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
|
|
|
| • | First Buddhist Council
First Buddhist Council was a major event after the death of Buddha; it is one of the chief events in Buddhism. It was summoned in the year following the Buddha`s Parinirvana, which would be 499/8 BCE according to Theravada tradition.
| | | • | Teachings of Lord Mahavira
Teachings of Mahavira had a scientific explanation of the nature and meaning of life and guided the followers as to how one should behave to draw this real nature and meaning into his own life.
| | | • | Lord Vishwakarma
Lord Vishwakarma is popularly seen as an architect of the Universe. He is worshipped by all the craftsman, weavers and architects. He is the son of Lord Brahma. He is personification of the ultimate creative power.
| | | • | Rudra
Lord Shiva is one of the main God of Hinduism. He has many names and Rudra happens to be one of it. Rudra is the earlier form of Lord Shiva. He is mentioned as one of the inferior gods in the Rig Veda.
| | | • | Vedic Deities of India
The concept of Vedic deities finds a remarkable dimension in the Vedic religion. Indra, the slayer of Vritra and destroyer of Vala, liberator of the rivers and the cows; Agni the sacrificial fire; and Soma, the ritual drink dedicated to Lord Indra, are the most prominent deities.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
