniappan|2004}}

== Dating ==

Traditionally the Alvars are said to have lived in ancient times. The first three Alvars (Poygai Alvar, Bhutattalvar, Peyalvar) are believed to have been born at the end of the [Dvapara Yuga](/source/Dvapara_Yuga), corresponding to around 4203 BCE.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=10}}{{sfn|Aiyangar|1911|p=403}}{{sfn|Govindacharya|1902|p=lx}} Madhurakavi is believed to have also been born in Dvapara Yuga, corresponding to 3222 BCE.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=10}} Nammalvar, Kulashekhara Alvar, Periyalvar, and Andal are placed in the first century of the [Kali Yuga](/source/Kali_Yuga) (3102 BCE - 3005 BCE).{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=10}} Specific dates such as Nammalvar in 3102 BCE, Kulashekhara in 2075 BCE, Periyalvar in 3056 BCE, and Andal in 3005 BCE are also given.{{sfn|Aiyangar|1911|p=404}}{{sfn|Govindacharya|1902|p=lxviii}} Thondaradippodi Alvar, Thiruppaan Alvar, and Thirumangai Alvar are dated to 2803 BCE, 758 BCE, and 2702 BCE respectively.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=10}}{{sfn|Aiyangar|1911|p=404}}

The ''[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)'' says that Alvars lived between 7th and 10th centuries CE.{{sfn|Encyclopædia Britannica|2014}} Professor of Religion and Asian Studies, James G. Lochtefeld of [Carthage College](/source/Carthage_College), notes in his ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism'', the first three Alvars Poigai, Bhoothath and Pey belonged to the 7th century; while Nammalvar and Madhurakavi belonged to the 10th century; while the rest of them lived in the 9th century.{{sfn|Lochtefeld|2002a|p=29-30}}

Modern scholarship generally places the Alvars in the early medieval period. Most sources agree that the Alvars "probably lived between the sixth and the tenth centuries CE",{{sfn|Narayanan|2007|p=188}} or more specifically, between the fifth and eighth centuries CE.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=1}} One source suggests their age as a class lies "between somewhere about the commencement of the 3rd century A.D. and the 9th century."{{sfn|Aiyangar|1920|p=89}} This period aligns with the [Pallava](/source/Pallava_dynasty), [Chola](/source/Chola_dynasty), and [Pandya](/source/Pandya_dynasty) kingdoms in [Tamil Nadu](/source/Tamil_Nadu), a time when [Tamil bhakti literature](/source/Tamil_literature) emerged.{{sfn|K. K.|2006|p=10}}

A significant point in dating the Alvars is their relationship with [Ramanuja](/source/Ramanuja).{{sfn|Aiyangar|1911|p=377}} Scholars agree that the Alvars considerably predated Ramanuja, as his theology was heavily influenced by their teachings.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=13, 234, 237, 245}} This refutes earlier views by Bishop Caldwell and M. Seshagiri Sastriar, who mistakenly believed the Alvars were disciples of Ramanuja.{{sfn|Aiyangar|1911|p=254, 377}}{{sfn|Aiyangar|1920|p=4-5}}

== Legend and hagiography ==

===Sources===

The legendary information surrounding the Alvars is primarily derived from a variety of Vaishnava hagiographical works, alongside insights from their own literary compositions. These sources often present traditional accounts that blend historical elements with miraculous anecdotes and theological interpretations.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=x, 10}}{{sfn|Govindacharya|1902|p=xlii-xliii}}{{sfn|Aiyangar|1920|p=4-5}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=54}}

There are many texts that serve as key source material for the Alvar legends. The ''Divyasuricarita'' by ''Garuḍavāhana Paṇḍita'' in the 11th century CE is considered the earliest poetical work detailing the biographies of the Alvars.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=x, 10}} The ''Guruparampara Prabhavam'' is found in multiple variations such as ''Guruparamparāprabhāvam-ārāyirappaḍi'' by ''Pinpaḻakiyaperumāḷ Jīyar'' in the 13th century CE, and ''Guruparamparāprabhāvam-mūvāyirappaḍi'' by ''Tṛtīya Brahmatantra Parakālasvāmi'' in the 14th century CE.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=10}} The ''Vārtta Malai'' by an unknown author of "a fairly  late date" also recounts some stories and the Ramanuja connection.{{sfn|Rajagopalan|1978|p=475-476}} The ''Upadeśa Ratnamālai'' by ''Manavala Mahāmuni'' and ''Periya Thirumaḍi Aḍaivu'' by ''Koil Kandāḍai Nāyan'', both from the 15th century CE, also provide biographical details.{{sfn|Sambaiah|1988|p=6}}

===Divine origins and miraculous births===

A central theme of the Alvar legends is their divine origin, with [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu) reportedly sending his various insignia to Earth to be incarnated as the Alvars.{{sfn|K. K.|2006|p=22}}{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=14}}{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=13}} For example, Poygai Alvar is believed to be the incarnation of [Vishnu's conch](/source/Panchajanya) (''sangu''), Bhoothath Alvar of his [spiritual mace](/source/Kaumodaki) (''kowmodhakam''), and Pey Alvar of the [''Nandaka'' sword](/source/Nandaka).{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=14}} Other Alvars are linked to Vishnu's divine attendants or attributes, such as Nammalvar as [Vishvaksena](/source/Vishvaksena), Kulasekhara Alvar as the [Kaustubha gem](/source/Kaustubha), Periyalvar as [Garuda](/source/Garuda), and Tirumangai Alvar as [Vishnu's bow](/source/Sharnga).{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=13}}

Many are said to have had supernatural births rather than natural ones. Poygai Alvar reportedly emerged from a [lotus flower](/source/Nelumbo_nucifera), Bhoothath Alvar from a [madhavi flower](/source/Hiptage_benghalensis), and Pey Alvar from a red lotus. Andal was discovered as an infant in a flower garden, and Nammalvar was found by his foster parents in the hollow of a [tamarind](/source/tamarind) tree.{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=14, 165}}{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=14}}

===Specific alvar legends===
The first three Alvars (Poygai, Bhoothath, Pey Alvar) are said to have been born on three consecutive days and later met by chance in a narrow passageway (''itaikkali'') in [Tirukkovalur](/source/Ulagalantha_Perumal_Temple%2C_Tirukoyilur) during a storm, where Vishnu revealed himself to them.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=16}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=19, 216-217}} Nammalvar is said to have remained in yogic meditation under a tamarind tree until the age of sixteen, speaking his first words as an esoteric answer to Madhurakavi Alvar.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=14}}{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=165}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=229}}

Tirumangai Alvar's life recounts his transformation from a [brigand](/source/Brigandage) to a saint.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=14}} Legends include him robbing a Buddhist shrine to fund the construction of the fourth wall (''prakara'') of the [Srirangam temple](/source/Ranganathaswamy_Temple%2C_Srirangam), with the Lord's assistance.{{sfn|K. K.|2006|p=106}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=202, 242}} He also reportedly engaged in a poetical contest with the Saiva saint [Sambandar](/source/Sambandar).{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=19, 40}} The only female Alvar, Andal is renowned as a bridal mystic who vowed to marry only Vishnu/Krishna.{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=165}}{{sfn|Narayanan|2007|p=188}} Her legend culminates in her mystical marriage to [Lord Ranganatha](/source/Ranganatha) at Srirangam, where she is said to have been absorbed into the deity.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=14, 208}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=243}}

One legend recounts that when a Pandyan king tried to coerce Tirumalisai Alvar's disciple, Kannikrishna, to compose songs in his honor, Vishnu himself left his temple to follow the Alvar, only returning after the king humbly apologized.{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=284-285}} Tiruppan Alvar's legend highlights that he was carried on the shoulders of a temple priest, despite belonging to the lowest caste (''panchama''/outcaste), into the sanctum sanctorum of Srirangam, where he merged with the deity.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=14}}{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=211}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=74, 98, 243}}

== Works ==

===Naalayira Divya Prabandham===
The main collection of works of devotional poetry created by the Alvars, compiled by [Nathamuni](/source/Nathamuni), is known as the [Naalayira Divya Prabandham](/source/Naalayira_Divya_Prabandham), with 4,000 verses.{{sfn|Narayanan|2007|p=188}} These works include:{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=32}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=10em|
* [''Tirupallāṇḍu''](/source/Tirupallantu)
* [''Periyāḻvāra Tirumoḻi''](/source/Periyalvar_Tirumoli)
* [''Tiruppāvai''](/source/Tiruppavai)
* [''Nācciyāra Tirumoḻi''](/source/Nachiyar_Tirumoli)
* [''Perumāḻa Tirumoḻi''](/source/Perumal_Tirumoli)
* [''Tiruccanda Viruttam''](/source/Tiruchanda_Viruttam)
* ''[Tirumālai](/source/Tirum%C4%81lai)''
* [''Tirupaḻḻi-eḻucci''](/source/Tirupalliye%E1%B8%BBuchi)
* [''Amalanādipirāṇa''](/source/Amalanatipiran)
* [''Kaṇṇinuṇ-Śiruttāmbu''](/source/Kanninun_Cirutampu)
* [''Periya Tirumoḻi''](/source/Periya_Tirumoli)
* [''Tirukkuruntāṇḍakam''](/source/Tirukkuruntantakam)
* [''Tiruneḍuntāṇḍakam''](/source/Tirunetuntantakam)
* [''Mudala Tiruvandādi''](/source/Mutal_Tiruvantati)
* [''Iraṇḍām Tiruvandādi''](/source/Irantam_Tiruvantati)
* [''Mūṉṟām Tiruvandādi''](/source/Munram_Tiruvantati)
* [''Nāṉmukaṉ Tiruvandādi''](/source/Nanmukan_Tiruvantati)
* ''[Tiruviruttam](/source/Tiruviruttam)''
* [''Tiruvāciriyam''](/source/Tiruvaciriyam)
* [''Periya Tiruvandādi''](/source/Periya_Tiruvantati)
* [''Tiruveḻukūṟṟirukkai''](/source/Tiruvelukkutrirukkai)
* [''Śiriya Tirumaḍal''](/source/Ciriya_Tirumatal)
* [''Periya Tirumaḍal''](/source/Periya_Tirumatal)
* [''Tiruvāymoḻi''](/source/Tiruvaymoli)
}}

After the era of the Alvars, a few of the poems from the Divya Prabandham were said to be lost. Nathmuni in the 10th century is said to have gone on search for these lost works and was blessed with the revelation of three short works by Nammalvar and around 20 poems composed by other poets.{{sfn|Narayanan|2007|p=189}}

===Commentaries and other works===
These works have been the subject of extensive commentaries and other literary works by later scholars and saints. These are:{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=33-4}}
* On the entire corpus:
** Commentary by ''Periyavāccān Piḷḷai''.
** Commentary by ''Periya Parakālasvāmi''.
** ''Nigama Parimaḷa'' by ''Vedānta Deśika''
* Commentaries on the ''Tiruvāymoḻi'':
** ''Ārāyirappaḍi'' by ''Tirukkurukaipirān Piḷḷān'', a direct disciple of [Ramanuja](/source/Ramanuja) (1068 CE).
*** sub-commentary on ''Ārāyirappaḍi'' called ''Irupattunālāyirappāḍi'' by ''Vedānta Rāmānuja/Sākṣātsvāmi'' (1700 CE).
** ''Oṉpadināyirappaḍi'' by [''Nañjīyar''](/source/Nanjiyar) (1113 CE).
** ''Irupattunālāyirappāḍi'' by ''Periyavāccān Piḷḷai'' (1168 CE).
** ''Īḍu Muppattiyārāyarappāḍi'' by ''Vaḍakkutiruvīdi Piḷḷai'' (1167 CE).
** ''Pannirāyirappāḍi'' by ''Vādikesarī Aḻakiamaṇavāḷa Jīyar'' (1242 CE).
** ''Oṉpadināyirappaḍi'' by ''Raṅgarāmānuja'' (1650 CE).
** ''Padinettāyirappaḍi'' by ''Periya Parakālasvāmi'' (1676 CE).

==Philosophy==

The poetry of the Alvars echoes ''bhakti'' to God through love, and in the ecstasy of such devotion they sang hundreds of songs which embodied both depth of feeling and the felicity of expressions.{{sfn|Government of India|2013}} The philosophy of the ''Āḻvārs'' is fundamentally rooted in devotion ([bhakti](/source/bhakti)) to ''Viṣṇu'' and forms the spiritual and theological basis for the ''Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta'' system.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=1}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=268}} Their poetic compositions, collected as the Nālāyira Divya Prabandham, are viewed as the "Dravida Vedam" (Tamil Veda), containing the quintessence of Upanishadic teachings and philosophical ideas disseminated through the Tamil language to the common people.{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=13}}{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=xiv, 3}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=254}} Their teachings cover the three fundamental doctrines of ''Vedānta'': ''tattva'' (ultimate reality), ''hita'' (means of attainment), and ''puruṣārtha'' (supreme goal of life).{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=xiv, 1}}{{sfn|Padmanabhan|1993|p=17}}

===The doctrine of ultimate reality (''tattva'')===

The ''Āḻvārs'' posit [Vishnu](/source/Vishnu)/[Narayana](/source/Narayana) as the supreme deity (''paratattva'') and the sole ultimate reality.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=ix, 37}}{{sfn|Varadharajan|2018|p=39}} They uphold the ''Saviśeṣa Brahma-vāda'', viewing [Brahman](/source/Brahman) as the absolute endowed with infinite auspicious attributes (''guṇa'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=39, 72, 225}} Narayana is described as ''Sarveśvara'', the Lord of all, including [Brahma](/source/Brahma) and [Rudra](/source/Rudra) ([Shiva](/source/Shiva)), and the primary cause of the universe's creation, sustenance, and dissolution.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=54, 106}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=199}} They emphasize the theological belief in the inseparability of ''Viṣṇu'' and ''Śrī'' ([Lakshmi](/source/Lakshmi)), with the Goddess acting as the [mediatrix](/source/mediatrix).{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=1}}{{sfn|Aiyangar|1920|p=2}}

The Āḻvārs refer to five manifestations (''avatāra'') of God that make the divine accessible:{{sfn|Govindacharya|1902|p=xlii}}{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=91}}{{sfn|Varadharajan|2018|p=89}}

# ''Para'' (The transcendent form in ''[Vaikuṇṭha](/source/Vaikuntha)'')
# ''Vyūha'' (The expansive form, e.g., lying in the [milky ocean](/source/Kshira_Sagara))
# ''Vibhava'' (Incarnations like [Rama](/source/Rama) and [Krishna](/source/Krishna))
# ''Arcā'' (The [iconic form](/source/Murti) enshrined in temples)
# ''Antaryāmin'' (The inner controller dwelling within every sentient and non-sentient entity)

The ''Kṛṣṇa avatāra'' holds special importance due to its display of God's easy accessibility (''saulabhya'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=96, 107}} The devotion of the ''Āḻvārs'' was largely temple-centred, praising the local deities ([''divya deśams''](/source/Divya_Desam)).{{sfn|Narayanan|2007|p=189}} They frequently glorify God's protective and merciful nature, highlighting attributes such as easy accessibility (''saulabhya'') and gracious condescension (''sauśīlya'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=71, 92}}

The Alvars also describe the nature of the individual self (''jīvātman'') as an eternal spiritual entity characterized by knowledge (''jnāna'') and bliss (''ānanda''),{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=110}} yet eternally subordinate (''śeṣa-bhūta'') to the Supreme Being.{{sfn|Varadharajan|2018|p=114}} They frequently used the term ''adiyēn'' (subservient) to signify their dependence on God.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=117}} A distinctive theological concept in their hymns is the idea of subordination not only to God, but also to the devotees of God,{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=118}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=136, 144}} expressing the ideal of becoming the servant of the servants, who are servants to the servants of God's servants.{{sfn|K. K.|2006|p=49}}

===The path to attainment (''hita'')===

The core philosophy of the ''Āḻvārs'' is the promotion of Bhakti (fervent devotion), which they considered the great way of salvation.{{sfn|Sundaram|1993|p=42}}{{sfn|Aiyangar|1911|p=194}}{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=xiii}}

The central ideology is the idea of absolute surrender to the deity. They advocated implicit faith, ardent devotion, and utter surrender of will and action to ''Viṣṇu''.{{sfn|Sambaiah|1988|p=33}}{{sfn|K. K.|2006|p=35}} ''Prapatti'' (self-surrender) is often seen as the only effective means (''sādhana'') for complete and final liberation.{{sfn|K. K.|2006|p=48}}

The attainment of God is believed to be possible only through the Lord's grace.{{sfn|Varadharajan|2018|p=39}}{{sfn|Padmanabhan|1993|p=143}} They accepted both grace linked to human effort (''sahetuka-kṛpā'') and spontaneous, unconditioned grace (''nirhetuka-kṛpā'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=81-82}}

This devotional path is also expressed through the hymns of key Alvars, notably Nammalvar and Tirumangai Alvar, who often assume the role of the female beloved (''nāyaki'') longing for Vishnu, the divine lover (''nāyaka'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=7, 162-163}}{{sfn|Rajagopalan|1978|p=472}}{{sfn|Ramaswamy|2007|p=164}} This utilizes the imagery of erotic love ([''śṛṅgāra rasa''](/source/Sringara) or ''rati-bhāva'') as an allegory for the spiritual quest and the soul's intense craving for union with the Divine.{{sfn|Padmanabhan|1993|p=5, 168}}{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=162}} This mystic experience alternates between the joy of communion (''samśleṣa'') and the anguish of separation (''viraha'' or ''viśleṣa'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=117, 163}}{{sfn|Padmanabhan|1993|p=74}}

===The supreme goal (''puruṣārtha'')===

The ultimate goal of life is [Moksha](/source/Moksha) (liberation, or ''vidu''). Moksha is described as the realization of the blissful Brahman (''Brahmānandānubhava'').{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=143}} The theological concept of the ultimate goal emphasizes continuous and uninterrupted divine service (''Bhāgavat-kaiṅkarya'') to the Lord in His eternal abode, ''Vaikuṇṭha'' (''Paramapada''). Nammalvar asserts that he would prefer service to the Lord over moksha itself.{{sfn|Chari|1994|p=145}}{{sfn|Jagannathan|2009|p=27}}

==Legacy==

The ''bhakti'' literature that sprang from Alvars has contributed to the establishment and sustenance of a culture that deviated from the [Vedic religion](/source/Historical_Vedic_religion) and rooted itself in devotion as the only path for salvation. In addition, they contributed to Tamil devotional verses independent of a knowledge of [Sanskrit](/source/Sanskrit).{{sfn|Divyadesam Online|2007}} As a part of the legacy of the Alvars, five Vaishnavite philosophical traditions (''[sampradaya](/source/sampradaya)s'') developed over a period of time. These were the sampradayas founded by [Ramanuja](/source/Ramanuja), [Madhva](/source/Madhva), [Vallabha](/source/Vallabha), [Nimbarka](/source/Nimbarka), and [Chaitanya](/source/Chaitanya_Mahaprabhu).{{sfn|Mittal|Thursby|2006|p=27}}

==References==
{{Reflist|20em}}

==Sources==

===Books===
{{Refbegin}}

* {{cite book | last1 = Aiyangar | first1 = S. Krishnaswami | title = Ancient India | location = London | publisher = Luzac & Co. | date = 1911 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Aiyangar | first1 = S. Krishnaswami | title = Early History of Vaishnavism in South India | location = London | publisher = Oxford University Press | date = 1920 }}
* {{cite encyclopedia | title = Azhvaar | encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica Online | publisher = Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. | date = 2014 | url = https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/18115/Azhvar | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150107100955/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/18115/Azhvar | archive-date = 7 January 2015 | access-date = 30 December 2014 | ref = {{harvid|Encyclopædia Britannica|2014}} }}
* {{Cite book |last=Bhandarkar |first=R. G.|url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.282470 |title=Vaisnavism Saivism And Minor Religious Systems |date=1913}}
* {{cite book | last1 = Chari | first1 = S. M. Srinivasa | title = Philosophy and Theistic Mysticism of the Āḻvārs | location = Delhi | publisher = Motilal Banarsidass Publishers | date = 1994 }}
* {{cite book | editor-last = de-Gaia | editor-first = Susan | title = Encyclopedia of Women in World Religions: Faith and Culture Across History | location = Santa Barbara, California; Denver, Colorado | publisher = ABC-CLIO | date = 2019 | isbn = 9781440848506 }}
* {{cite book | last = Dubyanskiy | first = Alexander | title = The Archaeology of Bhakti I | chapter = A Medieval Tamil Poem on Bhakti: Tiruppāvai by Āṇṭāḷ | editor-last1 = Francis | editor-first1 = Emmanuel | editor-last2 = Schmid | editor-first2 = Charlotte | publisher = Pondicherry Centre of the École française d’Extrême-Orient | date = 2014 | url = http://www2.rsuh.ru/binary/object_40.1412591563.13923.pdf | archive-date = 7 January 2019 | access-date = 11 December 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190107124717/http://www2.rsuh.ru/binary/object_40.1412591563.13923.pdf | url-status = bot: unknown }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Flood | first1 = Gavin D. | title = An Introduction to Hinduism | publisher = Cambridge University Press | date = 1996-07-13 | isbn = 978-0-521-43878-0 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KpIWhKnYmF0C | language = en }}
* {{cite book | last = Garg | first = Gaṅgā Rām | title = Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World: Ak–Aq | publisher = Concept Publishing Company | year = 1992 | isbn = 9788170223757 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=WjDcd0cTFxQC&q=poygai&pg=PA352 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Govindacharya | first1 = Alkondavilli | title = The Holy Lives of the Azhvars or The Dravida Saints | location = Mysore | publisher = G. T. A. Press | date = 1902 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Jestice | first1 = Phyllis G. | title = Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia | location = Santa Barbara, California | publisher = ABC-CLIO | date = 2004 | isbn = 9781576073551 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Lochtefeld | first1 = James G. | title = The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A–M | edition = 1 | location = New York | publisher = Rosen | date = 2002 | isbn = 9780823931798 | ref = {{harvid|Lochtefeld|2002a}} }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Mittal | first1 = S. G. R. | last2 = Thursby | first2 = G. Richard | title = Religions of South Asia: An Introduction | publisher = Routledge | year = 2006 | isbn = 9780203970027 }}
* {{cite book | last = Mukherjee | first = Sujit | title = A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings–1850, Volume 1 | publisher = Orient Blackswan | year = 1999 | isbn = 9788125014539 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YCJrUfVtZxoC&q=poygai&pg=PA15 }}
* {{cite book | last = Narayanan | first = Vasudha | editor-last1 = Bryant | editor-first1 = Edwin F. | title = Krishna: A Sourcebook | chapter = Tamil Nadu: Weaving Garlands in Tamil: The Poetry of the Alvars | location = New York | publisher = Oxford University Press | date = 2007 }}
* {{cite book | last = Palaniappan | first = S. | editor-last1 = Chevillard | editor-first1 = Jean-Luc | title = South-Indian Horizons | chapter = Āḻvār or Nāyaṉār: The Role of Sound Variation, Hypercorrection and Folk Etymology in Interpreting the Nature of Vaiṣṇava Saint-Poets | location = Pondichéry | publisher = Institut Français de Pondichéry | date = 2004 }}
* {{cite book | last = Ramaswamy | first = Vijaya | title = Historical Dictionary of the Tamils | publisher = Scarecrow Press | year = 2007 | isbn = 9780810864450 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=H4q0DHGMcjEC&q=poygai&pg=PA14 }}
* {{cite book | last = Rao | first = P. V. L. Narasimha | title = Kanchipuram – Land of Legends, Saints & Temples | location = New Delhi | publisher = Readworthy Publications (P) Ltd. | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-93-5018-104-1 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=GTMTQLuCNSMC&q=poigai+azhwar&pg=PA27 }}
* {{cite book | last = Sujatha | title = Azhvargal: Oru Eliya Arimugam | publisher = Thirumagal Nilayam Publish | date = 2011 | language = ta }}

{{Refend}}
===Theses / Dissertations===

{{Refbegin}}

* {{cite thesis |last=Jagannathan |first=Bharati |date=2009 |title=Approaching the Divine: Integrating Āḻvār Bhavkti in Śrīvaiṣṇavism: 6th-14th Centuries CE |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/17672 |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru University |docket= |oclc= |access-date=}}
* {{cite thesis |last=K. K. |first=Radha |date=2006 |title=History of Vaiṣṇavism Under the Kulaśekharas |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/405872 |degree=PhD |publisher=University of Kerala}}
* {{cite thesis |last=Padmanabhan |first=R. |date=1993 |title=God perception of vedanta desika with particular reference to his Nayaki Bhava in comparison with Nammalvar and Tirumanki Alvar |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/543318 |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=University of Mumbai |docket= |oclc= |access-date=}}
* {{cite thesis |last=Rajagopalan |first=Vasudha |date=1978 |title=The Śrī Vaiṣṇava Understanding of Bhakti and Prapatti: From the Āḻvārs to Vedānta Deśika |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/565826 |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=University of Bombay |docket= |oclc= |access-date=}}
* {{cite thesis |last=Sambaiah |first=O. |date=1988 |title=Vaisnavism in Andhradesa AD 1000 to 1600: A Historical Study |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/126696 |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=Acharya Nagarjuna University |docket= |oclc= |access-date=}}
* {{cite thesis |last=Sundaram |first=R. |date=1993 |title=George Herbert and Nammazhvar: A Comparative Study |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/784 |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=Pondicherry University |docket= |oclc= |access-date=}}
* {{cite thesis |last=Varadharajan |first=K. |date=September 2018 |title=Impact of Harinamasankirtan in Thiruvaimozhi in the Modern Era |url=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/280733 |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=University of Madras |docket= |oclc= |access-date=}}

{{Refend}}
===Websites===

{{Refbegin}}

* {{cite web |last=Nippard |first=Andrea |title=The Alvars |url=http://www.mahavidya.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Nippard-Andrea-The-Alvars-Yes.pdf |website=Mahavidya.ca |publisher=Mahavidya |date=Spring 2009 |access-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001609/http://www.mahavidya.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Nippard-Andrea-The-Alvars-Yes.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2013}}
* {{cite web |title=Indian Literature Through the Ages |url=http://ccrtindia.gov.in/literaryarts.htm |website=CCRT India |publisher=Government of India |access-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515213735/http://ccrtindia.gov.in/literaryarts.htm |archive-date=15 May 2013 |ref={{harvid|Government of India|2013}}}}
* {{cite web |title=About Alvars |website=Divyadesam Online |publisher=divyadesamonline.com |url=http://www.divyadesamonline.com/alwars.asp |access-date=2 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621230057/http://www.divyadesamonline.com/alwars.asp |archive-date=21 June 2007 |ref={{harvid|Divyadesam Online|2007}}}}

{{Refend}}
== Further reading ==
* {{cite book | last1 = Annapoorna | first1 = Lakshminarasimhan | title = Music and Temples: A Ritualistic Approach | edition = 1 | location = New Delhi | publisher = Sundeep Prakashan | date = 2000 | isbn = 9788175740907 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Ayyangar |first1=D. Ramaswamy |title=Peeps Into Mysticism |date=1966 |publisher=Visishtadvaita Pracharini Sabha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dUgqAAAAYAAJ&q=peeps+into+mysticism |language=en}}
* {{cite book | last1 = Ayyar | first1 = P. V. Jagadisa | title = South Indian Shrines: Illustrated | publisher = Asian Educational Services | date = 1982 | isbn = 978-81-206-0151-2 | url = https://books.google.com/books/about/South_Indian_Shrines.html?id=NLSGFW1uZboC | language = en }}
* {{cite book |last1=Dasgupta |first1=Surendranath |title=A History of Indian Philosophy |date=1991 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |location=Delhi |isbn=978-81-208-0414-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jI2PUAa8B8oC&q=history+of+indian+philosophy+volume+3 |language=en}}
* {{cite book | last1 = Dehejia | first1 = Vidya | title = Slaves of the Lord: The Path of the Tamil Saints | edition = 1 | location = New Delhi | publisher = Munshiram Manoharlal Publ | date = 2002 | isbn = 9788121500449 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Filliozat | first1 = Jean | title = Religion, Philosophy, Yoga: A Selection of Articles | publisher = Motilal Banarsidass Publishing House | date = 1991 | isbn = 978-81-208-0718-1 | url = https://books.google.com/books/about/Religion_Philosophy_Yoga.html?id=2av2SuI8PpoC | language = en }}
* {{cite book |last1=Hardy |first1=Friedhelm |title=Viraha Bhakti: The Early History of Krsna Devotion |date=2014 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidas |location=Delhi |isbn=978-81-208-3816-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XY42EAAAQBAJ&q=viraha+bhakti |language=en}}
* {{cite book | editor-last = Karashima | editor-first = Noboru | title = A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations | chapter = States in Deccan and Kerala | pages = 146–147 | publisher = Oxford University Press | year = 2014 | isbn = 978-0-19-809977-2 | url = https://global.oup.com/academic/product/a-concise-history-of-south-india-9780198099772?cc=us&lang=en& | ref = {{harvid|Karashima|2014}} }}
* {{cite book | last = Krishna | first = Nanditha | title = Book of Vishnu | publisher = Penguin Books India | year = 2009 | isbn = 9780143067627 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=f9cSlaLMlgEC&q=poygai&pg=PA136 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Krishnamachariar | first1 = Madabhushi | title = History of Classical Sanskrit Literature | location = Delhi | publisher = Motilal Banarsidass | date = 2009 | isbn = 9788120802841 }}
* {{cite book | last1 = Lochtefeld | first1 = James G. | title = The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N–Z | edition = 1 | location = New York | publisher = Rosen | date = 2002 | isbn = 9780823931804 | ref = {{harvid|Lochtefeld|2002b}} }}
* {{cite book | last = Paṇḍita | first = Garuḍa Vāhana | title = Divyasūri Caritam | edition = 1 | location = Bombay, India | publisher = Ananthacharya Research Institute | date = 1978 | url = https://archive.org/details/Divyasuri-Charitam-Garudavahana-Pandita/page/n4/mode/1up | access-date = 1 October 2024 }}
* {{cite book | last = Rāmānuja | title = Śrībhāṣyam: Catuḥsūtryātmakaḥ | editor-last = Karmarkar | editor-first = Raghunath Damodar | publisher = Puṇyapattanavidyāpīṭhādhikr̥taiḥ | date = 1959 | url = https://books.google.com/books/about/%C5%9Ar%C4%ABbh%C4%81%E1%B9%A3yam_Catu%E1%B8%A5s%C5%ABtry%C4%81tmaka%E1%B8%A5.html?id=6L4rAAAAMAAJ | language = en }}
* {{cite book | last = Ramanujan | first = A. K. | title = Hymns for the Drowning | location = New Delhi | publisher = Penguin Books | date = 1981 }}
* {{cite book | last = Raghavan | first = A. Srinivasa | title = Nammalvar | location = New Delhi | publisher = Sahitya Akademi | date = 1975 | isbn = 81-260-0416-9 }}
* {{cite book | last = Vanina | first = Eugenia | title = Medieval Indian Mindscapes: Space, Time, Society, Man | location = Delhi | publisher = Primus Books | year = 2012 | isbn = 978-93-80607-19-1 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=yriGbWNAF5EC&dq=kallar+%C2%A0Kshatriya&pg=PA131 }}

* {{cite book | last = Dasgupta | first = Surendranath | title = A History Of Indian Philosophy | volume = 3 | chapter = The Ār̤vārs | publisher = Cambridge University Press | year = 1940 | url = https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.148711 }}

==See also==
{{commons category}}
* [Naalayira Divya Prabandham](/source/Naalayira_Divya_Prabandham)
* [Bhakti movement](/source/Bhakti_movement)
* [Tamil mythology](/source/Tamil_mythology)
* [Nathamuni](/source/Nathamuni)

{{Alvars}}

Category:Alvars
Category:Indian philosophy
Category:Bhakti movement
Category:Tamil Hindu saints

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Alvars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvars) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvars?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.