They were 63 in number and devoted to Shiva
Explanation
The Bhakti movement in South India, flourishing between the 7th and 9th centuries, was led by two major groups of saints: the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu). These saints preached personal devotion to god as the path to salvation and often challenged rigid caste hierarchies.Option Analysis:
- They were 12 in number and devoted to Vishnu is incorrect: The group consisting of 12 saints devoted to Vishnu refers to the Alvars. The Nayanars were significantly larger in number.
- They were 63 in number and devoted to Shiva is correct: The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints devoted to Lord Shiva. Prominent figures among them include Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, and Manikkavasagar.
- They were exclusively Brahmanas is incorrect: The Nayanars were not exclusively Brahmanas. They hailed from diverse social backgrounds, including potters, peasants, hunters, soldiers, and communities considered "untouchable" (such as Nandanar).
- Their songs were compiled in the Divya Prabandham is incorrect: The Divya Prabandham (specifically the Nalayira Divya Prabandham) is the compilation of hymns composed by the Alvars. The hymns of the Nayanars were compiled into the Tirumurai, which includes the Tevaram and Tiruvacakam.
Key Takeaway: The Nayanars were 63 Shaivite saints whose compositions are collected in the Tirumurai, while the Alvars were 12 Vaishnavite saints associated with the Divya Prabandham.