Indian Epigraphical Glossary c6.4625

c6.4625

*prabandha*, name of hymnal compositions in Tamil by ancient Vaiṣṇava devotees. The contributions of hymns and prayers by the twelve āḻvārs in praise of Viṣṇu make up the *Nālāyiradivyaprabandham*. *Nālāyira* (four thousand) indicates the rough total number of items and *prabandham* is regarded as meaning a compilation. The first thousand is known as *Tirumoḻi* and comprises hymns of Periyāḻvār, Āṇḍāl, Kulaśekhara, etc.; the second thousand contains the hymns of Tirumaṅgai; the third comprises the compositions of the first three āḻvārs called *Iyarppā*, viz. Tirumaḻiśai, Nammāḻvar and Tirumaṅgai, and the fourth called *Tiruvāymoḻi* is entirely the work of Nammāḻvār. Nāthamuni-gaḷ is stated to be the compiler of this anthology. See M. S. Purnalingam Pillai, *Tamil Literature*, pp. 181 ff.