Question

Which of the following statement/s is true with reference to Nayanars ?

A. They were Sangam poets.

B. They were Shaiva saints.

C. They composed devotional poetry.

D. Also known as Puratanas, they were 64 in number.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1. A only
2. A and C only
3. B, C and D
4. B and C only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : B and C only

The correct answer is B and C only.

• The Nayanars and Alvars were the Tamil poet-saints. 
• The Nayanars were devotees of Shiva while the Alvars were the devotees of Vishnu.
• Nayanars and Alvars played a crucial role in propagating the Bhakti Movement in Southern India. 
• They are 12 Alvars and 63 Nayanars in all.
• The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints who lived during the 6th to 8th centuries CE.
• Nayanars composed devotional hymns in honour of the Hindu god Shiva.
• Nayanars collective devotional poetry is known as the Thirumurai, also known as the Tamil Veda.
• Nayanar Saints:
  • ​Tiru Neelakanta
  • Meiporul
  • Viralminda
  • Amaraneedi
  • Eripatha
  • Yenathinathar