Re: Azhwars Nitya suris or baddha jivatmas

From the Bhakti List Archives

• November 12, 1997


Considering Swami Desikan's explicit statements about
the Alvars' toils through samsAra, and most Vadagalais'
wholesale acceptance of Periya Vaaccaan Pillai and
Nambillai as authoritative commentators, I am surprised
to hear that Srivatsankachariar Swami takes this position.
But I am not one to disagree with his erudition, so I
will have to ask him about this in person. It does seem,
however, to devalue the life histories of the Alvars 
if they are simply divine incarnations.  The stories
of Thirumangai and Thondaradippodi make no sense anymore.

Mani