Azhwars

The Azhwars were a group of twelve Vaishnavite mystic poets who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE in South India. They are revered in Sri Vaishnavism for their devotional hymns called the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, which consists of over 4,000 Tamil verses. These verses are considered the Tamil Vedas and are central to the worship and philosophy of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

The Azhwars came from various social backgrounds, including a king, a Brahmin, a farmer, and even a former criminal. This diversity is seen as reflecting the inclusive nature of their devotional path, Bhakti. Their poetry expresses intense love and longing for Vishnu, often personifying the divine in various forms and relationships. They traveled extensively throughout the Tamil-speaking regions, visiting numerous Vishnu temples, which are now known as Divya Desams.

Key figures among the Azhwars include Periyalwar, his adopted daughter Andal (the only female Azhwar), Tirumalisai Azhwar, and Nammalvar, who is considered the foremost among them. Nammalvar's works, such as Tiruvaymoli, are particularly influential. The compilation of their hymns was undertaken by Nathamuni, a Vaishnava scholar, who is credited with preserving and systematizing their devotional legacy. The Azhwars' poetry played a crucial role in popularizing Bhakti movement and shaping Vaishnavite theology in South India.