Here's what I dug up about Auvaiyaars from the book 'Inaiyaththil Jaybee' (by Dr.Jaybee):
>* The one who got nellikani from sangam age king adhiyaman (1 to 3 AD)
This old lady was probably the one who was born into the 'Paanar' kulam (you know- the clan that's well-known for the singers and poets it produced)- and supposedly, she was extremely beautiful, intelligent and was friends with the greats of those years- Kapilar, Paranar, Paari, Athigamaan, etc. And her poems found their way into natriNai, kurunthogai, Aganaanuru, puranaanuru, etc.
For which she got to eat the nellikani which kept her hale and healthy for who knew how many years:-), and she got the daughters of Paari well- married, in the bargain. (You know- Angavai, Sangavai- the girls of the fame; "Atraith thingaL avennilavil...' - right??)
She *may* also have been the one who helped shoot Thirukkural into prominence. Supposing, of course, that she lived for centuries, practicing rigorous Yogic practices and due to the effects of the precious nellikani.
>* The avvaiyar who was during sundarar - seraman perumal time (7 AD)
This lady probably composed the Vinayagar Agaval.
>* A later date avvaiyar who sang athi chudi and kondrai vendan (?)
Either the lady who lived during the times of Kambar and Ottakkuththar, or another Auvaiyaar at a later date composed these works. Dunno for sure.
But the last of these Auvaiyaars was the one who composed 'Moothurai' (this one has 30 veNpaas)and 'Nalvazhi'. (and this one has 40 veNpaas)
Surprised to hear about many auvaiyaars.Recently i have read an article about a book describing auvaiyaar's lifestyle ( i,e pulal unbathu,kaL kudippathu etc).This has stirred firing debates!!!!!!. Is it true?????? If so,can anyone specify her from the auvaiyaar's list given?????