Ācārya Bhakti in Early Śrīvaiṣṇavism: Maturakavi Āḻvār’s Kaṇṇi nuṇ ciṟu ttāmpu

Abstract

The article Ācārya Bhakti in Early Śrīvaiṣṇavism by Sucharita Adluri presents a literary and theological analysis of the Tamil hymn Kaṇṇi nuṇ ciṟu ttāmpu by Maturakavi Āḻvār. Adluri explores how the poem exemplifies intense guru-bhakti, portraying the ācārya as the sole locus of salvation and divine connection. The study bridges Tamil bhakti literature with Sanskrit Vedāntic ideals, reflecting how early Śrīvaiṣṇava devotion integrates regional expression and pan-Hindu theology. It emphasizes the concept of unconditional surrender (prapatti) to the guru as a path to liberation, bypassing ritualism and philosophical speculation.