Nayanmar

Nayanmar, also known as Nayanars, are a group of 63 Tamil Hindu saints and poets who lived in South India during the 7th to 9th centuries CE. They are revered for their devotion to the god Shiva and their contributions to Tamil literature and culture. The term "Nayanmar" translates to "Lord of the Eyes," a title given to Shiva, as the Nayanars are believed to have had direct visionary experiences of the deity.

The Nayanars are divided into two groups: the Alvars, who were devotees of Shiva in his form as the god Vishnu, and the Nayanars, who were devotees of Shiva in his own form. The Alvars are further divided into two groups: the Divya Prabandham Alvars and the Vaishnava Alvars. The Nayanars, on the other hand, are divided into two groups: the Shaiva Nayanars and the Shaiva Alvars.

The Nayanars are known for their devotional poetry, which is collected in the Divya Prabandham, a sacred text of the Tamil Shaivite tradition. Their poetry is characterized by its simplicity, directness, and emotional intensity, and it has had a profound influence on Tamil literature and culture.

The Nayanars are also known for their social and political activism. They were advocates for the rights of the oppressed and the marginalized, and they played an important role in the development of Tamil society and culture. They are also known for their contributions to the development of Tamil grammar and literature.

The Nayanars are celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in January or February. During this time, devotees gather at the temples of the Nayanars to pay their respects and offer prayers. The Nayanars are also revered by the Tamil people for their contributions to Tamil literature and culture, and they are considered to be some of the greatest saints and poets in Tamil history.