Alvars and Nayanars

The essentials

Some of the earliest bhakti movements (c. sixth century) were led by the Alvars (literally, those who are "immersed" in devotion to Vishnu) and the Nayanars (leaders who were devotees of Shiva). They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. During their travels they identified certain shrines as abodes of their deities; very often large temples were later built at these sacred places, which became centres of pilgrimage.

Key points

• There were 12 Alvars and 63 Nayanars, according to tradition. They came from diverse backgrounds, including Brahmanas, artisans, cultivators and even castes considered "untouchable".
• Some historians suggest they protested against the caste system and Brahmanical dominance; others argue they did not abolish caste but tried to reform it.
• The Alvars' compositions were compiled as the Nalayira Divyaprabandham ("Four Thousand Sacred Compositions"), which was described as being as significant as the four Vedas — the "Tamil Veda".
• The Nayanars' hymns were compiled as the Tevaram.
• Women devotees: Andal, an Alvar woman, saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a Nayanar devotee, adopted extreme asceticism.
• Tensions with Buddhism and Jainism are reflected in some hymns.
• Powerful Chola rulers (ninth to thirteenth centuries) supported Brahmanical and bhakti traditions, making land grants and building temples for Shiva, such as at Chidambaram, Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. Bronze sculpture of Shiva flourished.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the two: Alvars — Vishnu; Nayanars — Shiva.