Andal in the context of "Alvars"

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👉 Andal in the context of Alvars

The Alvars (Tamil: ஆழ்வார், romanized: Āḻvār, lit. 'The Immersed') are the Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused bhakti (devotion) to the Hindu preserver deity Vishnu, through their songs of longing, ecstasy, and service. They are venerated in Vaishnavism, which regards Vishnu as the Ultimate Reality.

Orthodoxy posits the number of Alvars as ten, though there are other references that include Andal and Madhurakavi Alvar, making the number 12. Andal is the only female Alvar. Together with the 63 contemporary Shaivite Nayanars, they are among the most important saints from Tamil Nadu.

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Andal in the context of Women in Hinduism

Diverse views on women and their roles exist within Hinduism.

Ancient and medieval era Hindu texts differ in their positions on the duties and rights of women. The texts describe eight kinds of marriage, including consensual arranged marriage (Brahma or Devic), unceremonial marriage by mutual agreement (Gandharva), and rape, which is considered sinful (Paishacha). Scholars state that Vedic-era Hindu texts did not mention dowry or sati, which likely became widespread in the second millennium AD. Throughout history, Hindu society has seen many female rulers, such as Rudramadevi, religious figures and saints, such as Andal, philosophers, such as Maitreyi, and female practitioners/conductors of Vedic Hindu rituals.

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