The 12 Alwars were revered Tamil Vaishnavite saints who lived between approximately the 6th and 9th centuries CE, dedicating their lives to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Through their deep devotion and beautiful Tamil hymns, they spread the message of love, faith, humility, and surrender to God. Their 4,000 devotional verses, collectively known as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, are considered sacred in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The Alwars played a significant role in the Bhakti movement and helped make spiritual teachings accessible to ordinary people, leaving a lasting legacy in Tamil culture, literature, and Hindu spirituality.
In the lush land of Thirunagari, also known as Thirukurugoor, where the river Tamiraparani flows, was born one of the greatest mystics of the Vaishnavite tradition — Nammalwar. Vaishnavites revere him not merely as an Alwar, but as the very embodiment of divine wisdom. He is believed to be the avatar of Vishwaksena, the celestial commander of Vishnu, and also of the...
Thirumazhisai near Chennai is the avatara sthalam of our next Alwar, Thirumazhisai Alwar, believed to be the avatar of Perumal’s Sudarshana Chakra. He was born in the Vibava year, in the Tamil month of Thai, under the Magam star, on a Thursday. Born to Sage Bargavar and Kanakaangi after intense prayers, the Alwar was born deformed — only a torso, without properly...
Poigai Alwar Among the revered Mudhal Alwars, Poigai Alwar occupies a special place in the hearts of devotees. He was born in Thiruvekka, near the sacred shrine of Yathothkari Perumal Temple, also lovingly known as Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal Temple, in Kanchipuram. Unlike ordinary births, Poigai Alwar’s appearance was divine. He was found as a radiant infant on a...
The Alwars were the twelve great devotees of Maha Vishnu who were born on earth to spread His glory and devotion among people. The Alwars were so completely immersed in devotion and love for Vishnu / Perumal that they came to be known as Alwars — “those who are deeply immersed in bhakti.” Their hymns, composed in beautiful and chaste Tamil, remain among the finest...