Parakala.

 The word Parakālan (or Parakāla) is generally used as another name for Lord Narasimha, the fierce incarnation of Vishnu.

Para = Supreme, transcendent

Kāla = Time, death, destiny

So Parakāla means “He who is beyond Time (Kāla) and Death (Yama)”.

This title is especially associated with Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva and Parakāla Swamy Matha in Mysuru, where Narasimha is worshipped as Parakāla Swamy.

It is also sometimes used as a name/title for great saints or scholars connected with that tradition (e.g., Parakāla Jeeyar).

how the name Parakālan is used in different traditions:

1. As a name of Lord Narasimha

Narasimha is called Parakāla because He is the one who destroyed Kāla (death) in the form of Hiraṇyakaśipu.

The title highlights His power as the Supreme Being beyond Time and Death.

In temples and stotras, Narasimha is praised with this name.

2. As an epithet of Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār

Among the 12 Āḻvārs, Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār is often called Parakālan.

Why? Because he was fearless, bold, and fierce like Kāla (Time/Death) itself, especially when he took to robbing the rich for serving the Lord.

The meaning here is:

Para-kālan = “One who is a Kāla (death) to the enemies of the Lord” or “One who is terrible to the wicked.”

3. As a title for Āchāryas (Teachers)

The Parakāla Maṭha in Mysuru (established in the 14th century) is a Vadakalai Śrī Vaiṣṇava institution.

Its name comes from Parakāla Swamy (Narasimha).

The Jeeyars (pontiffs) of this maṭha are also known by the title Parakāla Jeeyar, keeping alive the association with the Lord.

Parakālan = primarily a title of Narasimha (beyond Time/Death).

Also the celebrated epithet of Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār for his fierce devotion.

Carried forward as a title for Parakāla Jeeyars of Mysuru maṭha.

Who is called Parakālan Why this name? Key Idea

Divine Lord Narasimha He destroyed Hiraṇyakaśipu (Death itself for the demon) and is beyond Kāla (time/death). Supreme beyond time and death

Āḻvār Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār His fearless, fierce nature made him like Kāla (death) to the enemies of the Lord. Fierce devotee, destroyer of ego and wickedness

Ācārya Parakāla Jeeyar (pontiffs of Mysuru Parakāla Maṭha) The maṭha is named after Parakāla Swamy (Narasimha). The Jeeyars bear this title. Custodians of Narasimha tradition

So, the single name Parakālan beautifully connects God (Narasimha), Devotee (Āḻvār), and Teacher (Jeeyar).

the Divya Prabandham explain Parakālan as Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār’s title.

1. Origin of the Title

The traditional life history (guruparamparā) of Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār says that he was once a warrior-chieftain named Kaliyan.

After receiving grace, he became a fierce and uncompromising servant of the Lord.

Because of this fiery temperament, he was called Parakālan.

2. Meaning in Commentaries

(a) Para + Kāla = Kāla to others

In Āchārya Hṛdayam and other commentaries, Āḻvār is described as a terror (kāla) to those who opposed bhakti or obstructed temple service.

Just as Time (Kāla) is inescapable, Āḻvār’s resolve in service to the Lord was unstoppable.

(b) Para + Kāla = Beyond Time

Some commentators also explain that his love for the Lord was so intense that he rose beyond worldly time (para = higher, transcendent).

In this sense, he was like the Lord Narasimha, who is Parakāla Swamy.

(c) Linked to Narasimha

In fact, the title intentionally connects him to Narasimha.

Just as Narasimha is fierce to enemies but kind to devotees, Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār was stern against arrogance but tender to bhaktas.

3. Illustrations from His Hymns

In Periya Tirumoḻi, Āḻvār sings with extraordinary intensity, sometimes scolding the Lord, sometimes demanding His presence. This fearless, bold speech earned him the title Parakālan.

In Periya Tirumadal, he challenges the Lord like a lover gone mad with passion. The commentators point out: only someone with Parakāla-svabhāva could dare such words.

The Divya Prabandham commentators explain Parakālan as Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār’s title because:

He was like Kāla (death) to the Lord’s enemies.

His devotion was beyond the limits of Time.

His nature resembled Narasimha’s ferocity.

few traditional references where Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār is explicitly called Parakālan, with short meanings:

1. Guruparamparā Prabhāvam (Piḷḷai Lokacharya’s lineage text)

 “parakālan ennum tirunāmattāl aḻakkiya kaliyan”

Meaning: Kaliyan (Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār) was adorned with the divine name Parakālan.

2. Periya Tirumoḻi Commentary (Nampiḷḷai’s Eedu)

On a verse where Āḻvār speaks fiercely to the Lord:

 “idhu parakālanukku eṉṟu porundum – avanukku tan śīlam ippadi”

Meaning: This expression suits Parakālan, for such fierce speech is natural to him.

3. Āchārya Hṛdayam (by Aḻagiya Maṇavāḷa Perumāḷ Nāyanār)

 “parakālan ennum peyar pērttu – avarudaiya āśaiyum ugramum kaṇḍu”

Meaning: Seeing his intense desire and fierceness, he was given the name Parakālan.

4. Divya Sūri Caritam (Garuda Vāhana Paṇḍita)

 “parakālaḥ khalu sa bhakta-kālaḥ”

Meaning (Sanskrit): Truly, he is Parakāla—a Kāla (death) to those opposed to the devotees.

 References to show how the title was firmly embedded in tradition:

Commentators use Parakālan not as a casual nickname, but as a mark of his unique bhakti-character—fearless, passionate, uncompromising.

Parakālan – The Fierce Lover of the Lord

They called him Kaliyan, a chieftain,

but the Lord’s glance burned his heart into flame.

From that day, he was no more a mere warrior—

he was Parakālan, Time’s very terror.

To the proud and arrogant, he was Kāla—

a shadow of death that spared no deceit.

To the humble devotee, he was tender,

a brother, a poet, a guardian of temples.

Like Narasimha, fierce yet merciful,

he roared through the hymns of Periya Tirumoḻi,

demanding the Lord’s presence,

scolding Him like a lover gone mad.

Commentators whisper:

“This bold speech suits Parakālan,

for his nature is fire,

and his love knows no restraint.”

Thus the name stuck,

carved in lineage, sung in maṭhas,

repeated by saints as honor and truth—

Tirumaṅgai Āḻvār, forever remembered,

as the Parakālan,

death to false