Difference between Alvars and nayanars - Social Science - Devotional Paths to the Divine

Question

Difference between Alvars and nayanars ?

P. Sujatha · Accepted Answer

S
No

Alwars

Nayanars

1

Saints
devoted to Lord Vishnu are Alwars

Saints
devoted to Lord Shiva are Nayanars

2

There
were 12 alwars who came from different backgrounds, like
Periyalvar, Nammalvar, Andal etc

There
were 63 nayanars who belonged to different castes like potters,
untouchable workers, peasants etc

3

Their
songs were compiled in a book called Divya prabandham

Their
songs were compiled in Tevaram and Thiruvachakam

S. No	Alwars	Nayanars
1.	Saints devoted to Lord Vishnu are Alwars	Saints devoted to Lord Shiva are Nayanars
2.	There were 12 alwars who came from different backgrounds, like Periyalvar, Nammalvar, Andal etc	There were 63 nayanars who belonged to different castes like potters, untouchable workers, peasants etc
3	Their songs were compiled in a book called Divya prabandham	Their songs were compiled in Tevaram and Thiruvachakam