Vilwamangalam Swamiyar

Who is Vilwamangalam Swamiyar?

Vilwamangalam Swamiyar was a Brahmin saint who lived during the middle of 14th century in Kerala. He was such an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayoorappan that he is said to have the ability to actually see the lord whenever he wanted. Even though he is a Keralite, his fame as a poet had spread through the entire country. There are some claims as to the birthplace of Swamiyar. Bengalis believe that he was born in Bengal while Oriyans believe in Orissa. But the fact implies that he belongs to the Panniyoor village of Kerala State. “Sreekrishna Karnaamritham” is his devotional masterpiece, written under an unspecified name "Leelaasukan". Vilwamangalam was very active in setting up several famous temples in Kerala such as Thiruvaarppu, and Cherthala Kaarthiaayani. It is believed that he attained Samadhi at Vilwamangalam Shri Krishna Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram, which was named after him.