# Alvars *The twelve great Vaishnava saints of South India* ## The Twelve Alvars South Indian Vaishnava saints who composed devotional poetry in Tamil. They lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE and are revered in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. ### Early Alvars 1. **Poigaiazwar** - One of the first three alvars - Composed the Mudal Tiruvandiadi 2. **Bhootazwar** - First of the three alvars - Devotional poetry saint 3. **Peyazwar** - Child devotee - Known for pure devotion ### Middle Period Alvars 4. **Tirumazhisaiazwar** - Composed spiritual verses - Great poet-saint 5. **Tondaradippodi Alvar** - Known for service attitude - Author of devotional works 6. **Tirupanalvar** - Devotee of humble origin - Symbol of pure devotion transcending social status ### Later Alvars 7. **Tirumangaimazhwar** - Most prolific alvar - Vast collection of Tamil devotional poetry - Great warrior and devotee 8. **Kulasekara Alvar** - Royal devotee - King and spiritual master 9. **Perialvar** - Foster father of Andal - Devotional leader 10. **Andal** - Female devotee saint - Only woman among the twelve alvars - Bride of Lord Ranganatha 11. **Tirupanalar** - Worker saint - Manual laborer with pure heart 12. **Vishnuchitta (Nammalvar)** - Greatest among the alvars - Most revered by Sri Vaishnavas - Author of Tiruvaymoli ## Alvar Characteristics - Composed devotional Tamil poetry - Lived lives of intense devotion - Traveled on pilgrimage - Established temples and devotional centers - Exemplified bhakti-yoga principles ## Their Contributions - Created South Indian Vaishnava theology - Established temple worship traditions - Composed hymns still chanted daily - Demonstrated devotion transcends caste and status - Influenced Ramanuja and Sri Vaishnava sampradaya ## Related Topics - [[index/personalities/acaryas|Acaryas]] - Spiritual teachers - [[index/personalities/devotees|Devotees]] - Examples of devotion - [[index/personalities/sages|Sages]] - Spiritual masters --- *This index is under development. Additional entries from Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters will be added as the indexing work progresses.*