Thirumazhisai Alwar

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 formed limbs. Shocked and grief-stricken, his parents abandoned the child among bamboo bushes, saying that since Lord Vishnu had given the child, He Himself would take care of him.

Soon, Lord Vishnu and Mahalakshmi appeared before the child and blessed him. By divine grace, the deformed infant transformed into a healthy and beautiful baby.

Hearing the cries of the child, a passing farmer carried the radiant baby home. His wife joyfully accepted the child and lovingly raised him as their own.

However, the baby refused to drink milk despite all their efforts. Yet, without consuming food or water, he continued to grow strong and healthy. News of this miraculous child spread far and wide, and many people came just to see him.

One day, an elderly couple visited the house carrying milk for the baby. They lovingly coaxed him, sang his praises, and finally the child drank the milk. Everyone rejoiced. From then on, the couple visited daily to feed him.

Years passed, and the child grew into a seven-year-old boy. One day, after drinking some milk, he gave the remaining milk to the elderly couple and asked them to drink it. They obeyed him, and to everyone’s amazement, they were transformed into a young couple. By divine grace, they later had a son, whom they named Kanikannan.

Kanikannan became deeply devoted to Thirumazhisai Alwar and joined him in singing the praises of Mahavishnu.

Thirumazhisai Alwar studied various religions and philosophies, becoming well versed in Buddhism, Jainism, Saivism, Saktham, and Vaishnavism. Later, he met Pei Alwar, and through his association with him realized that the greatest bliss he experienced came from singing the praises of Mahavishnu.

Later, Thirumazhisai Alwar moved to Kanchipuram, specifically to Thiruvekka. Kanikannan accompanied him, and together they worshipped the Lord reclining on the serpent bed with intense devotion.

The Pallava king once summoned Kanikannan and asked him to persuade Thirumazhisai Alwar to compose a song in praise of the king.

Kanikannan refused, saying that his guru would sing only the praises of Lord Vishnu and not of mortal rulers. Enraged by this refusal, the king banished Kanikannan from his kingdom.

Kanikannan pogindran kaamaru poong Kachi
Manivanna! Nee kidakka venda — thunivudaiya
Sennap pulavanum pogindren neeyum unran
Painnaaga paayai suruttik kol.

So sang Thirumazhisai Alwar, which deeply touched Perumal Himself.

(Naanmugan Thiruvandhadhi – 58)

Meaning:

“Kanikannan is leaving beautiful Kanchi, O Manivanna!
You need not remain here anymore.
I, the truthful poet, am also leaving.
Roll up Your serpent bed and come along with us.”

Astonishingly, Lord Vishnu obeyed the Alwar’s command. Perumal rolled up His serpent bed and followed them out of Kanchipuram.

The trio halted overnight at a place now called Orikkai, derived from the phrase “Oru Iravu Irukkai” — “the place where they stayed for one night.”

With Perumal Himself having left the city, Kanchipuram was plunged into darkness and despair. Realizing his grave mistake, the Pallava king rushed to seek forgiveness from Kanikannan and Thirumazhisai Alwar.

At the Alwar’s request, Perumal returned to Thiruvekka and reclined once again on His serpent bed. Since the Lord did exactly as His devotee instructed, He came to be known as Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal — “the Lord who acted as He was told.”

Does this sound familiar? Yes — this is the very same sacred place associated with Poigai Alwar, who was found in the temple tank here.

Later, Thirumazhisai Alwar travelled to Kumbakonam to have darshan of Aravamudhan at the Sarangapani Temple.

The Perumal here is not in the usual Anantha Sayanam (fully reclining posture), but in Utthana Sayanam — a half-risen reclining pose. Tradition says that upon seeing Thirumazhisai Alwar, the Lord was so delighted that He almost rose to welcome him.

Thirumazhisai Alwar spent his later years in Thirukudandhai (Kumbakonam) and ultimately attained mukthi there.

Thirumazhisai Alwar composed two important works:

• Thiruchanda Virutham
• Naanmugan Thiruvandhadhi

Salutations to the sacred feet of Thirumazhisai Alwar