Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam – Periyalwar Shrine
There is
a shrine dedicated to the Periyalvar in Ranganathaswamy temple. Periyalwar or Periazhwar (3055 BC, a
mythology estimate) is one of the twelve azhwar saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Vishnucitta (Periyalwar) was incarnated on this earth in the
47th year after the beginning of the Kali Era (3102 BC).
The
verses of azhwars are compiled as Nalayira Divya Prabandham and the 108 temples revered are classified
as Divya Desam. According to some accounts, Periyazhwar is considered
the first in the line of the twelve azhwars, while other accounts place him as
the eighth. His original name is Vishnuchittar and he since he is considered
the oldest among azhwars, he is called Periazhwar.
Related
to his birth, the traditional scriptures mention that Goda Devi or Andal, the
daughter of Vishnuchittar incarnated on this earth in the 98th year after the
beginning of the Kali Era (3102 BC). As per Hindu legend, Periyazhwar was
the foster father of Andal, the only female azhwars. The works of Periyazhwar
contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. His
contributions are Tirupallandu and Periya Azhwar
Tirumozhi among the 4000 stanzas in the Nalayira Divya Prabandam.
In
South-Indian Vishnu temples, Periyazhwar has images and festivals associated
with him. The verses of Periyazhwar and other azhwars are recited as a part of
daily prayers and during festive occasions in most Vishnu temples in South
India.
Periyalwar
was fascinated by the childhood exploits of Lord
Krishna and developed devotion
and love for God, incarnated as Krishna. And he sang of Krishna, the Child Deity, with maternal love. He was more
concerned about the welfare of child Krishna than his own. Because of his love and devotion, he
was named Periyalwar or great azhwar. Apart from his native Srivilliputhur, he visited Thirukoshtiyur, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple,
Srirangam, Tiruvellarai and Azhagar
Kovil.