Alwars

Alwars, who are said to be the Hamsam of Sriman Narayanan, have dedicated their lives towards the Emperumaan and they led their life by praising and doing Mangalasasanam on Sriman Naryanan. These Alwars are 12 in Number and out of which one is Sri Andal, who is a woman.

These Alwars were born in various parts of our country but they were all united in a common subject, ie dedicating their lives and praising the Lord.

Poigai Alwar, Bhoodath Alwar and Pei Alwar are collectively called as "Mudhal Alwars" were found in the same period of time.

Period 7th C. AD Place Kanchipuram Other Names Saro-yogi, Kaasaara-yogi, Poigai-piraan, Padma-muni, Kavinyarporeyeru Month Iyppasi Star (Natshatram) Thiruvonam (Sravana) Hamsam Panchajanya (Conch)

Thondai Naadu, which is said to be the land full of brightness and nature's beauty, has a number of cities in it. Likewise, Kanchipuram is one of the cities, which is said to be gifted by Nature in its wealth and beauty. Thiru Atthiyoor (Chinna Kanchipuram) is one of the small part of Kanchipuram, which is surrounded by numerous Vishnu temples and this Kanchi is called "Vishnu Kanchi". Big Kanchipuram is full of Shiva perumal temple and it is named as "Shiva Kanchi".

Thiru vekka, also called as "Yadhothakaari Sannadhi" which is found in Vishnu Kanchi, has its own speciality and Sriman Narayanan's Anugraha (Blessings). Nearer to the Yadhothakaari temple, is found a Poigai (small pond), which is full of beautiful, fresh lotus flowers are found. Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal, is found close to this pond and giving his seva to the entire world.

The Pond, which is found in the Great Ksthetram, inspite of having the nourishing smell and beauty, it has another speciality to be said. In Siddhartha year, Iyppasi Month, Suklashtami Tuesday in Tiruvona Natshatram, as an Hamsam of one of the Panjayudham (5 Weapons) of Sriman Narayanan - Thiru Sangu, Poigai Alwar was born in this world. Since, he was born in this poigai (Pond), he is called as "Poigai Alwar".

From the Childhood, his thinking was always on the almighty, Sriman Narayanan and made up his mind that he should follow him and want to spread his fame to the world. He learnt all the Vaishhava's speech and acted according to it and led his life as how a Vaishnava should be.

Knowing the greatness of Thirumaals devotion and thought him fame has to be spread to all the humans in the whole world, he left all of his general human characters like Love, Angry and having the mind to earn wealth. 

Thirumazhisai Alwar, who thought the Perumal as his friend and has sung Mangalasasanam on Perumal.

Thirumangai Alwar, who was a great king in his starting of life but later, changed his life to work for the Perumal and for his bhaktaas.

Thondaradippodi Alwar, who is also named as "Vipra Narayanar" led his life as the slave to the Perumal and worked for the Perumal by dedicating him with Garlands.

Thiruppaan Alwar, who belonged to the Paanar family, praised the Perumal through his beautiful songs and Paasurams.

Periyalwar, is considered as the Mother, Father for Sri Andal and Father-in-Law to Perumal has sung Mangalasasanam on Perumal.

Sri Andal, who is also called as "Soodikkodutha Sudar Kodi" is said to be the daughter (brought up) of Periyalwar has created "Thiruppavai" in which she considers Sriman Naryanan as her husband. She is the only lady alwar.

Nammalwar, who sat below the Tamarind tree without having any food and sleep got Gnana and has sung Mangalasasanam on Perumal and he has worked hard to spread Sri Vaishnavam.

Madhurakavi Alwar, who is said to be the Sishyan (Student) of Nammalwar is also one among 12 Alwars.

Kulasekara Alwar, have a great bhakti towards Sri Ramar have also done Mangalasasanam on the Perumal particularly in Malayala Naatu thriuppathigal.