Periyalvar

Periyalvar, one of the twelve revered Alvars, was born in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. He is known for his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and for composing the Periyalvar Thirumozhi, a collection of hymns glorifying the Lord, especially as the child Krishna. His songs express motherly affection for the Lord, portraying Him as a divine infant. Periyalvar is also the father of Andal, the only female Alvar. His divine vision of Vishnu at Srivilliputhur temple is widely celebrated. Keywords: Periyalvar, Periyalvar Thirumozhi, Srivilliputhur, Krishna devotion, Andal’s father, Alvar saints, Vishnu Bhakti, Tamil Vaishnavism, Divya Prabandham.