Poigai Alwar, Bhudat Alwar and Peyalwar
In an earlier episode, we saw that Shaivism and Vaishnavism are the two most important facets of Hinduism and that they had a tremendous and lasting impact on Indian philosophy. Vaishnavism is a branch which believes Lord Vishnu as the Supreme deity. Vishnu is the Preserver or Sustainer of life with his steadfast principles of order, righteousness and truth. When these values are under threat, Vishnu emerges out of his transcendence to restore peace and order on earth. These are known as Avataras or Incarnations. There are ten Avataras of Vishnu and we have talked about them in our earlier episodes.
There are great saints in both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. They are spread throughout the length and breadth of the Indian sub-continent. The Nayanmars of Shaivism and the Alwars of Vaishnavism have made enormous contribution to the cause of the Hindu faith.
The Alwars are a group of twelve Vaishnava saints. They are famous for their poetry in praise of Lord Vishnu. The collection of their 4000 poems is known as the “Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam”.
Among the Alwars, the first in the line-up is Poigai Alwar, Bhudat Alwar and Peyalwar. They are collectively called as "Mudhal Alwars" (the first Alwars) and belong to the same period of time.
This episode gives a brief account of these three Alwars.
I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Alwars-The Vaishnvie Saints’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books.
https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Alwars?id=AQAAAEAcKRZpGM
https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1530919441
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/alwars-by-venkataraman-m
