The alwar or azhwars were 12 Tamil poet-saints of south India who espoused ‘emotional devotion’ or bhakti to Visnu-Krishna in their songs of longing, ecstasy and service.
The alwar or azhwars were 12 Tamil poet-saints of south India who espoused ‘emotional devotion’ or bhakti to Visnu-Krishna in their songs of longing, ecstasy and service. The Alwars are crucially important figures in the development of Vaishnavism; it is the principles and beliefs embodied in the Alwars' poems that ultimately gave rise to the Sri Vaishnava sect.
They are twelve* in number. They are:
Poigai Alwar
Bhoothathalwar
Peyalwar
Thirumalisai Alwar
Nammalwar
Madhurakavi Alwar
Kulashekhara Alwar
Periyalwar
Periyalwar
Thondaradippodi Alwar
Thiruppaan Alwar
Thirumangai Alwar
* Vadakalai sect of Sri Vaishnavas considers only 10 alwars excluding Madhurakavi Alwar and Andal. They are worshipped and revered but not included in this list of Alwars.
