(i) The Āzhvār characterises the advent of Buddha as a mask put on by Lord Viṣṇu, in order to sow the seeds of doubt, dissension and heresy among the Asuras (who were very powerful, by dint of their rigorous rituals, but most unscrupulous and destructive), with a view to reducing their prowess and strength and getting them annihilated thereby. The story of Buddha, as recorded
In this fourth pāśuram of the chapter, Śrī Nammāzhvār continues to describe his experience of being overwhelmed by the divine acts of Śrīman Nārāyaṇa. Whereas the previous pāśuram focused on the Lord’s stealing of hearts from those favorable to Him, this verse contemplates His profound and beguiling strategies employed against those who are unfavorable. The Āzhvār