Azhwars were Tamil poet-saints of Southern India who were devoted to Lord Vishnu Sriman Narayana and played a significant role in the Bhakti movement between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. "Azhwar" (ஆழ்வார்) means "one who is immersed" (in the divine love of Vishnu).There are 12 Azhwars, and they composed a total of 4,000 Tamil verses in Thamizh called the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham. Each of the Azhwar’s are an amsam (part) of Sriman Narayana.
Azhwars were instrumental in popularizing Vishnu worship, particularly in the Tamil Nadu region. The 4000 Divya Prabhandhams form the basis of Sri Vaishnavism, founded by Jagath Acharya Bhagavad Ramanujacharya in the 11th century and are recited in all Vishnu temples. Below is the details of the Azhwars.
| Azhwar | Vaibhavam | Prabandham |
|---|---|---|
| Poigai Azhwar | 5th - 6th CE | Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi |
| Bhoothathazhwar | 5th - 6th CE | Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi |
| Peyazhwar | 5th - 6th CE | Moondram Thiruvandhadhi |
| Thirumazhisai Azhwar | 6th CE | Thirucchandha Virutham |
| Nanmugan Thiruvandhadhi | ||
| Nammazhwar | 8th CE | Thiruviruttham (Rig VEdha sAram) |
| Thiruvasiriyam (Yajur VEdha sAram) | ||
| Periya ThiruvandhAdhi (Atharvana VEdha SAram) | ||
| Thiruvaimozhi (SAma VEdha SAram) | ||
| Madhura Kavi Azhwar | 8th CE | Kanninum Siruthambu |
| Kulasekara Azhwar | 8th CE | Perumal Thirumozhi |
| Periyazhwar | 8th CE | Periyazhwar Thirumozhi |
| Andal (Only Female) | 8th CE | Thiruppavai |
| Nachiyar Thirumozhi | ||
| Thondaradipodi Azhwar | 8th CE | Thirupalliyezhuchi |
| Thirumalai | ||
| ThiruppAnazhwar | 8th - 9th CE | Amalanadhipiran |
| Thirumangai Azhwar | 9th | Periya Thirumozhi |
| Thirukurunthandagam | ||
| Thirunedunthandakam | ||
| Thiruvezukuurrirukkai | ||
| Siriya Thirumadal | ||
| Periya Thirumadal |