All About Azhwars - I

AZHWARS

(Compiled by Vijayakumar)

Who are Azhwars? Azhwars are those who deeply immersed themselves in Bhakthi. Azhwars are considered to be the incaranation of "Nityasirus" of Srivaikuntam. All of them lived like normal human beings and gave the complete Vedas in Tamil form in an easily understandable manner. Hence thier works are "Dravida Vedam". The total number of slokas compiled by them amounts to four thousands.

We call these 4000 slokas as NALAYIRA DIVYA PRABHANDAM. At one stage the world became so unfortunate that the entire 4000 Divya Prabhandam was lost. It was only by Sriman Narayana's divine grace, through Nathamuni we got it back.

Once Nathamuni heard 11 verses which were recited by a group of devotees who visited his home town Veera Narayana Puram, the present day Kattu Mannar Kudi near Mayavaram. When he heard, he realised that these songs had lots of inner meanings. The last of 11 verses indicated that there could be more such songs. He became very curious to find out the balance such songs. When Nathamuni checked up with devotees, they suggested him to go to Kurugoor where he can enquire more about these verses (pasurams).

So Nathamuni went to Kurugoor and got another 11 songs sung by Madhura Kavi Azhwar, namely "Kanninum Chiruthambu" from Parangusa Dasar. Thought he was happy that he got another 11 songs, his curiosity to know about the balance songs increased. When he could not find out any thing Parangusa Dasar suggested to Nathamuni to keep on reciting this Kanninum Chiruthambu and he may get the balance songs. So Nathamuni started reciting and after reciting over 12000 times, Nammazhwar appeared before him and gave him his full works (Thiruvaimozhi). Not only did Nammazhwar gave his ThiruvaiMozhi but also for the benefit of the complete mankind he gave the balance of all the 4000 pasurams sung by all the twelve Azhwars.

Sriman Narayan, through Nathamuni made all of us get back the 4000 pasurams. We all can be proud of our rich heritage which has been bestowed on us by Sriman Narayan Himself. After Nathamuni, the lineage of Acharyas have followed the torch and handed over to the successive generations. Let us all learn more about our Azhwars.

TBC...