|
Bhoothath Azhwar (also spelt Bhoothathalvar or Bhoothath Alvar) is one of the twelve ''azhwar'' saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. The verses of ''azhwars'' are compiled as ''Nalayira Divya Prabandham'' and the 108 temples revered are classified as ''Divya desam''. Bhoothath is considered second in the list of the three principal ''azhwars'', with the other two being Poigai Azhwar and Pey Azhwar, collectively called ''Muthalamazhwargal'' who are known to be born out of divinity. Bhoothath composed hundred verses that are classified as ''Irandam Tiruvandadhi'' and his composition is set in the ''Andhadhi'' style in which the ending syllable is the starting one for the next verse. As per Hindu legend, Bhoothath was found in a liquorice flower in Thirukadalmallai (modern-day Mahabalipuram. In Tamil, ''Bhootham'' refers to one who is possessed and since the saint was madly attracted to Hindu god Vishnu, he got the name. As per legend, the three ''azhwars'' were once were confined in a small dark enclosure during a rain in Thirukovilur and they experienced a fourth individual among them. They found out that it was god Vishnu and Poigai wished to see his face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightening. With a view to maintain the continuity of light, Poigai instantly composed hundred songs wishing light to emerge. Pey and Bhoothath continued composing hundred songs each on Vishnu. The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. Along with the three Saiva nayanmars, they influenced the ruling Pallava kings of the South Indian region, resulting in changing the religious geography from Buddhism and Jainism to the two sects of Hinduism. ==Azhwars== The word ''azhwar'' means the one who dives deep into the ocean of the countless attributes of god. ''Azhwars'' are considered the twelve supreme devotees of Vishnu, who were instrumental in popularising Vaishnavism. 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''.〔Dalal 2011, pp. 20-21〕 The saints had different origins and belonged to different castes. As per tradition, the first three ''azhwars'', Poigai, Bhutha and Pey were born miraculously. Tirumizhisai was the son of a sage, Thondaradi, Mathurakavi, Peria and Andal were from brahmin community, Kulasekhara from ''Kshatria'' community, Namm was from a cultivator family, Tirupana from ''panar'' community and Tirumangai from ''kazhwar'' community. ''Divya Suri Saritra'' by Garuda-Vahana Pandita (11th century AD), ''Guruparamparaprabavam'' by Pinbaragiya Perumal Jiyar, ''Periya tiru mudi adaivu'' by Anbillai Kandadiappan, ''Yatindra Pranava Prabavam'' by Pillai Lokacharya, commentaries on ''Divya Prabandam'', Guru Parampara (lineage of Gurus) texts, temple records and inscriptions give a detailed account of the ''azhwars'' and their works. According to these texts, the saints were considered incarnations of some form of Vishnu. Poigai is considered an incarnation of ''Panchajanya'' (Krishna's conch), Bhoothath of ''Kaumodakee'' (Vishnu's Mace/Club), Pey of ''Nandaka'' (Vishnu's sword), Thirumalisai of 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Bhoothath Azhwar」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|