|
The Aluvars were twelve individuals, who were renowned in different ways in the first establishment of Vaishnavism. They are regarded with high admiration by modern votaries. They were considered metaphorically as the incarnations of Vishnu's arms, ornaments or attendants.
These twelve Aluvars were:
Poyalvar
Puthatalvar
Peyalvar
Tirumal Peyalvar
Namalvar
Kulasecharalvar
Periyalvar
Tirupanalvar
Tirumangayalvar
Tondamalvar
Yempramanar or Yetiraja, or Ramanujacharya
Kurattalvar.
These twelve heads and original leaders of the Vaishnava faith existed in the Peninsula only. They were born in various places, and lived in different times. Earlier, the Shaivism was much prevalent in the Peninsula and in some cases it was established by exterminating the Buddhists or Jains who preceded them.
When the Vaishnavas or the Aluvars came, they had not only to deal with a rude and savage people but also had to contend with the shrewd and powerful Shaivas already in possession. These Aluvars started translating portions of the Vedas into Tamil poetry, now known as the 'Tirumorhi' or sacred word.
(Last Updated on : 12-09-2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Religion
|
|
|
| • | Nadar Caste
One of the most renowned castes of Tamil Nadu is the Nadar caste. The Nadar community is a mixture of sub-castes and classes of different origins, which came under one banner of Nadar caste gradually.
| | | • | Concept of Ultimate Reality
Concept of Ultimate Reality in Bhagavad Gita states that Brahman is ground of existence and all realities. As per the Concept of Ultimate Reality, Brahman is all-embracing, uncreated and infinite. Brahman is the reason and objective of all that exists in the world..
| | | • | Elements of Vastu
Vastu Shastra is traditional Indian systems of architecture originating in India. Elements of Vastu are Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire.
| | | • | Sati
Sati is the wife of Lord Shiva and the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity. She is known to have immolated herself unable to tolerate foul words for her husband, spoken by her father Daksha.
| | | • | Legends of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva
Legends of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva mentioned in the Mahapuranas and Upapuranas. Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
