According to these texts, the saints were considered incarnations of some form of Vishnu. According to tradition, Tirumazhisai was the son of a sage, Thondaradi, Mathurakavi, Periyalvar were from brahmin community, Kulasekhara from Kshatria community, Nammalvar was from a cultivator family, Tirupanalvar from panar /farmer-weaver community and Tirumangai from kalvar community.Дivya Suri Saritra by Garuda-Vahana Pandita (11th century CE), Guruparamparaprabhavam by Pinbaragiya Perumal Jeeyar, Periya tiru mudi adaivu by Anbillai Kandadiappan, Yatindra Pranava Prabavam by Pillai Lokam Jeeyar, commentaries on Divya Prabandam, Guru Parampara (lineage of Gurus) texts, temple records and inscriptions give a detailed account of the azhwars and their works. As per tradition, the first three azhwars(mudhal azhwargal ), Poigai, Bhuthathalvar, Peyalvar ans Andal were said to be born out of divinity. The saints had different origins and belonged to different castes. The religious works of these saints in Tamil, songs of love and devotion, are compiled as Nalayira Divya Prabandham containing 4000 verses and the 108 temples revered in their songs are classified as Divya desam. Azhwars are considered the twelve supreme devotees of Vishnu, who were instrumental in popularising Vaishnavism during the 5th-8th centuries CE. The word azhwar in Tamil, means one who immerses oneself into the ocean of the countless attributes of god.

Image of Rangamannar-Andal temple in Srivilliputhur

108 divya desam tamil song