A Wisdom Archive on Nayanmars

The Alvars (pronounced 'aalvaars', and also spelt as 'azhvars' and pronounced 'aazhvaars') are Hindu saint-mystics of antiquity, followers of Lord Vishnu. There were twelve of them. They sang in praise of Lord Vishnu. While the Alvars are devotees of Vishnu, the Nayanmars, (pronounced 'naayanmaars') are devotees of Siva. Alvars - Imperishable legacy. The twelve Alvars and sixty-three Nayanmars, the last of whom lived in the 9th century AD – were all inspired and ardent devotees who transmitted their divin ... Including:

• Alvars - Imperishable legacy
• Alvars - The Vedas in Tamil
• Alvars - Tiruppaavai
• Alvars - The remaining Azhvars
• Alvars - Renaissance of Bhakti
• Alvars - External link

Read more here: » Alvars: Encyclopedia - Alvars

The siddhars are believed to have had powers both major and other ‘minor’ powers. They are explained in detail in various yogic as well as religious texts;Thirumandiram 668: To become tiny as the atom within the atom (Anima) To become big in unshakeable proportions (Mahima) To become as light as vapour in levitation (Laghima) To become as heavy as the mountain (Garima) To enter into other bodies in transmigration (Prapti) To be in all things,omni-pervasive (Prakamya) To be lord of all creation in omnipotence (Isatvam) To b ...

Read more here: » Siddhar: Encyclopedia II - Siddhar - Powers of siddhars

In India, whenever religion and philosophy were perceived to be in danger of getting distorted at the hands of a few, reformers emerged to steer the faith away from distortions. They were concerned with the protection of the essence of religion, which is devotion to God; they did their best to rid religion of unwanted fringe elements who tampered with its true nature and practice.

 
(See also: Hinduism Founders, Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul )

Read more here: » Hinduism Founders: Devadasas Rescued Faith From Ritual  

The Pallava period in the history of Tamil land is a period of religious revival of Hinduism by the Saiva Nayanmars who by their bhakti-cult captured the minds of people. They made a tremendous impression on the people by singing the praise of Lord Siva in soul-stirring devotional hymns. The Saiva Tirumurais are twelve in number and the word Tirumurai means 'sacred book'. The first seven Tirumurais are the hymns of the three great Saivite saints. These hymns were the best musical composition of their age. The first three Tirumurais are the exte ...

Read more here: » Tirumurai: Encyclopedia - Tirumurai

Kumbakonam is a town in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. Kumbakonam is sometimes called temple town because of the large number of temples within the town and the nearby areas. The festival of Kumb Mela is celebrated every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam - History. It is said that the town was once the Capital of Cholas in the 7th century. Kumbakonam - Geography. Kumbakonam is located 273 km south of Chennai, 90 ... Including:

• Kumbakonam - History
• Kumbakonam - Geography
• Kumbakonam - Administration
• Kumbakonam - Economy
• Kumbakonam - Temples
• Kumbakonam - Chakrapani Temple
• Kumbakonam - Somessar Temple
• Kumbakonam - Kumbeswara Temple
• Kumbakonam - Nageswaran Temple
• Kumbakonam - The temple at Thirunageswarar
• Kumbakonam - Airatesvara Temple
• Kumbakonam - Education
• Kumbakonam - People from Kumbakonam

Read more here: » Kumbakonam: Encyclopedia - Kumbakonam

The 9 or 18 list as Abithana Chitamani states is as follows, and the following list seems to be more correct than the one above because the siddhars like Karuvoorar, Paambatti are Siddhars of more recent times than those in the list below. Of course all the people mentioned in the list are considered as Siddhars and are unparalleled in their own respects. The 9-list of Siddhars is: Sathyanathar Sadhoganathar Aadhinathar Anadhinathar Vegulinathar Madhanganathar Machaend ...

Read more here: » Siddhar: Encyclopedia II - Siddhar - All Siddhars in order

Please remove this notice after the article has been expanded. Details are on this talk page or at Wikipedia:Requests for expansion. Shaivism (also spelled Saivism, IAST Śaivism; see Sanskrit for pronunciation) is a branch of Hinduism that worships Siva as the Supreme God. Followe ... Including:

• Shaivism - Philosophy and Worship
• Shaivism - History
• Shaivism - Features of Shaivism
• Shaivism - Within Hinduism
• Shaivism - Shaiva Upanishads

Read more here: » Shaivism: Encyclopedia - Shaivism