The article begins with the Alvars and Nayanars of Tamil Nadu, who were poet-saints of the 6th century. They travelled from place to place, singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. Their importance lies not only in devotion, but also in the way they came from different social backgrounds, including Brahmanas, artisans, cultivators and untouchables.
The article then expands into later Bhakti and religious traditions such as Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Shankaradeva, Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Lingayats, Saints of Maharashtra, Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis.
Table of Contents
Alvars and Nayanars of Tamil Nadu
The Alvars and Nayanars were Tamil Bhakti poet-saints.
They travelled from place to place and sang devotional hymns in Tamil.
Their songs were dedicated to their gods and became an important part of South Indian Bhakti tradition.
Main Features
- They belonged to Tamil Nadu.
- They were 6th century poet-saints.
- They sang hymns in Tamil.
- Their followers came from different social backgrounds.
- Bhaktas included Brahmanas, artisans, cultivators and untouchables.
- Their movement helped strengthen devotional religion in South India.
Nalayira Divya Prabandham
The Nalayira Divyaprabandham is a celebrated 10th-century compilation of Tamil devotional poetry.
It is described as the Tamil Veda.
This is important because it shows that Tamil devotional literature was given a sacred status similar to Vedic literature in Sanskrit.
Women Devotees in Alvar and Nayanar Tradition
Two prominent female poet-saints hold an esteemed place in these traditions:
| Tradition | Woman Devotee |
|---|---|
| Alvar | Andal |
| Nayanar | Karaikkal Ammaiyar |
Andal is the important woman saint among the Alvars, while Karaikkal Ammaiyar is associated with the Nayanar tradition.
Nayanars
The Nayanars were devotees of Shiva.
There are 63 recognized Nayanar saints in the Shaivite canon.
They belonged to different caste backgrounds such as:
- Potters
- Untouchable workers
- Peasants
- Hunters
- Soldiers
- Brahmanas
- Chiefs
This shows the broad social base of the Nayanar movement.
Important Nayanar Saints
The important Nayanar poet-saints includes:
- Appar — 7th century
- Sambandar — 7th century
- Sundarar — 8th century
- Manikkavasagar
Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar are described as important Saivite poets.
Their hymns were compiled by Nambiyandar Nambi and named Tevaram.
Their songs are also associated with Tevaram and Tiruvackam.
Alvars
The Alvars were devotees of Vishnu.
There were 12 Alvars and they also came from diverse backgrounds.
Important Alvar Saints
- Periyalvar
- Andal, daughter of Periyalvar
- Tondaradippodi Alvar
- Namalvar
Their songs were compiled in Divya Prabandhan.
Alvars vs Nayanars
| Basis | Alvars | Nayanars |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu |
| Main Devotion | Vishnu | Shiva |
| Number | 12 | 63 |
| Important Woman Saint | Andal | Karaikkal Ammaiyar |
| Important Text / Compilation | Divya Prabandham | Tevaram and Tiruvackam |
| Important Saints | Periyalvar, Andal, Tondaradippodi Alvar, Namalvar | Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar |
| Language of Hymns | Tamil | Tamil |
Kabir
Kabir belonged to the 14th–15th centuries.
The name Kabir is derived from the Arabic word for ‘great’.
Kabir was raised by a poor Muslim family belonging to the weaver community.
His Guru was Ramananda.
Compilation of Kabir’s Teachings
Three important sources for Kabir’s compositions:
| Compilation | Preservation / Association |
|---|---|
| Bijak | Preserved by Kabir Panthis in Varanasi and elsewhere in Uttar Pradesh |
| Kabir Granthawali | Associated with Dadupanth in Rajasthan |
| Adi Granth Sahib | Many of Kabir’s compositions are found in it |
Language and Ideas of Kabir
The language of Kabir’s poems was:
- Nirguna Sant Bhasha
- Ulatbansi, meaning upside-down sayings
Kabir described ultimate reality using several names.
From Islamic tradition, he used names such as:
- Allah
- Khuda
- Hazrat
- Pir
From Vedantic traditions, he used terms such as:
- Alakh — the unseen
- Nirakar
- Brahman
- Atman
From yogic traditions, Kabir incorporated key concepts such as:
- Shabda — sound
- Shunya — emptiness
Some of Kabir’s poems used monotheism and iconoclasm to attack polytheism and idol worship. Some also used Zikr and Ishq for nam-simran.
Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak lived from 1469 to 1539.
He was born in a Hindu merchant family in a village called Nankana Sahib, near the river Ravi.
Trained as an accountant, Guru Nanak studied Persian before fully devoting his life to spiritual pursuits.
Teachings of Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak advocated Nirguna Bhakti.
For Guru Nanak, the Rab had no gender or form.
He composed Shabad in Punjabi and sang it.
His attendant was Mardana.
Guru Nanak also set up rules for congregational worship called Sangat, involving collective recitation.
His successor was Guru Angad.
Guru Nanak never intended to establish a new religion.
Adi Granth Sahib and Guru Granth Sahib
The fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev, compiled Guru Nanak’s hymns along with the hymns of his four successors.
He also included compositions of:
- Baba Farid
- Ravidas or Raidas
- Kabir
These were compiled in the Adi Granth Sahib.
The hymns are called Gurbani and were composed in many languages.
In the late 17th century, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, included the compositions of the ninth Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur. This scripture is called the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa Panth
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth and defined its five sacred symbols, known as the 5 Ks.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kesh | Uncut hair |
| Katar | A dagger |
| Kachchh | A pair of shorts |
| Kangha | A comb |
| Kada | A steel bangle |
Under him, the community became a consolidated socio-religious and military force.
Mirabai
Mirabai belonged to the 15th–16th centuries. She was a Rajput princess from Merta in Marwar.
She was married to a Sisodia prince of Mewar, Rajasthan.
She was a devotee of Krishna.
Her Guru was Raidas, a leather worker.
Shankaradeva
Shankaradeva belonged to the late 15th century.
He was a Vaishnav saint.
His teachings are described as Bhagavati Dharma, based on the Bhagavata Purana.
Main Features of Shankaradeva’s Teachings
- He emphasized Naam Kirtan.
- He encouraged the establishment of Satra, or monasteries, for transmitting spiritual knowledge.
- His compositions are called Kirtan-Ghosha.
The exam section also associates Shankaradeva with Assam and Ekasarana Dharma.
Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya belonged to the 8th century.
- He was born in Kerala on 11 May 788 AD at Kaladi, Kochi.
- He took Samadhi at the age of 33 at Kedar Tirth.
- His Guru was Bhagavatapada.
Philosophy of Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya’s philosophy was Advaita, or the doctrine of the oneness of the individual soul and the supreme God.
According to him:
- Brahman is the only ultimate reality.
- Brahman is formless and without attributes.
- The world is an illusion, or Maya.
- Knowledge is necessary to understand the true nature of Brahman.
Works and Mathas of Shankaracharya
Major literary and philosophical works attributed to Shankaracharya include:
- Brahmasutra Bhashya / Brahmasutrabhaga
- Bhajgovinda
- Stotra
- Nirvana Shatakam
- Prakaran Granths
The exam section states that Shankaracharya established four Mathas.
- Shringeri
- Puri
- Dwarka
- Badrinath
Ramanuja
Ramanuja belonged to the 11th century and was associated with Tamil Nadu.
He was influenced by the Alvars.
Ramanuja taught that devotion to Lord Vishnu is the best means to attain salvation.
He propounded Vishishtadvaita, or qualified oneness.
This means that the soul, even when united with the supreme God, remains distinct.
Lingayats or Virashaivism
Lingayats as wearers of the Linga and Virashaivism as the tradition of the heroes of Shiva.
The Virashaiva movement was started by Basavana and his companions, including:
- Allama Prabhu
- Akkamahadevi
The movement began in Karnataka in the 12th century.
Main Ideas of Lingayats
The Lingayats strongly argued against:
- Brahmanical ideas about caste
- Treatment of women
- Rituals
- Idol worship
They wore a small linga in a silver case, on a loop strung over the left shoulder.
They believed that after death, the devotee would be united with Shiva and would not return to the world.
They did not practise cremation. They buried their dead.
They also questioned the theory of rebirth.
Social Practices of Lingayats
The Lingayats encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras, such as:
- Post-puberty marriage
- Remarriage of widows
Vachanas are compositions in Kannada by women and men who joined the Virashaiva tradition.
Saints of Maharashtra
A vibrant Bhakti movement flourished in Maharashtra between the 13th and 17th centuries.
Male Poets
- Janeshwar
- Namdev
- Eknath
- Tukaram
Chokhamela, who belonged to the Mahar caste.
These saints prayed to Vithala, a form of Vishnu, at Pandharpur.
They supported the idea of a personal god residing in the hearts of all people.
Main Ideas
- They rejected ritualism.
- They rejected outward display of piety.
- They rejected social discrimination.
- They did not renounce their families.
- They earned their livelihood like ordinary people.
Narsinh Mehta was a renowned Gujarati Bhakti saint of this period.
Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis
Parallel movements also included the Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis, who emphasized ascetic practice and renunciation.
They advocated renunciation of the world.
They believed in a formless Ultimate Reality and the realization of oneness with it.
Their practices included:
- Yogasanas
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation
They became popular among the “low” caste groups.
FAQs on Alvars and Nayanars
Who were Alvars and Nayanars?
Alvars and Nayanars were Tamil Bhakti poet-saints who travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods.
The Alvars were devoted to which deity?
The Alvars were devoted to Vishnu.
The Nayanars were devoted to which deity?
The Nayanars were devoted to Shiva.
How many Alvars were there?
There were 12 Alvars.
How many Nayanars were there?
There were 63 Nayanars.
Who was Andal?
Andal was an important woman devotee among the Alvars.
Who was Karaikkal Ammaiyar?
Karaikkal Ammaiyar was an important woman devotee among the Nayanars.
What is Tevaram?
Tevaram is the compilation of Nayanar hymns by Nambiyandar Nambi.
What is Divya Prabandham?
Divya Prabandham is the compilation of Alvar songs.
Why is Nalayira Divya Prabandham important?
Nalayira Divya Prabandham as the Tamil Veda.
Who was Kabir’s Guru?
Kabir’s Guru was Ramananda.
What are the major compilations of Kabir?
Bijak, Kabir Granthawali and compositions included in Adi Granth Sahib.
What was Guru Nanak’s main teaching?
Guru Nanak advocated Nirguna Bhakti and taught that Rab had no gender or form.
What is Sangat?
Sangat was congregational worship involving collective recitation.
Who compiled the Adi Granth Sahib?
The fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev, compiled the Adi Granth Sahib.
Who was Mirabai devoted to?
Mirabai was devoted to Krishna.
Who was Mirabai’s Guru?
Mirabai’s Guru was Raidas, a leather worker.
Who was Shankaradeva?
Shankaradeva was a late 15th century Vaishnav saint whose teachings were based on the Bhagavata Purana.
What did Shankaracharya preach?
Shankaracharya preached Advaita, the doctrine of oneness of the individual soul and supreme God.
What did Ramanuja preach?
Ramanuja preached Vishishtadvaita, or qualified oneness.
Who started the Lingayat movement?
The Lingayat or Virashaiva movement was started by Basavana.
What are Vachanas?
Vachanas are Kannada compositions by women and men who joined the Virashaiva tradition.
Which deity did Maharashtra saints worship at Pandharpur?
They worshipped Vithala, a form of Vishnu, at Pandharpur.
What did Nathpanthis emphasize?
Nathpanthis emphasized renunciation, formless Ultimate Reality, yogasanas, breathing exercises and meditation.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Alvars and Nayanars
- Alvars and Nayanars were 6th century poet-saints of Tamil Nadu.
- They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil.
- Bhaktas came from diverse social backgrounds.
- Nalayira Divya Prabandham is described as the Tamil Veda.
- Andal was the woman saint among Alvars.
- Karaikkal Ammaiyar was the woman saint among Nayanars.
- Nayanars were devotees of Shiva.
- There were 63 Nayanars.
- Important Nayanars were Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikkavasagar.
- Nambiyandar Nambi compiled Nayanar hymns and named them Tevaram.
- Nayanar songs are compiled in Tevaram and Tiruvackam.
- Alvars were devotees of Vishnu.
- There were 12 Alvars.
- Important Alvars were Periyalvar, Andal, Tondaradippodi Alvar and Namalvar.
- Alvar songs were compiled in Divya Prabandham.
- Kabir belonged to the 14th–15th centuries.
- Kabir’s Guru was Ramananda.
- Kabir’s compositions are preserved in Bijak, Kabir Granthawali and Adi Granth Sahib.
- Kabir used Nirguna Sant Bhasha and Ulatbansi.
- Kabir attacked polytheism and idol worship in some poems.
- Guru Nanak lived from 1469 to 1539.
- Guru Nanak was born at Nankana Sahib near the Ravi.
- Guru Nanak advocated Nirguna Bhakti.
- For Guru Nanak, Rab had no gender or form.
- Guru Nanak composed Shabad in Punjabi.
- Guru Nanak’s attendant was Mardana.
- Guru Nanak’s successor was Guru Angad.
- Guru Arjun Dev compiled hymns into Adi Granth Sahib.
- Guru Gobind Singh included Guru Tegh Bahadur’s compositions into Guru Granth Sahib.
- Guru Gobind Singh laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.
- The 5 Ks listed are Kesh, Katar, Kachchh, Kangha and Kada.
- Mirabai was a Rajput princess from Merta in Marwar.
- Mirabai was married to a Sisodia prince of Mewar.
- Mirabai was a devotee of Krishna.
- Mirabai’s Guru was Raidas.
- Shankaradeva was a late 15th century Vaishnav saint.
- Shankaradeva’s teachings were based on Bhagavata Purana.
- Shankaradeva emphasized Naam Kirtan.
- Shankaradeva encouraged Satra or monasteries.
- Shankaradeva’s compositions are called Kirtan-Ghosha.
- Shankaracharya belonged to the 8th century.
- Shankaracharya was born at Kaladi in Kerala.
- Shankaracharya’s philosophy was Advaita.
- According to Shankaracharya, the world is Maya.
- Ramanuja belonged to the 11th century and was influenced by Alvars.
- Ramanuja propounded Vishishtadvaita.
- Lingayat or Virashaiva movement began in Karnataka in the 12th century.
- Lingayat movement was started by Basavana.
- Lingayats opposed caste ideas, rituals and idol worship.
- Lingayats buried their dead instead of cremating them.
- Vachanas are Kannada compositions of the Virashaiva tradition.
- Maharashtra saints prayed to Vithala at Pandharpur.
- Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis practised yoga, breathing exercises and meditation.