Nalayira-Divyaprabandham belonged to.............................

The correct answer is - Vaishnavism

Key Points

• Nalayira Divyaprabandham
  • It is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses, composed by 12 Alvars (devotees of Lord Vishnu).
  • The term "Divyaprabandham" means divine composition, reflecting its sacred nature.
  • These hymns are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and glorify his various manifestations and temples.
• Vaishnavism
  • Vaishnavism is a major tradition within Hinduism, centered on the worship of Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna.
  • The Nalayira Divyaprabandham forms the core of Tamil Vaishnavism and is an integral part of Vaishnava temple rituals.
  • The hymns emphasize the devotional aspect of Vaishnavism, promoting surrender to God and spiritual liberation.

Additional Information

• Alvars
  • The Alvars were devotional poets from Tamil Nadu who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE.
  • Their hymns are considered to be divinely inspired and form the foundation of Vaishnava theology.
  • Prominent Alvars include Periyalvar, Andal, Thirumangai Alvar, and Nammalvar.
• Related Texts
  • The Nalayira Divyaprabandham is often compared to the Sanskrit Vedas and is referred to as the Tamil Veda.
  • Other major Vaishnavite texts include the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Sahasranama, and Puranas like the Bhagavata Purana.
• Temple Worship
  • The hymns from the Nalayira Divyaprabandham are recited during temple rituals in Vaishnava temples across Tamil Nadu.
  • They are a vital part of the daily worship practices and festivals, reinforcing the devotional connection between devotees and Vishnu.