Thondaradippodi Alvar

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.

The verses of Thondaripodi and other Alwars are recited as a part of daily prayers and during festive occasions in most Vishnu temples in South India.

Alwars are considered the twelve supreme devotees of Vishnu, who were instrumental in popularising Vaishnavism during the 5th to 8th centuries CE.

Divya Suri Carita by Garuda-Vahana Pandita (11th century CE), Guruparamparaprabavam by Pinbaragiya Perumal Jiyar, Periya tiru mudi adaivu by Kovil Kandadai Appan, Yatindra Pranava Prabavam by Pillai Lokam Jeeyar, commentaries on Divya Prabandam, Guru Parampara (lineage of Gurus) texts, temple records and inscriptions give a detailed account of the Alvars and their works.

[2][3] According to traditional account by Manavala Mamunigal, the first three Alvars namely Poigai, Bhoothath and Pey belong to Dvapara Yuga (before 4200 BC).

[1][2][4][5][6] Along with the three Saiva nayanmars, they influenced the ruling Pallava kings, creating a Bhakti movement that resulted in changing the religious geography from Buddhism and Jainism to these two sects of Hinduism in the region.

[9][10] Thondaradippodi Alvar was born in a small village by name Thirumandangudi Chola region in Prabhava year, Margazhi month, Krishna chaturthi, Tuesday in Kettai (Jyestha) Nakshatram (star).

His father ‘Veda Visaradhar’ belonged to "Kudumi Soliyap Brahmanar" community also called as "Vipra" people, whose routine work is to praise about Sri Vishnu.

Thondaradipodi vehemently opposes the caste system prevalent during his times and mentions that the ultimate way to reach Vishnu is through service to him and his devotees.

[16] He uses the phrase "Prospering indolents" in his 38th verse meaning the devotees of Vishnu who left their corporal body in earth, but merged their soul to god.

The Vasantha utsavam is a nine-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June) when Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the temple enjoys the ambience of the garden created by the Alvar.

Vasanthotsavam is one of the three festivals of the temple when Ranganathar goes back to his sanctum led by the a set of men singing Divya Prabhandam and also makes a pass by through the Ranganayagi shrine.

Image of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam showing the pyramidal temple towers
Image of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam