The poets Periyalvar and Nammalvar belonged to which of the following religious traditions ?

The correct answer is - Alvar

Key Points

• Periyalvar and Nammalvar were two prominent poets and saints associated with the Alvar tradition.
• The Alvars were Tamil poet-saints of the Vaishnavism tradition, devoted to Lord Vishnu.
• Periyalvar is known for his hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu, focusing on the concept of bhakti (devotion).
  • He composed the famous Pallandu, which means "long live," invoking blessings for Lord Vishnu.
• Nammalvar is considered the greatest among the Alvars.
  • He authored the Tiruvaymoli, a collection of hymns that forms the essence of the Dravida Veda.
• The teachings and hymns of the Alvars deeply influenced the Bhakti Movement in South India.

Additional Information

• Alvar Tradition
  • The word Alvar means "one who is immersed" (in devotion to God).
  • There are traditionally 12 Alvars, including Periyalvar and Nammalvar.
  • The hymns composed by them are collectively called the Divya Prabandham, which is revered as a sacred text in Tamil literature.
• Vaishnavism
  • Vaishnavism is one of the major traditions within Hinduism, centered around the worship of Vishnu and his avatars like Rama and Krishna.
  • The Alvar saints played a significant role in popularizing Vaishnavism in Tamil Nadu.
• Bhakti Movement
  • The Bhakti Movement was a devotional movement that emphasized love and devotion to a personal deity.
  • The Alvars were early precursors of this movement, which later spread across India.
  • Their teachings inspired the synthesis of Tamil and Sanskrit traditions in devotional literature.