Who were Naynar?

Correct option is A

Ans. (a)
Naynar saints were Shaivite saints from Tamil Nadu who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. They played a pivotal role in spreading Shaivism, a sect devoted to Lord Shiva. Their hymns, collectively called the Tevaram, are part of Tamil devotional literature.
Information Booster
1. The Naynar saints numbered 63, and they included saints like Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar.
2. Their works emphasized devotion over rituals, often opposing caste discrimination.
3. The Bhakti movement drew inspiration from their teachings.
4. Many Naynar saints were from humble backgrounds, including weavers and potters.
5. Their contribution helped preserve Shaivism during periods of decline.
6. They influenced temple architecture and promoted devotional singing in temples.
Additional Knowledge
· Shaiv Saints (Naynars): Advocates of Lord Shiva; emphasized monotheism and rejected idol worship.
· Vaishnav Saints (Alvars): Promoted devotion to Lord Vishnu; they also composed hymns like the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
· Sikh Saints: Focused on Guru Granth Sahib; notable figures include Guru Nanak and other Gurus of the Sikh faith.
· Christian Saints: Recognized for their contributions to Christian theology and practices, e.g., Saint Augustine and Saint Francis.