Prabandhams are a form of devotional poetry in the Tamil language, primarily associated with the Bhakti movement in South India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. These compositions are dedicated to the worship and praise of Hindu deities, particularly Lord Vishnu, and they hold significant cultural and religious importance in the region.
The Prabandhams are attributed to the Alvars, who were saint-poets of the Bhakti movement. The Alvars lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE and are considered instrumental in popularizing Vaishnavism, a major branch of Hinduism focused on the worship of Vishnu and his avatars.
The Prabandhams consist of hymns and songs composed in various meters and styles, expressing intense devotion, love, and surrender to the divine. They often depict the personal experiences and mystical visions of the Alvars, their longing for union with the divine, and their profound understanding of the philosophy of devotion (bhakti).
The most famous collection of Prabandhams is the “Naalayira Divya Prabandham,” also known simply as the “Divya Prabandham.” It comprises 4,000 hymns composed by the twelve Alvars. These hymns are divided into four groups: the Mudal Ayiram (First Thousand), Irandam Ayiram (Second Thousand), Moondram Ayiram (Third Thousand), and Naanmugan Thiruvandhadhi.
The Divya Prabandham holds a central place in the religious and cultural life of Tamil Nadu, with its verses being recited, sung, and revered in temples and Vaishnavite households. They are also considered an essential part of the liturgy in many Vishnu temples in South India.
In summary, Prabandhams are devotional compositions in Tamil dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, composed by the Alvars during the Bhakti movement, and the most famous collection is the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, consisting of 4,000 hymns. They are highly esteemed in the Vaishnavite tradition of South India and are integral to the region’s religious and cultural heritage.
