Bhoothath Azhwar

Bhoothath Alvar () was one of the twelve ''Alvar'' saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. The verses of ''alvars'' are compiled as ''Naalayira Divya Prabandham'' and the 108 temples revered are classified as ''Divya Desam''. Bhoothath is considered second in the list of the three principal ''alvars'', with the other two being Poigai Alvar and Pey Alvar, collectively called ''Mutalamalvargal'' who are known to be born out of divinity. Bhoothath composed hundred verses that are classified as ''Irantam Tiruvantati'' and his composition is set in the '' antati'' style in which the ending syllable is the starting one for the next verse.

As per Hindu legend, Bhoothath was found in a liquorice flower in Thirukadalmallai (modern-day Mahabalipuram). In Tamil, ''Bhootham'' refers to one who is possessed and since the saint was madly attracted to Hindu god Vishnu, he got the name.

As per legend, the three ''alvars'' were once were confined in a small dark enclosure during a rain in Thirukovilur and they experienced a fourth individual among them. They found out that it was god Vishnu and Poigai wished to see his face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning. With a view to maintain the continuity of light, Poigai instantly composed hundred songs wishing light to emerge. Pey and Bhoothath continued composing hundred songs each on Vishnu.
The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. Along with the three Saiva nayanmars, they influenced the ruling Pallava kings of the South Indian region, resulting in changing the religious geography from Buddhism and Jainism to the two sects of Hinduism.

Alvars

The word ''Alvar'' means the one who dives deep into the ocean of the countless attributes of god. ''Alvars'' are considered the twelve supreme devotees of Vishnu, who were instrumental in popularising Vaishnavism. The religious works of these saints in Tamil, songs of love and devotion, are compiled as '' Nalayira Divya Prabandham'' containing 4000 verses and the 108 temples revered in their songs are classified as ''Divya desam''. Dalal 2011, pp. 20-21 The saints had different origins and belonged to different castes. As per tradition, the first three ''alvars'', Poigai, Bhutha and Pey were born miraculously. Tirumizhisai was the son of a sage, Thondaradi, Mathurakavi, Peria and Andal were from brahmin community, Kulasekhara from ''Kshatria'' community, Namm was from a cultivator family, Tirupana from '' panar'' community and Tirumangai from ''kalvar'' community. ''Divya Suri Saritra'' by Garuda-Vahana Pandita (11th century AD), ''Guruparamparaprabavam'' by Pinbaragiya Perumal Jiyar, ''Periya tiru mudi adaivu'' by Anbillai Kandadiappan, ''Yatindra Pranava Prabavam'' by Pillai Lokacharya, commentaries on ''Divya Prabandam'', Guru Parampara (lineage of Gurus) texts, temple records and inscriptions give a detailed account of the ''alvars'' and their works. According to these texts, the saints were considered incarnations of some form of Vishnu. Poigai is considered an incarnation of ''Panchajanya'' (Krishna's conch), Bhoothath of ''Kaumodakee'' (Vishnu's Mace/Club), Pey of ''Nandaka'' (Vishnu's sword), Thirumalisai of ''Sudarshanam'' (Vishnu's discus), Namm of ''Vishvaksena'' (Vishnu's commander), Madhurakavi of ''Vainatheya'' (Vishnu's eagle, Garuda), Kulasekhara of ''Kaustubha'' (Vishnu's necklace), Periy of Garuda (Vishnu's eagle), Andal of Bhoodevi (Vishnu's wife, Lakshmi, in her form as Bhudevi), Thondaradippodi of ''Vanamaalai'' (Vishnu's garland), Thiruppaan of ''Srivatsa'' (An auspicious mark on Vishnu's chest) and Thirumangai of '' Saranga'' (Rama's bow). The songs of ''Prabandam'' are regularly sung in all the Vishnu temples of South India daily and also during festivals.

Early life

Since the saint had intuitive knowledge about god Vishnu, he got the name ''Bhoothath''. As per Hindu legend, Bhoothath was found in a liquorice flower in Thirukadalmallai (modern-day Mahabalipuram). Dalal 2011, p. 76 His knowledge on Vishnu is inferred by his description of Vishnu in five different forms as ''para'' (supreme being), ''vyuha'' (cosmic form), ''vibhava'' (incarnations), ''antaryamin'' (inner dweller) and ''archa'' (consecrated image).

Composition

As per Hindu legend, Vishnu appeared to the ''mutalam alvars'' (first three ''alvars'') at Thirukkoilur. It was day time, but it darkened and started raining heavily. The wandering Poigai found out a small hide out, which has a space for one person to lie down. Bhoothath arrived there looking for a hiding place and Poigai accommodated him, with both sitting together. In the meanwhile, Pey also came to the same place as all the three preferred to stand because of lack of space. The darkness became dense and inside the small room, they were not able to see each other. In the meanwhile, they felt a fourth person also forced his way among them. The three ''alvars'' realised from the light of the lightning that the fourth one had a charming face that was sublime and divine. The trio could immediately realize that it was Vishnu who was huddling among them. Poigai wished to see Vishnu's face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning. With a view to maintain the continuity of light, he instantly composed hundred songs wishing the earth to be a big pot full of ghee like an ocean where the Sun could be the burning wick. Dalal 2011, p. 308

Bhoothath Alvar also sang 100 songs imagining to light the lamp constantly through ardent love for Him. Peyalvar sang another 100 songs where he described the enchanting charm of the divine face and the association of Narayana equipped with chakra and sankha, and his divine consort goddess Lakshmi. Chari 1997, pp. 16-17

Bhoothath composed hundred verses that are classified as ''Irantam Tiruvantati (Second sacred hymn).'' Bhoothath’s composition was set in the '' antati'' style. The word ''Anta'' means end and ''Adi'' means beginning. The antati style has ending word or the syllable of each verse as the beginning word of the succeeding verse and the last word of the hundredth verse becomes the beginning of the first verse, making the hundred verses a true garland of verses. The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. The verses of the trio speak of Narayana (another name for Vishnu) as the supreme deity and they refer frequently to Trivikrama and Krishna, the avatars of Vishnu.

Mangalasasanam

There are 30 of his paasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham. He has sung in praise of thirteen temples.

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{{Alvars

Vaishnava saints
Alvars
Tamil Hindu saints