Alwars Life Histories
Discover the Alwars—saints whose devotion and pasurams form a cornerstone of Sri Vaishnavite tradition. Each profile includes a brief life story, key contributions, and related videos.
Poigai Alwar
பொய்கை ஆழ்வார்
Period: 7th Century CE
Birthplace: Kanchipuram
Poigai Alwar is one of the first three Alwars, known as Mudhal Alwars. Born from a golden lotus in a pond (poigai) at Kanchipuram, he composed the first hundred verses of Mudhal Tiruvandadi. Legend says he, along with Bhuthathalwar and Peyalwar, took shelter in a small space during a storm where they experienced the divine presence of Lord Vishnu.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • The Three Alwars in the Storm
- • Birth from the Golden Lotus
Bhuthathalwar
பூதத்தாழ்வார்
Period: 7th Century CE
Birthplace: Mahabalipuram
Bhuthathalwar, the second of the Mudhal Alwars, was born from a flower in Mahabalipuram. His name derives from the five elements (Pancha Bhutas). He composed Irandam Tiruvandadi, continuing the devotional poetry tradition.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • The Three Alwars in the Storm
- • Birth at Mahabalipuram
Peyalwar
பேயாழ்வார்
Period: 7th Century CE
Birthplace: Mylapore, Chennai
Peyalwar, the third Mudhal Alwar, was born from a red lily in Mylapore. His name means "the one possessed by divine love." He composed Moonram Tiruvandadi, completing the trilogy.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • The Three Alwars in the Storm
- • Divine Vision at Thirukovilur
Thirumazhisai Alwar
திருமழிசை ஆழ்வார்
Period: 7th-8th Century CE
Birthplace: Thirumazhisai
Born in Thirumazhisai near Chennai, he explored various philosophies before embracing Vaishnavism. Known for his miracle at Kanchipuram where Lord Varadaraja followed him when he was insulted.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Lord Varadaraja Following Him
- • Kanikannan Episode
Nammalwar
நம்மாழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Alwarthirunagari
Considered the greatest of all Alwars, called "Prapanna Jana Kootastha." He spent his early years in meditation under a tamarind tree and composed 1,352 verses including the celebrated Thiruvaimozhi, the Tamil Veda.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Meditation Under the Tamarind Tree
- • Teaching Madhurakavi Alwar
Madhurakavi Alwar
மதுரகவி ஆழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Thirukkolur
Unique among Alwars as his sole composition praises his guru Nammalwar rather than Vishnu directly. He was drawn to Nammalwar by a divine light while on pilgrimage in North India.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Following the Divine Light to Nammalwar
- • Establishing Nammalwar Worship
Kulasekhara Alwar
குலசேகர ஆழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Thiruvanjikkulam, Kerala
A Chera king who ruled from Mahodayapuram. Despite being a king, he was deeply devoted to Lord Rama and Krishna. Known for jumping into a snake pit to prove the innocence of devotees.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Jumping into Snake Pit
- • Devotion to Ramayana
Periyalwar
பெரியாழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Srivilliputhur
Originally named Vishnuchitta, he was a temple priest at Srivilliputhur. He won a debate at the Pandya court and is the foster father of Andal. His verses depict Krishna's childhood with parental love.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Debate at Pandya Court
- • Finding Baby Andal
Andal
ஆண்டாள்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Srivilliputhur
The only female Alwar, found as a baby under a Tulsi plant by Periyalwar. Her Thiruppavai (30 verses) is recited during Margazhi. She merged with Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam, fulfilling her divine marriage.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Wearing Garlands Before Offering to God
- • Marriage to Lord Ranganatha
Thondaradippodi Alwar
தொண்டரடிப்பொடி ஆழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Thirumandangudi
Devoted to maintaining the flower garden for Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam. His name means "dust at the feet of devotees." He was saved from a courtesan's trap by Lord Ranganatha's direct intervention.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • The Courtesan Episode
- • Lord Ranganatha's Rescue
Thiruppanalwar
திருப்பாணாழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Woraiyur
Born in a community considered untouchable, yet his devotion transcended social barriers. Lord Ranganatha commanded a priest to carry him into the temple on his shoulders, breaking caste barriers.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Carried into Temple by Priest
- • Merging with Lord Ranganatha
Thirumangai Alwar
திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார்
Period: 9th Century CE
Birthplace: Thirukurayalur
Originally a chieftain who turned to highway robbery to feed devotees. After encountering Lord Vishnu, he transformed completely. He composed the most verses (1,361) and contributed to Srirangam temple construction.
Key Works:
Key Stories:
- • Transformation from Robber
- • Building Srirangam Walls
The Legacy of the Alwars
The 12 Alwars composed over 4,000 verses collectively known as Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil Veda of Sri Vaishnavism. Their devotion continues to inspire millions today.