The Divine Lady
Nācciyār (Tamil: 'lady,' 'mistress,' honorific feminine — etymologically from 'nāyaki' = leader/mistress) is the honorific title for Bhagavān's divine consorts. In the Śrī Vaiṣṇava tradition, Bhagavān has three principal consorts:
- Śrī Devī (Lakṣmī) — the consort who resides eternally on His chest; the principle of grace and mediation
- Bhū Devī (Bhūmi) — the Earth goddess who is always with the Lord; the principle of patient sustenance
- Nīḷā Devī — mentioned in Pañcarātra and associated with Āṇḍāḷ in some interpretations
Temple Usage
Each Divya Deśam has its own Nācciyār with a distinct name — She is the tāyār (divine Mother) of that temple. At Śrī Raṅgam, Śrī Raṅganāyakī is the Nācciyār; at Tirumalai, Padmāvatī.
Ubhaya Nācciyār
Where two consorts (Śrī Devī and Bhū Devī) are both enshrined, they are called Ubhaya Nācciyār ('both ladies'). The Āzhvārs frequently address both Tāyārs together, honoring Bhagavān's fullness as expressed through their presence.