Koorathalvar

Koorathalvar (born as Kuresa) was the chief disciple of the prominent Vaishnavite saint Ramanuja. According to popular tradition, he was a humble man who assisted Ramanuja in all of his endeavours. Koorathalvar was born as Kuresan in a small hamlet 'Kooram' near Kanchi, in the year of 1010 A.D in an affluent family. He belonged to the clan of Haritha, who were popular landlords. Koorathalvar was married at a young age to Andal, a devout and pious lady. Both of them were recorded to have led a happy and peaceful life. They were deeply devoted to the deity Varadaraja Perumal. The couple were renowned in the holy town of Kanchipuram for their unstinting philanthropy and kindness. Their children were Parasara Bhattar and Veda Vyasa Bhattar. Kuresan was heavily influenced by the teachings of Ramanuja, who was staying in Kanchipuram at that time. It was the period when Ramanuja's teachings were growing popular and his philosophy was slowly spreading. Kuresan quickly approached Ramanuja and became his disciple. A bond was established between them and under the effective guidance of Ramanuja, Kuresan was initiated into the rigorous study of Vedic scriptures and other canons. Ramanuja moved to Srirangam and the friendship between Ramanauja and Koorathalvar came to a temporary end. Later, Koorathalvar continued his earlier philanthropic works. According to popular tradition, Varadaraja Perumal and his consort Perundevi heard the heavy sound of a door being closed. Kuresan had closed the brass doors of his home, after completing his daily routine of feeding the poor. By the order of this deity, who appeared in the dream, the chief priest arrived at the door step of Kuresan to usher him towards the deity. On hearing this news, rather than feeling happy, Kuresan was extremely saddened, as he believed that it was a sin on his part to disturb the deity and his consort during the night by 'announcing' his charity activities. This incident stirred up a turmoil in the mind of Kuresan, which was a turning point in his life.