Bhoothath Alwar

In the south Indian temples, which follow the Vaishnavite tradition, we often hear beautiful songs praising Lord Vishnu; these songs are written thousands of years ago by Tamil saint-poets. The people who composed these songs are known as Azhwars or Alvars.

Alvar means someone who is deeply immersed in God that nothing else comes more important. There are 12 Alvars in South Indian sacred texts as they devoted themselves completely to the Bhakti of Vishnu. It is also believed that these Alvars were the incarnations of Lord Vishnu's different weapons. Alvars were considered even greater than Rishi Munis, and no one had a match for the knowledge of these Alvars. Their wisdom was the direct result of Vishnu's grace upon them. All the work that Alvars did or all the songs they composed are kept together, and they are known as "Divya Prabandham."

As per the records, one of these Alvars was a woman, and two were kings. The first three Alvars were originated during the Dwapra Yuga; they were Poigai Azhwar, Boothath Azhwar, and Pei Azhwar. They were also called "Mudhal Azhwars" because they were all born simultaneously and contiguous stars (Thiruvonam, Avittam, and Sadhayam)

The time period of all these Alvars was different. It was 500 A.D for Poigai Aazhvaar, Bhoothatthaazvaar, Peyaazhvaar and Thirumazhisai aazhvaar; 550 A.D. for Nammaazhvaar and Madhurakavi aazhvaar; 600 A.D. for Kulasekaraazhvaar and Periaazhvaar; 650 A.D. for Sri Aandaal; 700 A.D. for Thoddaradippodi aazhwarand ThiruppaaNaazhvaar, and 750 A.D. for Thirumangai aazhvaar

Bhoothath Alvar

Today we are mainly focusing on Bhoothath Alvar, one of the twelve saint-poets and one of the first three alvars. He is the alvar associated with the Vaishnava tradition and became an important instrument in spreading the Vaishnava tradition in the region. The verses composed are called Nalayira Divya Prabandham, and the 108 temples where these are sung are called Divya Desam.

Bhoothath is the second alvar among the first three alvars. The other two alvars are Poigai Alvar and Pey Alvar. It is said that all three were created out of divinity. They had no predecessor or family, and they all sung 100 verses each.

The origin of Bhoothath says that he was found in a licorice flower in Thirukadalmallai, which is now known as Mahabalipuram. He got the name Bhootham or Bhoothath since he was possessed with the devotion of Vishnu. He worshipped Vishnu like a crazy devotee who knew nothing but Vishnu only; thus, people called him Bhoothath.

His knowledge was vast, and it was a grace of Lord Vishnu on him since he was an incarnation of Vishnu's weapon. The saint-poet described Vishnu in five forms para (supreme being), vyuha (cosmic form), vibhava (incarnations), antaryamin (inner dweller), and archa (consecrated image). In these descriptions, it is clear that Bhoothath was the owner of immense wisdom, which he got from the Lord himself.

Composition

The beginning of the composition of the verses began with a time when all three alvars were confined in a small and dark place. It was a night of heavy rain where things were barely visible. When all three alvars were confined, they could feel the presence of a fourth person with them. They were all standing because there was not enough space to sit and be saved from the heavy monsoon.

When they felt the presence of the fourth person, they tried to see him. However, as it was all dark, they couldn't see him clearly. But since the rain was also bringing some lightning along, they realized that the person has a glowy and divine face. The trio immediately realized that it was Lord Vishnu only. In the meantime, all three saints instantly composed 100 songs each on Lord Vishnu in order to maintain the view of Lord Vishnu.

Pey and Bhoothath alvars continued composing a hundred songs each on Vishnu. These songs were then became a prominent part of philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. These three saint-poets also influenced the Pallava kings of the South Indian region. They changed the religious geography from Buddhism and Jainism to the two sects of Hinduism.

This is how with the grace of God, all three alvars were able to compose the hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu.