An Overview of the Medieval Saints Alvars and Nayanars

During the 7th and 9th centuries, both Nayanars and Alvars headed religious movements across south India. The Bhakti Movement began in Tamil in the 7th century in Southern India, where it is recognized as sections of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, eventually moved northwards. 

They travelled from house to house, authoring and setting to music magnificent poetry in honour of the idols venerated in the temples they encountered. From the fifteenth century forward, this expanded over northeast India, peaking during the ages of 15 and 17th century.

Alvars And Nayanars

Around the 6th century, the Alvars, as well as Nayanars, started several bhakti movements. Alvars include people who devote themselves to Vishnu. The Nayanars are a set of individuals who are Shiva worshipers. Nayanars and Alvars travelled from one location to another, chanting Tamil songs to praise their gods.

What are the Differences between Nayanars and Alvars?

Who had been Alvars and Nayanars, and where did they come from? The Nayanars and Alvars, prominent Tamil composers, contributed significantly to spreading the Bhakti Movement across India’s south between the 5th through 10th centuries.

The Nayanars were a collection of 63 monks who worshipped shiva between the 6th and 8th century CE and were dedicated to and trusted by Lord Shiva. The distinction between Alwar as well as Nayanar has now been briefly discussed. The Nayanars revered Lord Vishnu.

What were the differences between the Alvars and the Nayanars? The Alvars were revered as Tamil writers and saints. They have been from India’s southern states. They gave Lord Vishnu and his incarnation Lord Krishna their faith and love. They sang hymns of desire and devotion to the lords.

Identify the Differences between Alvars and Nayanars.

The Nayanars 

The Nayanars are also referred to as a band of 63 saints whose primary goal was to venerate Lord Shiva. However, they also used to put all of their efforts into it. They were also notable for inspiring the Bhakti movement throughout South India in the early Middle Ages. Sundarar is credited for compiling the identities of the Nayanars initially. Although during the 6th through 8th centuries CE, they were prevalent.

Nayanars

• Lord Shiva and his incarnations were revered and dedicated by Nayanars.
• The Nayanars flourished between the sixth and eighth centuries AD.
• The hymns were translated into a collection of publications designated as the Tirumurai by Raja Raja Chola I’s chief priest, Nambiyandar Nambi.
• The Nayanars were Brahmins, Harijans, and Nobles from varied origins. They were also regarded being one of the most significant Hindu saints from Southern India, alongside the Alvars.

The Alvars 

The Alvars also referred to as alvarkal, were Tamil poet-saints who flourished in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They sometimes used to adore Lord or Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. They sometimes used to dedicate their entire lives to worshipping all these gods. They sang songs of yearning, ecstasy, and sacrifice to the gods to convey their adoration. They lived from the sixth to the tenth century. Mostly during medieval times, the Alvars’ spiritual outbursts aided in the revival of the Bhakti Movement. Their chants of adoration for Lord Vishnu and Hindu Mythology resurrected the bhakti fervour.

Alvars

• Lord Vishnu or his incarnations, including Lord Krishna, were revered and dedicated by Alvars.
• Modern researchers assume the Alvars existed between the 5th and 10th centuries. However, another study suggests that they existed between 4200 and 2700 BCE.
• The Alvars’ songs were compiled into Divya Prabandha, a single volume including all of their hymns.
• The Alvars developed Bhakti writings, which helped establish and preserve a distinct culture distinct from the ritual-oriented Hindu scriptures. They were deeply steeped in commitment and saw it as the only way to redemption.

Conclusion

The Nayanars became Shiva worshipers, whereas the Alvars were Vishnu enthusiasts. They migrated from all classes, even those thought to be “unassailable,” such as the Pulaiyar and Panniers.

 Nayanars and Alvars advocated Shiva or Vishnu’s love as the way to redemption. They travelled from place to place, writing and setting to music magnificent poetry in honour of the goddesses housed in the settlements they visited. 

There have been 63 Nayanars in all, all from various castes. On the other hand, there were 12 Alvars; all of them came from entirely different backgrounds.