The Naalvar (நால்வர்), meaning "The Four," refers to a greatly valued group of four Shaivite saints in Tamil Shaiva tradition. These saints are:

1. Thirugnana Sambandar (திருஞான சம்பந்தர்)
2. Thirunavukkarasar (அப்பர் or திருநாவுக்கரசர் )
3. Sundara Murthi  (சுந்தரர்)
4. Manikkavasagar (மாணிக்கவாசகர்)

*Click on the name of the saint to read more about him*

The Core Three (Nayanars):

The first three saints are considered the core of the Nayanmar trio. These three saints' hymns form the Thevaram, part of the Tirumurai, the Tamil Shaiva devotional collection.

Along with the Core Three Nayanmars, Manikkavasagar is also considered the fourth in the Naalvar, because of his chief work on the Thiruvasagam, a profound and philosophical Shaivite text.

Significance of the Naalvar:

      -   The Naalvar revived Shaivism during a time of religious inconsistency (rise of Jainism and Buddhism).

      -   They traveled to various Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu, composing and singing hymns that are still recited today.

      -   They are often depicted in temples, seated or standing with palm-leaf manuscripts or instruments (like the Yazh).

What is a Thirumurai?

      -   The twelve volumes of Tamil Shaiva hymns of the sixty-three Nayanars