The Alvars II

As published in The Harmonist (Sree Sajjanatoshani)
Edited by Paramahamsa Paribrajakacharyya Sri Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj

DECEMBER 16, 1934

Kasharamuni, Saroyogi or Paigai Alvar

There is a tank in Conjeevarum, which bears the name of the tank of God (Deva-Sarovara). In the centre of this tank there is a temple enshrining the image of Kasharamuni, Saroyogi or Paigai Alvar. Kasharamuni appeared from a golden lotus in Deva-Sarovara in Kanchipuram in the Nakshatra of Sravana during the month of Kartika, in the Dwapara Yuga. A Portion of the Divine Conch of Sree Vishnu which bears the name of Panchajanya came down to this world in the form of this great saint. When Sree Krishna blew His Conch Panchajanya in the battle of Kurukshetra the sound struck the terror of assured destruction into the hearts of the armies of the Kauravas. The words of Paigai Alvar had a similar effect on the hearts of all pashandas (heretics) and atheists. An old tradition accordingly tells us that he became famous as the Avatara of Panchajanya for his fearless preaching of the Truth. He is to this day constantly engaged in the service of Vishnu in his exclusive state in the tank of Deva-Sarovara, and is hence called Saroyogi. The great is worshipped by the following words of submission, "I take my refuge in Saroyogi, the portion of Panchajanya, who appeared from the golden lotus at Kanchi in Dwapara when the Sravana was in the mansion of Tula".

Bhutayogi or Pudatta Alvar

The great saint Bhutayogi made his appearance at Tirubadalmalai or Mallapuri south of Madras. Mallapuri is situated on the seacoast. Bhutayogi appeared in Dwapara in the month of Kartika in Dhanistha Nakshatra as portion of the Kaumodaki Club of Sree Vishnu. The arrogance of all these heretical denominations, that were devoid of inclination of the service of Godhead, was completely smashed by the power of the words of Pudatta Alvar. The devotees praise him by a couplet of Sanskrit verse which may be rendered as follows, "I offer my hymn of praise to Bhutayogi, portion of the Divine Club, appearing in Sravistha, entered in Tula, in Mallapuri which shines as a full-blown lotus on the shore of the ocean resounding with the tumult of its mighty waves."

Bhrantayogi, Mahad or Pe Alvar

The southern portion of Madras town is called Mylapur or Mayurapura. To this day the most well-known object in Mylapur is the famous well. The great saint Bhranta (mad) yogi appeared from a lotus in this well in the Dwaparayuga in the Satabhisha Nakshatra in the month of Kartika. He is eternally worshipped by the community of the Vaishnavas as the Avatara of Nandaka, the sword of Vishnu. This mad saint cut asunder the bonds of attachment of the minds of deluded persons who are mad after the pernicious objects of this world, by the sword of the words of the Scriptures. The word Pe means Bhranta or Unmatta (mad). His name Pe Alvar is explained as signifying the fact that he was constantly observed in the service of God and was wholly unmindful of this material world. The traditional method of doing homage to this great saint is by uttering a Sanskrit couplet which may be rendered thus, "I sing the praise of the great saint called Mahad, the portion of the Divine Nandaka, who appeared in Mayurapura, in the Nakshatra of Satabhisha in Tula".