(7th century) One of
the first three Alvars, a group of twelve poet saints who lived in southern
India during the seventh and tenth centuries, along with Pey and Bhutam.
All of the Alvars were Vishnu worshippers (bhakta), and
their fervent devotion (bhakti) to a per sonal deity, expressed via songs sung
in Tamil, transformed and reinvigorated Hindu religious life.
According to legend, the three men were trapped in a violent
downpour and sought refuge in a little dry patch, one after the other, each
making place for the next.
They sensed a fourth presence, Vishnu, as they stood next to
each other.
The alvars were so powerful worshippers that their combined
might was enough to set Vishnu's mani festation in motion.
Overwhelmed with excitement, they each broke into song, the
first of which became the first of their creations.
More details may be found in Kamil Zvelebil's Tamil
Literature, published in 1975.
