Periyalwar or
Periazhwar (3055 BC) is one of the twelve
azhwar saints of South
India, who are known for their affiliation to
Vaishnava tradition of
Hinduism.
Vishnucitta or Periyalwar incarnated on this earth in the 47th year after the beginning of the Kali Era (3102 BC). The verses of
azhwars are compiled as
Nalayira Divya Prabandham and the 108 temples revered are classified as
Divya desam. According to some accounts, Periyazhwar is considered the first in the line of the twelve azhwars, while other accounts place him as the eighth. His original name is Vishnuchittar and he since he is considered the oldest among azhwars, he is called Periazhwar.