Shri Thirumazhisai Alwar, one of the twelve
Alwars, was born in Thirumazhisai near
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is considered as the amsa (reincarnation) of the
Sudarshana Chakra of
Lord Vishnu.
He took the path of bhakti under the influence of Pei Alwar. Being an ardent devotee of the Lord, he was known as 'Bhakthisaarar', a title bestowed on him by Lord Shiva.
Only two of his verses survive to this day: 'Thirucchanda Vritham' and 'Naanmukan Thiruvandadhi'. Thirucchanda Vritham is an exquisite rhythmic poem, which is a complete portrayal of the Visishtaadvaita philosophy, while the Naanmukan Thiruvandadhi establishes the mystical nature of Lord Vishnu and indicates fully His 'Nirhetuka Kripa' (absolute compassion) for the jeevas.