The Alvars were a group of 12 Tamil poet-saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. They were devotees of Lord Vishnu and played a key role in the Bhakti movement in South India. Their hymns, collectively known as the Divya Prabandham, are considered sacred texts in Vaishnavism.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning of Alvar | “One who is immersed in devotion” (Tamil) |
| Time Period | 6th to 9th century CE |
| Religious Tradition | Vaishnavism (Bhakti Movement) |
| Number of Alvars | 12 |
| Sacred Text | Divya Prabandham (4,000 Tamil hymns) |
| Worshiped Deity | Vishnu |
| Key Concept | Bhakti (Devotion) |
Major Alvars and Their Contributions
There were 12 Alvars, each of whom composed hymns in praise of Vishnu. Some important Alvars include:
1. Periyalvar
- Devoted to Vishnu as Krishna.
- Wrote Tirupallandu, which is recited in Vaishnava temples.
2. Andal (Only Female Alvar)
- Daughter of Periyalvar.
- Composed Tiruppavai, a collection of 30 hymns still sung in Tamil Nadu during Margazhi (winter) festival.
- Considered an incarnation of Bhudevi (Goddess Earth).
3. Nammalvar
- Most famous Alvar, considered the greatest Vaishnava saint.
- His hymns are central to Vaishnava philosophy.
- Composed Tiruvaymoli, called the “Tamil Veda.”
4. Thirumangai Alvar
- A warrior-turned-saint.
- Wrote Periya Tirumoli, emphasizing social equality and devotion.
5. Kulasekhara Alvar
- A king who renounced his throne for devotion.
- His hymns are still used in temple worship.
6. Madhurakavi Alvar
- Disciple of Nammalvar.
- Wrote in praise of his guru instead of Vishnu.
7. Thondaradippodi Alvar
- Composed Tirumalai, highlighting absolute surrender to Vishnu.
8. Tiruppan Alvar
- A Dalit saint, showing the Bhakti movement’s social inclusiveness.
9. Poigai, Bhutath, and Pey Alvars
- Known as the first three Alvars.
- Focused on Vishnu’s divine light and form.
10. Nammalvar
- Considered the most philosophical Alvar.
- Wrote 1,000 verses of the Divya Prabandham.
Sacred Text – Divya Prabandham
- The Alvars composed 4,000 Tamil hymns in praise of Vishnu.
- Compiled by Nathamuni in the 9th–10th century CE.
- Called “Tamil Veda” as it is equivalent to the Sanskrit Vedas in Vaishnavism.
Impact of the Alvars
- Spread of Vaishnavism
- Promoted devotional worship (Bhakti) over rituals.
- Strengthened Vishnu worship in Tamil Nadu and South India.
- Bhakti Movement Influence
- The Alvars’ teachings inspired North Indian Bhakti saints like Ramanuja and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Promoted Social Equality
- Bhakti was open to all castes and genders.
- Andal (a woman) and Tiruppan Alvar (from a Dalit background) were respected saints.
- Temple Worship Tradition
- The hymns are still recited in Vishnu temples across South India.
Comparison: Alvars vs Nayanars
| Feature | Alvars (Vaishnavism) | Nayanars (Shaivism) |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 12 | 63 |
| God Worshiped | Vishnu | Shiva |
| Language of Hymns | Tamil | Tamil |
| Sacred Text | Divya Prabandham | Tevaram |
| Bhakti Style | Emotional devotion | Emotional devotion |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning of Alvar | “One immersed in devotion” |
| Number of Alvars | 12 |
| Sacred Text | Divya Prabandham (Tamil Veda) |
| Famous Female Alvar | Andal |
| Founder of Tamil Vaishnavism | Nammalvar |
| Time Period | 6th–9th century CE |
MCQs on Alvars
1. Who were the Alvars?
A) Devotees of Shiva
B) Devotees of Vishnu
C) Jain Monks
D) Buddhist Scholars
Answer: B) Devotees of Vishnu
2. How many Alvars were there?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 15
D) 8
Answer: B) 12
3. Who was the only female Alvar?
A) Andal
B) Akkamahadevi
C) Mirabai
D) Lalla Ded
Answer: A) Andal
4. Which text contains the hymns of Alvars?
A) Bhagavad Gita
B) Divya Prabandham
C) Tevaram
D) Ramayana
Answer: B) Divya Prabandham
5. Who among the Alvars is known as the “Tamil Veda” composer?
A) Periyalvar
B) Nammalvar
C) Tirumangai Alvar
D) Madhurakavi Alvar
Answer: B) Nammalvar
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who were the Alvars, and what was their significance?
- What is the Divya Prabandham, and why is it important?
- Name the only female Alvar and her contribution.
- What was the role of Nammalvar in Vaishnavism?
- How did the Alvars influence the Bhakti Movement?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the role of the Alvars in the spread of Vaishnavism.
- Explain the philosophy and teachings of the Alvars.
- Compare the Alvars with the Nayanars in the Bhakti Movement.
- How did the Alvars promote social equality in Tamil society?
- Analyze the impact of the Alvars on temple worship in South India.
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Indian History and the Bhakti Movement. Revise thoroughly and practice the MCQs and subjective questions to strengthen your preparation! 🚀