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.
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...