15 Facts About Poigai Alvar

Poigai Alvar was one of the twelve Alvar saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism.

Poigai is one of the three principal Alvars, with the other two being Bhoothath Alvar and Peyalvar, collectively called Mutalamalvargal, who are regarded to be born out of divinity.

Poigai Alvar composed hundred verses that are classified as Mutal Tiruvantati, and his composition is set in the antati style, in which the ending syllable is the starting one for the next verse.

Poigai Alvar was found in a small pond near the Yadhotakaari temple at Tiruvekkaa.

Poigai Alvar mastered all the Vaishnava speeches, and followed the Vaishnava tradition.

Poigai Alvar was variously known as Ayonigi, Saro-yogi, Kasara-yogi, Poigai-piraan, Saravora Munindra and Padma-muni.

Poigai Alvar gave the wonderful Mutal Tiruvantati pasuram, which is like a lamp that drives away the darkness of the mind and elevates the soul.

The wandering Poigai Alvar found out a small hide out, which has a space for one person to lie down.

Bhoothath Alvar arrived there looking for a hiding place and Poigai Alvar accommodated him, with both sitting together.

Poigai Alvar wished to see Vishnu's face continuously, but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning.

The song is interpreted as the Poigai Alvar praying to god to remove the darkness and ask for his unlimited knowledge and power.

Bhoothath Poigai Alvar sang 100 songs imagining to light the lamp constantly through ardent love for him.

Poigai Alvar composed hundred verses that are classified as the Mutal Tiruvantati.

Poigai Alvar has revered Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in one, Thirupaarkadal in one, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in ten, Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple in two, Vaikuntha in two and Tiruvekkaa in four verses.

Poigai Alvar Utsavam is a festival celebrated annually during the birth date of the saint based on Tamil calendar in the Yathothkariswami temple at Tiruvekka.