Object Image

Nammalvar and the lineage of the Acharyas

Unknown Artist

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

The greatest amongst the Alvars is Nammalvar, (9th century). After spending 35 years beneath a tamarind tree without uttering a word he sang hymns in praise of Vishnu for Madhurakavi, another Alvar. The painting depicts Vaikuntha, the ten avatars of Vishnu, Hanuman, Garuda, Kamadhenu, the divyadeshams, other Alvars and acharyas.

c. 1895

Tempera on panel

120.5 x 93.5 cm

2019.314

Image and text © Trustees, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, 2022