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LIFE OF ĀLVĀRS

LIFE OF ĀLVĀRS Introduction The life of Alvars may be studied under two sections.   One is the study of the general nature of Alvars and the other is about their individual life.   The study of the nature of Alvars may vouch for their unique place among the Vaisnavites.   The discussion on the life of Alvars may be of great help in understanding the intervention of God in their lives, which is crucial to their theology. 3.1 General nature of Ālvārs In the first section, an attempt may be made to define the word Alvar , in order to distinguish them from others.   As they are considered to be different from normal human beings, an allusion to their divine origin is called for.   Along with the divine origin, their southern origin, number and purpose will be highlighted.   A discussion on the dates of the Alvars is essential to locate them in a specific historical context. As the Alvars belonged to a very ancient period a clarification on the sources available to