The Birth and Childhood of Thirumazhisai Azhvar: He was of the same period as the ‘first Azhvars’ and born in the Dwapara Yuga Siddharthi year under the star Makham, in the month of ‘Thai’. He was born as a lump of flesh to a divine maiden Kanakangi who distributed the arduous penance of Sage Bhargava. He was abandoned near a bush. Due to the grace of Lord Vishnu he emerged from the lump as a divine child and was brought up by a Vellala (One of Low caste) Thiruvaalan by name. Fascinated by the Child’s divine qualities, Tiruvaalan’s friend offered milk to the child and drank the remaining portion, as a result of which a son Kanikannan was born to him. This son became the disciple of Azhvar, the son of Bhargava and served all disciples with true devotion.
Peryalvar reforming Thirumazhisai Azhvar: In his seventh age, the son of Bhargava Rishi studied various religions such as Jainism, Buddhism, many other religions and finally studied Saivism in depth. PeyAzhvar with intention of reforming him; constructed his cottage near the Young Rishi’s house , planted plants upside down and with a tattered rope started watering the plants with a leaky vessel. The Young Rishi scorned at him terming him mad or devilish. In reply, PeyAzhvar said, “If I am insane, you are of greater insanity than me”.

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