Alvars are Tamil poets from Southern India and espoused devotees of Lord Krishna. They are people of a diverse caste group, who were devoted to Lord Krishna. Tradition indicates that there were twelve Alvars including Poyki, Tirumangai, Bhutam, Tiruppaan, Pey, Tondar-adi-podi, Tirumazhisai, Madhurakavi, Nammalvar, Kulasekharan, Andal and Periyalvar.
All of the 12 Alvars are males except for Andal who is the only saint-poet who is female. In Tamil Nadu they are considered to be the most important saints along with the contemporary 63 Shaiva Nayanars. An important role was played by the Alvars in Southern India in developing this cult of devotion. They also popularized Vaishanavism in Southern India.
People from this diverse caste group resided in the South of India between the 5th and 9th century. They were great devotees especially of Ranghanatha and of Lord Krishna. In praise of their Lord, these great souls composed beautiful devotional poetry. Compilation of their individual compositions was done later under the name Divya Prabhandam (one single scripture).
The Alvars have also been spelt as Alvar or Azhwars. The meaning of Alvars is ‘the ones who are immersed in God’. The Alvars expressed their devotion and love for Lord Krishna through their devotional songs of ecstasy, longing and service for their God. They are revered in Vaishnavism especially considering Krishna or Vishnu as the Supreme Being.
The Bhakti movement revived in Tamil history during the early medieval period with the devotional songs composed by the Alvars. Their compositions were full of praise for Vaishnava deities including the 108 temples and Divya Desams. Divya Prabandha is the collection of their devotional hymns. The Alvars are credited of making the religious life of the Tamils, independent of Sanskrit knowledge.
