Bhakti movements of Alwars & Sri Caitanya – Differences!
A Girl devotee (Name hidden) asked like this:
“QS:1 Prabhuji, I’m curious about Alwars – Bhakti Movement that took place around 7-8th century before Lord Chaitanya birth takes place. This movement is similar to Sankirtana movement provoking bhakti through singing songs. We know all those Alwars are still being worshipped in various Vishnu temples in tamilnadu. I’m wondering if there is any mention of Alwars in any of the puranas? What kinda role did they play during that time and what was the result? It looks kinda prelude to Sankirtana movement, that’s why I’m interested in knowing about it.
QS:2 Prabhuji, We know Tulsi leaves are worshipped for Vishnu or Krishna only but nowadays people use Tulsi leaves in garlands that being worshipped for all kinds of demigods and other functions. Ain’t this is great offense to Tulsi mata? Also We buy flowers from a lady who comes to our home and sell, they use Tulsi leaves in garlands too so i always put it on Krishna first before taking to other demigods temples worship. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, pls advise Prabhuji this days I don’t see any garlands without Tulsi leaves attached.”
(SOME MIRACLES OF SRI CAITANYA MAHA PRABHU! READ HERE!)
REPLY:
(1)
Alwars were very dedicated devotees of Lord Vishnu and they are, in general, considered as the parts of Sri Vaishnavam.
Lord Caitanya propogated Gaudiya Vaishnavam that propogated the topmost level of devotion of Sri Radha Krishna Bhakti.
(2)
Alwars preached giving more importance for the power of having the darshan of the Lord’s and Lakshmi deities in the temples.
Lord Caitanya preached giving importance for Hari Nama Japa.
(3)
Alwars wrote thousands of songs that were collected under the name of “Nalayira Divya Prapantham” that was the collection of 4000 songs on the Vishnu/ Narayana deities of hundreds of Vishnu temples. The temples to which Alwars visited and wrote songs about are collectively known as “108 Divya desams” . For example, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha, Ayodhya, Mathura and Tirumala Tirupati Balaji are a few popular temples among those 108 Divya desams.
Lord Caitanya did not write more songs. He wrote just 8 verses called Sikshashtakam that preach Simple living and high thinking. Lord Caitanya’s primary preaching is Chanting and Singing Harinam.
(How should a Vaishnava live? Lord Caitanya’s advice! READ HERE!)
(4)
Alwars preached revered bhava in devotion. They approached the Lord Vishnu with a revered mindset.
Whereas, Lord Caitanya preached Prema for Krishna that is the ultimate stage in the devotional growth.
(5)
Alwars took the worship of the Vishnu and Narayana forms of Krishna.
Lord Caitanya preached the worship of the Original Source Krishna Himself.
(6)
Both the alwars and Lord Caitanya encouraged all the people to take up serious devotional practices irrespective of castes or communities.
(7)
Alwars were the advanced devotees of the Lord. Some of them even talked to the Lord’s deities. So, no particular mention about them in the scriptures.
Lord Caitanya was Lord Krishna Himself. Krishna came as the Lord Caitanya to know how the devotees feel while loving Him. So, His avatar has been indicated in Srimad Bhagavatam.
(Pushtimarg Vaishnavam and Gaudiya Vaishnavam – Differences! READ HERE!)
Thus, there are many differences between the preachings of Alwars and Sri Caitanya.
Approaching Krishna in Prema recommended by Lord Caitanya is the topmost form of worship.
Your next question:
Garlands can be ordered and made.
Tell the garland maker to make garlands without using tulasi leaves.
Don’t buy readymade garlands if they contain tulasi leaves.
Tulasi can be used only for Krishna, His avatars and expansions.
Since Tulasi is a devatha, she should not be used for other gods.
If you don’t get garlands without tulasi, just use simple flower malas.
(Offering Tulasi to Demigods! Why it is offensive? Clear Reasons! READ HERE!)