INTRODUCTION
Periyalvar (9th century), was one of the twelve alvars of South India. His birth name was Vishnuchittar. He was born at Srivilliputhur, Tamilnadu.
According to Hindu texts, Periyalvarhasadopted Andalalvar as his daughter. His contributions are Thirupallandu and PeriyaAzhwarthirumozhi and were included in the Nalayira Divya Prabandam.
LIFE
Periyalwar was born into a Brahmin family in Srivilliputhur, near Madurai and was named as Vishnuchittar. He would make garlands of flowers for the deity of the temple. As per Hindu legend, Andalwas brought up by Vishnuchittar with much care and attention towards her. As Andal grew up, she decided to marry Lord Ranganatha. And as per the instructions of Lord Ranganatha given to the priests in their dream, they have prepared for the wedding. And always believed to have merged with Lord Ranganatha at the Sriram Temple, Trichy.
IMPORTANCE
Periyalvar was attracted by the childhood pleasant acts of Lord Krishna and developed a deep love and devotion on Lord Krishna.
He was a great spiritual master and a guru for the people and moved the people towards the spiritual path. He was the main person towards establishing strong faith in the principles of Vaishnavism among the people. He was a humble and knowledgeable person.
The Periyalvar Mangalasasanam festival is celebrated every year during the Tamil month of Aadi in the Vadapadrasayi temple in Srivilliputhur.
CONCLUSION
Periyalvar was a great saint and a spiritual guru and attained the glory of God. He is residing in Vaikunta by chanting Lord Vishnu’s names and doing great service to him. Let us bow our heads on this great alvar, and offer our prayers to him and be blessed.
“OM SREE PERIYALVARE NAMAHA”
“OM SREE ANDAL THAYE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMO NARAYANAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR
