Nayanars - Shiva devotees; critical of Buddhists and Jainas

Q.  Which of the following is/are true regarding Nayanars?

1) They were worshippers of Vishnu.
2) They were critical of the Buddhists and Jainas.
- Published on 06 Sep 16

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2
 
  • The 7th to 9th centuries saw the emergence of new religious movements in south India, led by the Nayanars (saints devoted to Shiva) and Alvars (saints devoted to Vishnu) who came from all castes including those considered “untouchable”.
  • They were critical of the Buddhists and Jainas.
  • They propagated love of Shiva or Vishnu as the path (marg) to salvation.
  • They blended ideals of love and heroism as found in the Sangam literature with the values of bhakti.
  • There were 63 Nayanars, belonging to different caste backgrounds such as potters, “untouchable” workers, peasants, hunters, soldiers, Brahmanas and chiefs.
  • Two sets of compilations of their songs have been known – Tevaram and Tiruvacakam.

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