Aruvathimoovar

SIXTY-THREE NAYANAR SAINTS
By
SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION

FirstEdition19622,500copies SecondEdition19801,000copies ThirdEdition19901,000copies FourthEdition19971,000copies WorldWideWeb(WWW)Edition:1999 WWWsite:http://www.dlshq.org/
This WWW reprint is for free distribution TheDivineLifeTrustSociety
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Published By THEDIVINELIFESOCIETY P.O.Shivanandanagar249192 Distt.Tehri-Garhwal,UttarPradesh, Himalayas,India. Through TheDivineLifeSociety, MalaysiaBranch, Sivanandashram,BatuCaves, Selangor.
Contents
PUBLISHERSNOTE TheSaivaSiddhantaPhilosophy TheNayanarsMessageForUs 1.SundaramurthiNayanar 2.TiruNeelakantaNayanar 3.IyarpahaiNayanar 4.IlayankudiMaraNayanar 5.MaiporulNayanar 6.ViralmindaNayanar 7.AmaraneediNayanar 8.EripathaNayanar 9.EnadinathaNayanar 10.KannappaNayanar
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11.KungiliyaKalayaNayanar 12.ManakancharaNayanar 13.ArivattayaNayanar 14.AnayaNayanar 15.MurthiNayanar 16.MurugaNayanar 17.RudraPasupathiNayanar 18.TiruNalaiPovarNayanar 19.TiruKurippuThondaNayanar 20.ChandesvaraNayanar 21.Tiru-NavukkarasarNayanar 22.KulacchiraiNayanar 23.PerumizhalaiKurumbaNayanar 24.KaraikalAmmaiyar 25.AppuddiNayanar 26.TiruneelanakkaNayanar 27.NamiNandiAdigal 28.TiruJnanaSambandar 29.EyarkonKalikamaNayanar 30.TiruMulaNayanar 31.DandiAdigalNayanar 32.MurkhaNayanar 33.SomasiraNayanar 34.SakkiyaNayanar 35.SirappuliNayanar 36.SiruthondaNayanar 37.CheramanPerumalNayanar 38.GananathaNayanar 39.KootruvaNayanar 40.PugalCholaNayanar
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40.PugalCholaNayanar 41.NarasingaMuniyaraiyar 42.AdipatthaNayanar 43.KalikambaNayanar 44.KaliaNayanar 45.SattiNayanar 46.AiyadigalKadavarkonNayanar 47.KanampullaNayanar 48.KariNayanar 49.NinraSeerNedumaraNayanar 50.Mangayarkarasiyar 51.VayilarNayanar 52.MunaiyaduvarNayanar 53.KazharsingaNayanar 54.SeruthunaiNayanar 55.IdangazhiNayanar 56.PugazhTunaiNayanar 57.KotpuliNayanar 58.PusalarNayanar 59.NesaNayanar 60.KochengatCholaNayanar 61.TiruNeelakantaYazhpanar 62.SadayaNayanar 63.Isaijnaniyar Manickavachagar SelectionsFromTheUtterancesOfNayanarSaints GloryOfLordSiva TheSivaLingam PujaAndIshtaDevata Glossary
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PUBLISHERS NOTE
ThefirsteditionofthisraretreatiseonSixty-threeNayanarSaintsfromtheprolificpenoftheHimalayan SageandSavant,SriSwamiSivananda,waspublishedbytheDivineLifeSocietyofSouthAfricain 1962.TheinvaluableservicesrenderedbySriSwamiRamanandaofSivanandashram,Rishikesh,inthe preparationofthemanuscriptwasdulyacknowledged. Thispreciousbookhasbeenoutofprintforalongtime.Thefourtheditionof1,000copiesisnowbeing publishedbytheDivineLifeSociety,MalaysiaBranchthroughthecourtesyandgenerosityoftwodevout devotees:GuruSevaRatnaSriV.SeenivasagamandGuruBhaktiRatnaSriT.Saravanamuthubothof whomhavehadlongconnectionswiththeDivineLifeSociety,MalaysiaBranch. TheSaivitesinMalaysiaandtheworldatlarge,andtheHindusingeneral,willheartilywelcomethis publicationasagreatboon.ApartfromthebiographiesoftheSixty-threenayanarSaints,thisbook containsanauthoritativearticleontheSaivaSiddhantaPhilosophy,thelifeofSaintManicckavasagar, selectionsfromtheutterancesofNayanarsaints,andarticlesonGloryofLordSiva,andPujaandIshta Devata,allbySriSwamiSivananda,andanevaluationoftheNayanarsMessageforusbySriSwami Venkatesananda. WeexpressourindebtednesstotheDivineLifeSocietyHeadquartersforgrantingpermissiontopublish thiseditioninMalaysia. - THE PUBLISHERS
The Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy

(Sri Swami Sivananda)
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Introduction: InthebookswhichtreatofSaivism,thereisareferencetofourschools,viz.,theNakulisapasupata,theSaiva,thePratyabhijnaandtheRasesvara. SaivaSiddhantaisthephilosophyofsouthernSaivism.Itowesitsorigintonosingleauthor.Itismidway betweenSankarasAdwaitaandRamanujasVisishtadwaita.Itsliteratureconsistschieflyof:(1)the twenty-eightSaiviteAgamas,(2)thecollectionofSaivitehymnsknownasTirumuraicompiledbyNambi AndarNambi,(itcontainsTirumanthiramofTirumular;theThevaramofAppar,Sundarar,and Sambandar,andtheTiruvachagamofManickavachagar),(3)thecollectionofthelivesofSaivitesaints, knownasthePeriyapuranam,(4)MeykandarsSiva-jnanabodham,(5)ArulnandisSivajnanasiddhiar, andtheworksofUmapati.TirumularsworkTirumanthiramisthefoundationuponwhichthelater structureofSaivaSiddhantaphilosophywasbuilt. ThecentraldoctrineoftheSaivaSiddhantaphilosophyisthatSivaistheSupremeReality,andthatthe JivaortheindividualsoulisofthesameessenceasSiva,butnotidentical.Pati(God),Pasu(soul),and Pasa(thebonds)andthethirty-sixTattvasorprincipleswhichconstitutetheworld,areallreal. TheSaivaSiddhantasystemisthedistilledessenceofVedanta.ItprevailedinSouthernIndiaeven beforetheChristianera.TirunelvelyandMaduraarethecentresoftheSaivaSiddhantaschool.Even now,SaivismisaverypopularcreedinSouthIndia.ItisarivalschoolofVaishnavism. Characteristics of the Supreme Reality:TheSupremeRealityiscalledSiva.Heisinfinite consciousness.Heiseternal,changeless,formless,independent,omnipresent,omnipotent,omniscient, onewithoutasecond,beginningless,causeless,taintless,self-existent,everfree,everpure,andperfect. Heisnotlimitedbytime.Heisinfiniteblissandinfiniteintelligence.Heisfreefromdefects,theall-doer, theall-knower. LordSivaistheGodofLove.Hisgraceisinfinite.Hisloveisinfinite.HeisthesaviourandGuru.Heis engagedinfreeingthesoulsfromthethraldomofmatter.HeassumestheformofaGuruoutofHis intenseloveformankind.HewishesthatallshouldknowHimandattaintheblissfulSiva-Padam(the stateofSiva).Hewatchestheactivitiesoftheindividualsouls,andhelpsthemintheironwardmarch.He
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liberatestheindividualsoulsfromtheirfettersorbonds. The Five Activities of the Lord:ThefiveactivitiesoftheLordare:Creation,Preservation,Destruction, VeilingandGrace.These,separatelyconsidered,aretheactivitiesofBrahma,Vishnu,Rudra, Maheshwara,andSadasiva. Siva, Shakti and Maya:LordSivapervadesthewholeworldbyHisShakti.HeworksthroughShakti. ShaktiistheconsciousenergyoftheLordSiva.SheistheverybodyofLordSiva.Thepotteristhefirst causeforthepot.Thestickandthewheelaretheinstrumentalcauses.Theclayisthematerialcauseof thepot.Similarly,LordSivaisthefirstcauseoftheworld.Shaktiistheinstrumentalcause.Mayaisthe materialcause. Shaktiisnotthematerialcauseoftheuniverse,becauseSheisofthenatureofconsciousness (Chaitanya).Sivaispureconsciousness,butmatterispureunconsciousness.Shaktiistheintermediate linkbetweenthetwo. ShaktiisthereflexofSiva.Ithasnoindependentexistence.SivaassumesthisformoutofHisgreatlove formankind.SivawishesthatallshouldknowHim. Evolution of the Tattvas from Suddha Maya:Theworldundergoesevolutionforthebenefitofthesouls. Thewholeprocessofcreationisforthesakeofthesalvationofthesouls.Theworldisrealandeternal. TheworldofmatterandsoulsformsthebodyoftheLord. TheSaivaSiddhantaanalysestheuniverseinto36Tattvasorprinciples,asagainstthe25ofthe Sankhya.The36TattvasarisefromMaya,thematerialcauseoftheworld.SuddhaMayaisMayainits primalstate.FromitarisethefivepureprinciplescalledSivaTattva,ShaktiTattva,SadasivaTattva, IswaraTattva,andSuddhavidyaTattva.Sivafunctionsthroughthesefivepureprinciples. Mayaevolvesintothesubtleprinciples,andthenintothegross.SivaTattvaisthebasisofall consciousnessandaction.Itisundifferentiated(NishkalaSuddhaMaya).TheShaktiofSivastartsher activity.ThenSivabecomestheexperiencer.ThenHeiscalledSadasiva,knownalsobythename
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Sadakhya,WhoisnotreallyseparatefromSiva.TheSuddhaMayabecomesactive.ThenSiva,the experiencer,becomestheruler.HeisthenIswara,WhoisnotreallyseparatefromSadasiva. Suddhavidyaisthecauseoftrueknowledge. The bonds that bind the soul (Anava, Karma, Maya):Souls(Pasu)arebynatureinfinite,all-pervading, eternal,andall-knowinglikeLordSiva(Pati).Yettheythinkthattheyarefinite,limitedandlittle-knowing, ignorant,andtemporary.Thisisduetothebonds(Pasa),viz.,Anava,Karma,andMaya,whichare calledthethreeMalasorimpurities.Anavaistheimpuritywhichmakestheall-pervadingJivathinkitself tobeatomic(Anu).Itproducestheerroneousnotionoffiniteness.ThesecondimpurityorbondisKarma. Thesoulactsincertainwaysonaccountofitslimitation,anddoesgoodandevilactions.Karmabrings abouttheconjunctionofthesoulwithitsbody.TheresultsoftheKarmahavetobeworkedoutinthe world.Thereshouldbeworldsandbodies,inordertoexperiencethefruitsofactionsandacquire knowledge.TheseareprovidedbyMaya,thethirdMalaorbond.Mayaisthematerialcauseoftheworld. ThesoulgetsexperienceandlimitedknowledgethroughMaya. Thesoullearns,bylongexperience,thatthisSamsaraisfullofpainsandistransitory,andthathecan attaineternalblissandimmortalityonlybyattainingSivatvaorthenatureofSivaorGod-realisation.He developsVairagya(dispassion),andViveka(discriminationbetweentheRealandtheunreal,the Permanentandtheimpermanent). DisciplineandgraceculminateinJnana.Jnanaisthesuprememeansofsalvationortheattainmentof thefinalbeatitude.Karmaandothermeansareonlysubsidiarytoit.Theyareauxiliaries. TheattainmentofSivatvaorSiva-naturedoesnotmeancompletemergingofthesoulinSiva.The liberatedsouldoesnotloseitsindividuality.ItcontinuestoexistasasoulinGod.Sivatvaisthe realisationofanidentityofessenceinspiteofdifference.ThesoulattainsthenatureofSivaorGod,but itisnotitselfSivaorGod. Three orders of Jivas:TheSiddhantinsdivideJivasorPasusintothreeorders,viz.,Vijnanakalas, PralayakalasandSakalas.VijnanakalashaveonlytheAnavaMala(egoism).MayaandKarmahave
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beenresolved.PralayakalashavebeenfreedfromMayaalone,inthestageofPralaya.Sakalashaveall thethreeMalas. TheMalasaffectonlytheJivas,andnotSiva.ThosewhoarefreedfromtheMalasorimpuritiesattain SivatvaorthenatureofSiva.TheyaretheSiddhasorperfectedbeings. The way to the attainment of Sivatva or God-realisation:Youmustfreeyourselffromthethreebonds,if youwanttoattainsalvation.YoumustannihilateMaya,whichistherootofallsins.Youmustdestroyall Karmaswhichproducerebirth.Youmustremovetheerroneousnotionofafiniteself. ThethreebondscanberemovedonlythroughrigorousTapasandproperdiscipline,thehelpofaGuru, and,aboveall,thegraceofLordSiva.Charya(observance),Kriya(rites),andYoga(Yama-Niyama) constitutethediscipline.WhentheaspirantpractisesinrightearnestCharya,KriyaandYogaheobtains thegraceofLordSiva.ThentheLordinstructsthesoul,revealsHimselfandillumineshim.Thenthesoul realisesitsnatureasSiva.
Guru Puja
ItiscustomarytoobservethedayonwhichthesesaintsattainedtheLordsFeet,asaholyday.Given belowaresuchdaysinrespectoftheFourGreatSaiviteteachers,withtheirrespectiveholydays, accordingtotheTamilCalendar.Pray,fastandstudytheirlivesinthesedays. Tirunavukkarasar Tiru-Jnanasambandar Manickavachagar ChitraiSadayam VaikhasiMoolam AniMakham
SundaramurthiSwamigal AdiSwathi
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The Nayanars Message For Us

Howshallweevaluatethisworkbyasaintonthelivesofsaints?AwisesayinginSanskritechoeswhat wemeanbyOnlyaShakespearecanunderstandShakespeare.Gurudevssecondlessdevotionto Godisamplyreflectedintheinspiringpresentationofthesegreatlives,simple,lucidandtouching.We couldhavehadnonebetterqualifiedforit.Gurudevshandlingofitaddslustretotheillustriouslives. TherehavebeenmanyintellectualseveninIndiawhohavelookeddownuponthepathofBhakti (devotion)assomethinginferiortoJnana(wisdom).Theirshort-sightednessbecomesatonceapparent whenwestudythelivesofthegreatFourTeachers(Appar,Sundarar,Manickavachagarand Sambandar)andrealisethatthesegreatJnanis,too,weregreatBhaktaswholovedtovisitthetemples andsingthegloriesoftheLord.LookatthehumilityofApparwhocarriedSambandarspalanquin:this remindsusofGurudevsowninimitablehumility.Itisnotbornoftheweaknessoftheignorant:butitisthe culminationoftrueknowledge! Howshallweunderstandthewonderfulspiritofrenunciationthatcharacterisedthelivesofmanyroyal Nayanars,ifweregardthemasweaklings?Theyhadunderstoodthetruenatureoftheworld,and wantedonlyGod.CanwenotdrawaparallelinourowndivineMasterwho,similarly,renouncedaroyal lifeofadoctorinMalaya,inexchangeforpovertyandthebeggingbowl?LoveoftheLordcutsatthevery rootofourattachmenttothisworld,andsnapsallworldlyties,tofather,mother,son,wifeorrelatives.As thestoriesoftheNayanarsillustrate,thedevoteeiseverreadytorenounceall, infavourofdevotionto LordSiva.ChandesvaraNayanar,inhiscompleteabsorptioninHisworship,couldinflictamortalblow onhisownfather:but,thatwasbecausehesawnothisfather,butan obstacle toSivaPuja.When ArivattayaNayanarfound,forinstance,thathisweakbodywasgettingunfittocarryonHisworship,he wasreadytocuthisownthroat.IfMurkhaNayanarchosetogambleandevenresorttoviolencetocarry outhisvow,KannappaNayanarwouldpullouthisowneyestoservetheLord!Thisgreattruthhasbeen beautifullybroughtoutagainandagainintheselivesloveofGodcompletelyremovesthedevotees attachmenttohisownbody.WhocouldevenapproachSiruthondarsbreath-takingdevotiontotheLord andHisdevotees?
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LetusalsoneverforgetthatinthecaseofalltheNayanarsdevotioninvariablymeantexpansionofthe heart,and,therefore,serviceandcharity. Itisessentialthat,inourstudyofthesegreatlives,wetakethemas a whole:thesixty-threeblendinginto onemarvellousscriptureondevotion.Else,itmightleadtoperversion.Perversioninspiritualpathcan bequitedisastrous.Gurudevwouldoftennarrate,forexample,thecaseofawickedmanwhowould catchfishintheGanges,cutitandeatit,quoting(asadevilwould)fromtheGita:Weaponcannotcut theAtma,whichisimmortal.TheperverseintellectreadsintheGita,asanctionfortheuseofviolence. StoriesinwhichthereisseeminguseofviolencebytheNayanarshavetobereadwiththiscaution:we havetotakethemasallegoriesexhortingustoroutouttheinnerobstaclestoourSadhana,ruthlessly. ThestoryofEripathaNayanar,forinstance,shouldbetakenasanexhortationforustokilllust,angerand greed,thepowerfulimpedimentsonourspiritualpathwhich,inthetwinklingofaneyewreckourworship oftheLord. Ifwestudythelivesasawhole,wewillnotfailtonotethatAnayaNayanar,andPusalarNayanarhold beforeustheidealParaBhakta,supremeexemplarsofthehighestformofdevotion. Ifweapproachthesesaintswithfaithanddevotioninourhearts,weshallgraspthemessagetheyhave forus.Weshallalsounderstandwhytheygavesuchagreatplacetoexternalslikethesacredash, Rudraksha,etc.ThesesymbolsremindoneconstantlyofGod:and,whentheyaresaidtoremoveour sins,theyremoveoursinfultendencies,too,byconstantlyremindingusofGod,andkeepingeviloutof ourmind. MayweallwalkthepathofdevotionandattaintheLordinthisverybirthismyhumbleprayeratthedivine feetofourmaster.Thatistheonlywayinwhichwecanrepaythedebtweowehimforwhathehasdone forus. Dust of Gurudevs Feet Venkatesananda
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1. Sundaramurthi Nayanar
SundaramurthiNayanarflourishedinthe8thcentury.HewasagreatdevoteeofLordSiva.Heisoneof theTamilSamayaAcharyas(fourTamilreligiousTeachers). SundaramurthiNayanarsangthegloriesofLordSivaatallthesacredplacesthathevisited.These hymnsarecalledThevaram.Theyhavebeencollectedintoabook-form.AlldevoteessingtheThevaram eventoday.ThehymnssungbySundarar,ApparorTirunavakkarasu,andTirujnanaSambandarare calledThevaram.ThehymnsofManickavachagararecalledThiruvachagam. SundararhadtheSakhyaBhavaortheattitudeofafriendtowardstheLord.Hefreelydemandedofthe Lordwhateverhewanted.Hedidnotdosowithselfishdesire,however.Whateverheaskedforwasfor thesakeofthosewhoweredependentonhim.Helivedonlyeighteenyears. SundaramurthiNayanarwasborninThiruNavalurwheretheentireatmospherewasfullofspiritual vibrationsandSaivismwaswellestablished.Inthisplace,therelivedapious,devoutandrespected BrahminbynameSadaiyanarwhoseancestorswereallardentdevoteesofLordSiva.Isaignaniarwas hisdutifulwife.ShegavebirthtoadivinechildwhomtheparentsnamedNambiArurarafterits grandfather. InhispreviousincarnationArurarwasAlalaSundarar,whowasanardentdevoteeofLordSiva.When theMilkyOceanwasbeingchurnedbyDevasandAsuras,adeadlypoisonbegantospreadonthe surfaceoftheoceanthreateningtheexistenceofallbeings.ThenAlalaSundararcollectedthatpoisonin hishandandgaveittoLordSivaWhodrankitfortheprotectionoftheworld.Hence,Sundarargotthe wordAlala(forHalahala,thepoison)prefixedtohisname. OncewhenAlalaSundararwaslivingbythesideofLordSivaintheMountKailas,servingtheLordand bringingflowersfromthegardenforHisworship,hecastalustfullookatAninditiandKamalini,the attendantsofGoddessParvathiwhohadalsogonetothegardentocollectflowersforthedivine Mothersworship.They,too,fellinlovewithhim.LordSiva,throughHisdivinevision,understoodallthat
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hadhappenedinthegarden.HecalledAlalaSundararandsaid:Sundarar,sinceyoufellinlovewith thesegirls,youandthey,too,willgodowntotheearthandtakeahumanbirth.Youwillmarrythemand enjoythepleasuresoftheworld.Sundararweptbitterly,regrettinghisfollywhichhadresultedinhis separationfromtheLord.HeprayedtotheLord:OhLord!ItisduetomyevilthoughtthatIhaveto undergothisseparationfromThee.IamafraidlestIshouldbesteepedinignoranceandforgetThee.Oh Lordofmercy!Letthisnothappentome.OhLordofcompassion!Dispelmyignorancesoonandtake mebacktoYourlotusfeet.LordSivagrantedthiswish. TherewasanothercauseforSundararshumanbirth.ToanordinarymanitmayappearthatSundarar wasavictimtolust,eveninthedivinerealmofKailasa.Itwasnotso.Sundararwasonlyaninstrumentin thehandsofGod.ItwasLordSivaswishthatSundararshouldsingTiru Thonda Thogai forthebenefit ofmankind.So,LordSivaenteredhismindandcreatedadesireforthesetwogirls.Also,theLord wantedtoteachmankindagreatlesson.Lustisextremelypowerful.Itcandeludeevenagreatdevotee oftheLordlikeSundarar,ifheisnotevervigilant.Mayascharmsarepowerful.Unlessthisevilqualityis burnt,theJivacannotreachSiva.Yetanotherlesson.ThelustfuleyewasthecauseofSundarars downfall.But,whenitisusedintheserviceoftheLord(forlookingattheholyshrines,holyimagesof God,saints,andstudyofscriptures)theverysameorganwillhelptowardsouremancipation. Sundararwas,therefore,bornasArurar.Thekingofthatplace,NarasingaMunaiyar,happenedtosee thebeautifulchild.Helikedhim.Hewantedtobringhimuphimselfandaskedfortheparents permission,Sadaiyanar,whosemindwasfullofdispassionandwhowasnotattachedtoanythinginthis world,immediatelycompliedwiththekingswish.Asweshallseelater,heandhisdevoutwifearealso regardedasNayanars. Theboygrewupunderroyalcare.Attheproperage,theparentswantedtogettheirsonmarried. SadaiyanarsoughtSandakaviSivachariarsconsenttoobtainhisdaughtershandforhisson,Arurar. Sivachariargladlyagreed.But,theweddingwasnottotakeplace. Justwhentheceremonywastobegin,anoldBrahmin,withsacredashesonhisbody,Rudraksha aroundhisneckandmattedlocksonhisheadappearedandsaid:Thisman,Arurar,ismybond-slave.I
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haveadocumenttothateffectexecutedbyhisgrandfather.Hecannotmarry.Thisputanendtothe ceremony.SundararandtheBrahminlefttheplace.Theyoungbridefixedhermindontheholyfeetof Sundarar,shedhermortalcoilandattainedtheimmortalabodeofLordSiva. Sundararandtheoldmanhadaheatedargument.Sundararaskedhim:Whoareyouandfromwhere haveyoucome?TowhichtheBrahminreplied:IbelongtoTiruvennaiNellur.Sundararcalledhimaliar andsaid:Come,letusgotoTiruvennaiNellurandgetthisdisputesettledbythewisementhere. AtTiruvennaiNellur,beforeanassemblyofwisementheoldBrahminproducedthedocumentwhich readasfollows: I, Aruran, the Adi Saivite of Tirunavalur, execute this bond of slavery with heart and soul. I and my progeny for all time to come are bond-slaves to Pithan of Tiruvennai Nellur, and we are bound to serve him by all means. Pithan meansLordSivawhodelightstobecalledamadman,toexemplifythestateofthehighestYogi whosebehaviourresemblesthatofamadmanbutwhoteachesusthatthereisnothinginthisworld worthtakinganynoticeofandtheworldlywisemenareallmadpeopleintruth. Afterexaminingthewitnessescitedinthedocumentandverifyingthegrandfatherssignature,the assemblyconfirmedtheoldmansclaim.SundararhadtoacceptitasGodswill.Followedbyallofthem theBrahminenteredthetempleofTiruArulTuraionthepretextofshowingthemhishouse,andpromptly vanished.ArurarunderstoodthatitwastheLordHimselfwhohadappearedastheoldmantosavehim fromtheshacklesofSamsara.HewasafflictedverymuchatheartthathehadnotrecognisedHim earlier.Hecriedaloud.TheLordappearedbeforehimandblessedhim:Ohnoblesoul.Youarealready MyBhakta.YouwereinMyAbodeinKailasabeforethisbirthasaman.Awrongthoughtmadeyoutake thisbirth.NowIhaveMyselfcometosaveyou. BecauseSundararhadquarrelledwithHim,theLordHimselfcalledhimVanthondan (thedevoteewho usedharshwords)andaskedhimtosingHisglories.Myclearchild,youcalledMePithan (madman)
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duringyourquarrel.So,beginwiththiswordandcomposeapoem.Sundarardidso:theresultwasthat inspiringpoemPitha Pirai Soodi. TheLordHimselfcametobeknownasTaduthatkonda Iswar(the LordpreventedandsavedhimfromSamsara). SundararlatervisitedanumberofholyplacesandsangthepraiseoftheLordinallofthem.Hecameto AdigaiVirattanam,thesacredplacewhereApparservedtheLordViratteswararandwasblessed. Sundarardidnotliketoplacehisfootonthesacredgroundandsostayedontheoutskirtsofthevillage. ThatnightwhenSundararwasasleep,theLordintheguiseofanoldmanenteredtheMutt.Helaydown closetowhereSundararwassleepingandpretendedtosleep.HethenplacedHisfeetontheheadof Sundarar.WhenSundararobjectedtothis,theoldmanapologised.Sundararwentovertoanother corneroftheroom.There,too,theoldmanrepeatedthesameaction.Sundarardidnotlosehistemper. Hecalmlyaskedhimforhisidentityandexplanationfortheabnormalbehaviour.Ohfriend,dontyou knowme?askedtheLordanddisappeared.SundararrealisedthatitwasagaintheLordHimself. SincehehadnotgoneintotheplaceforHisDarshan,theLordHimselfhadcomeouttowherethe devoteewas!Sundararprayed:OhLord!HowkindandmercifulYouare!Evendevoteeswhoarewell versedinVedasandAgamascannottouchYourfeet.Outoflovetowardsthispoorcreature,Youleft YourabodeandcameheretoblessmewithYourHolyFeet. Sundararagaincontinuedhispilgrimage.AtTillai(Chidambaram),hewentintoatranceevenashesaw thetempletower.Inhisecstasyherolledonthegroundandshedprofusetearsoflove.Hehadthe DarshanofLordNataraja.AheavenlyvoicecommandedhimtogotoTiruvarur. HethenvisitedmanyothershrinesandcametoTiruvarur.TheLordappearedtotheBrahminsof TiruvarurandaskedthemtoreceiveSundararwithduehonours.Theydidso.AsSundararwas worshippingtheLordinthetemple,heheardaheavenlyvoice:Sundarar!IhavemadeyouMyfriend.I preventedyoufromgettingmarried.Hereafteryouwillappearforeverasabridegroomandsporton earth.Immediately,Sundararbecameahandsomebridegroom.PeoplecalledhimTambiran Thozhar (friendofGod).
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InTiruvarur,therewasachastewomanbynameParavayarwhowasnoneotherthanKamalini,the attendantofParvathiinKailasa.DailyshewouldgotothetempleandworshiptheLordwithfaithand devotionandsingHisglories.Oneday,shecametothetemple,asusual,withherfriends,toworshipthe Lord.Atthesametime,Sundarar,withhisdevoteesenteredthetemple.PromptedbypastKarma, SundararwasattractedbyParavayarsbeauty.Hewantedtomarryher,andenteredtheshrineofthe Lordwiththisthought.TheLordwashisfriend,andso,heexpressedhisdesiretoHim! ParavayarwhohadseenSundararinthetemplealsofellinlovewithhimandwantedtomarryhim. Themarriagewaspre-ordainedbyLordSivaHimselfanditwasnowHisdutytobringitabout.He appearedtobothofthemintheirdreamsandtoldthemthattheywouldgetmarried.Healso commandedHisdevoteesindreamtoarrangefortheweddingofParavayarandSundarartheverynext day.Thiswasdoneaccordingly,tothejoyofbothParavayarandSundarar. Oneday,ArurarwentintothetempleandfoundanumberofdevoteesoftheLordthere.Hewantedto singtheirglories.TheLordHimselfsangthefirstlineofthefamouspoemTiruthonda Thogai andbyHis grace,Sundararcompletedit. DuringhisstayatTiruvarur,aVellalabynameKundaiyurKizharwhowasveryhighlydevotedtohim,was regularlysupplyingParavayarwithenoughgrainsandgroceriesforthemaintenanceofSundararandthe devotees.Suddenlytherewasfamineinthedistrictandpeoplesufferedforwantoffood.Kundaiyur Kizharwasalsoaffected.HewasafflictedatheartbecausehecouldnotsupplytheneedsofSundarar. LordSivaappearedinhisdreamandpromisedenoughgrain!Kubera,theGodofwealth,didthe needful,ascommandedbytheLord.Thenextmorning,KundaiyurKizharfoundhugeheapsofgrain.At thesametimetheLordappearedbeforeSundararandinformedhimoftheincident.AtonceSundarar leftforKundaiyurtomeetKizhar.Theymethalf-way.SundararsawtheheapsofgrainatKundaiyurand knewthatitwasHisLila.HewenttoanearbyKoiliandsangthepraiseoftheLord,andentreatedHimto havethegrainremovedtoTiruvarur.Acelestialvoiceimmediatelyassuredhimofthis.Sundarar returnedtoTiruvarurandinformedParavayarofallthathappened.ThatnighttheBhutaGanas,the servantsofLordSiva,removedtheheapsofgrainandfilledtheentiretownofTiruvarurwithit!Paravayar
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offeredrepeatedprostrationstotheLordandsangHisglory.Sheaskedthepeopletotakethegrainto appeasetheirhunger.Thusthefaminecametoanend.AllthepeopleglorifiedtheLordandParavayar. KotpuliNayanarofTirunattiyattankudi,theCommander-in-chiefofaCholaKing,andanardentdevotee ofLordSivacametoSundararandentreatedhimtogracehishousewithhispresence.Sundarar agreedtothisandwent.AfterworshippingSundarar,KotpuliNayanarprostratedhimselfatSundarars feetalongwithhistwodaughters,SingadiyarandVanappahaiyar,andpleadedthatSundararshould marrythetwodaughters.Sundarar,however,placedthemonhislapandfondledthem,treatingthemas hisowndaughters.ThenSundararwenttothetempleandsanginpraiseoftheLord,asonginwhichhe calledhimselfSingadiappan, sincehetookSingadiyarashisdaughter. SundararthenreturnedtoTiruvarur.ItwasParavayarscustomtodistributeplentyofmoneyandother articlesincharityonPanguniUttaram,afestivalday.SundararwenttoTirupugalurandprayedtothe LordtogivehimgoldforthesakeofParavayar.Thatnightheslepttherewithafewbricksashispillow. Thenextmorning,hewokeuptofindthatallthebrickshadbeenconvertedintogold.Sundararwas surprisedatthismiracleofLordSivaandsangHisgloryandreturnedtoTiruvarur.Onthewayhehada visionoftheLordatTiruPanaiyur. AftervisitingmanyholyplacesagainandsinginghymnsinpraiseoftheLord,SundararcametoTiru Pachilasramam.ThereheworshippedtheLordandaskedforagoldcoin.Hedidnotgetitimmediately. HesangaPadigam(song)andtheLordatoncegavehimaheapofgold.TheLordwassofondof hearingSundararsing. Then,SundararleftforVridhachalam,visitinganumberofholyplacesontheway.HehadomittedTiru Koodalaiyarrur.So,theLordcametohimasaBrahminofwhomSundararenquiredthewayto Vridhachalam.TheBrahminledthewayuptoacertaindistance,andthensuddenlydisappeared.Itwas closetoTiruKoodalaiyarrurwhichSundararnowvisitedandsangasonginpraiseoftheLordthere. ThenSundararcametoVridhachalam.HeworshippedtheLord,andsangaPadigamexpressinghis desireforgoldcoins.TheLordgavehim12,000piecesofgold.SundararprayedtotheLordtoremove
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thesegoldpiecestoTiruvarur.TheLordaskedhimtothrowthemintotheriverManimuktaandtoreceive thembackatTiruvarur.Sundarardidso, keepingapieceforidentification.OnreturntoTiruvarur, SundararandParavayarwenttothetanktogetbackthegoldpieces.Sundarardivedintotheeastern sideofthetankandsearchedforthegold,asthoughhehadputthemthere.Hecouldnotfindthem. Sorelyafflictedatheart,hesangasong.ThatwaswhattheLordwanted.Sundarargotthegold.Allwere amazed.But,onidentification,itwasfoundthatthegoldwasinferiorinvaluetothepiecethatSundarar hadkeptbackwithhim.Hesangasong:andtheLordrestoredtothemtheiroriginalvalue.Sofondwas HeofhearingSundararsingasong. Sundararwentoutonanotherpilgrimageagain.Ontheway,hewasafflictedwithhungerandthirst.The LordWhoistheIndwellerofourhearts,erectedawater-shedandwaswaitingforSundararthereinthe guiseofaBrahmin.Sundararandthedevoteesenteredtheshed,singingthePanchakshara.The Brahminofferedhimfoodandwaterandaskedhimtorestawhile.Allofthemappeasedtheirhunger,but thequantityofthefoodremainedthesame.Whentheywereresting,afterfood,theLorddisappeared. TheyknewthatitwasnoneotherthantheLordHimself.Sundararsangasongalludingtothisincident. Onanotheroccasion,soonafterthis,whileonavisittoTirukachur,Sundararwenttothetemple, worshippedtheLordandwasrestingoutsidethetemple,feelinghungry.TheLordunderstoodit:andso, intheguiseofaBrahmincametoSundararandsaid:Itappearsthatyouarehungry.Pleasewaithere.I willgiveyoufood.TheLordatoncewentoutinthescorchingsun,beggedfromeachandeveryhouse, andofferedthefoodsoobtained,toSundarar.AsSundararandthedevoteeswereeating,theBrahmin disappeared:andtheyunderstoodthatitwastheLordHimself.Sundararsangasongalludingtothis incident,revealingtheLordssuprememercy. Lateron,hewenttoTiruvotriyurandstayedthereforsometime,worshippingtheLordthere.Aninditiyar, theothermaid-servantofParvathiinKailasa,whohadalsotakenahumanbirth,wasnowSangilyarin JnayiruinThondaiNadu.HerfatherwasJnayiruKizhar,aVellalabycaste.Hewasalsoastaunch devoteeofLordSiva.SangiliyarwasdevotedtoParvatifromherverychildhood.Onceherparents mentionedthatsheshouldgetmarried,buttheverywordmarriagemadeherfaint.Later,arespectable Vellalawantedtomarryher.Hesentsomepeopletoapproachthegirlsfather.JnayiruKizhardidnot
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likeeventospeaktohisdaughteraboutit.Hesentthemawaywithanevasivereply.Soonafter,theboy whowantedtomarrySangiliyar,andthepartythatwenttonegotiate,allofthemdied.WhenJnayiru Kizharheardthis,heunderstoodthegreatnessofhisdaughter.HetookhertoTiruvotriyurandbuilta smallAshramforherthere. ItwaspartofSangiliyarsSadhanatomakegarlandsfortheLordinthetemple.Sheregularlyvisitedthe templeandworshippedtheLord.OnedaySundararandthedevoteeswenttothetemple.Afterthe worship,theycametotheplacewheresomedevoteesweremakinggarlandsfortheLord.Sangiliyar wasalsothere.Sundararwasattractedbyherbeauty,duetopastSamskaras.Hewantedtomarryher, andexpressedthiswishtotheLord.TheLordpromisedtofulfilhiswish. TheLordappearedinSangiliyarsdreamandsaid:Ohnoblesoul,Iamhighlypleasedwithyour devotion.NowItellthisforyourowngood.Sundararwantstomarryyou.HeisMyfriend.HeaskedMeto arrangethemarriage.So,marryhim.Youwillbehappy.SangiliyarprostratedbeforetheLordandsaid: OhLord,IwillobeyYourcommandandmarryhim.But,hemaydesertmesinceheisalreadymarried. TheLordaskedhertogetapromisefromSundararthathewouldnotpartfromherunderany circumstance. ThentheLordappearedbeforeSundararandsaidthatSangiliyarhadagreedtomarryhimoncondition thathewouldnotpartfromher.Sundararsaid:OhLord,howcanIagreetothisconditionsinceIam constantlymovingaboutvisitingmanyholyshrines?But,ifYousodesire,thenassuremethatYouwill withdrawYourpresencefromtheLingaminthetempleandwilltakeYourabodeinthenearbytree,when ItaketheoathbeforeYourimage.TheLordgrantedhimthiswishanddisappeared. HeagainappearedbeforeSangiliyarandsaid:Ohnoblesoul,Sundararhasagreedtoyourcondition. But,askhimtomakethispromise,notbeforetheLingaminthetemple,butinfrontofthenearbytree. ThenextmorningSangiliyarcametothetemple.Sundararwaswaitingthereforher.Sangiliyarsfriends toldhimthatshewishedthepromisetobegiveninfrontofthenearbytree.Hewastakenaback,but acceptedtheproposal.Thepromisewasgiven.Themarriagewasimmediatelysolemnised.
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InTiruvarur,VasantaUtsavamwasbeingcelebratedonagrandscale.Sundararrememberedthe festivalandlongedtogothere.HealsorecollectedthatParavayarwouldsinganddancethereinfrontof theLord.Atthesametime,hecouldnotpartfromSangiliyar.Foralongtime,hestruggledbetweenthe twoconflictingduties.Finally,hedecidedtoleave. WhenhecrossedtheborderofTiruvotriyur,hesuddenlylosthiseye-sightandfelldownontheground. TheLordisimpartial.NonecanescapetheoperationoftheLawofDivineJustice.Sundararslowly regainedhisconsciousness.ImmediatelyherealisedhisfaultandprayedtotheLordforforgiveness, askingforthegrantoftheeye-sight.OhLord,ItakecompleterefugeinYou.IalwaysrepeatYourName. EvenwhenIfelldownlosingmyeye-sight,IrememberedYouonly.OhLordofMercy,evenifIcommita crime,isitnotYourdutytoforgiveme?OhLordofCompassion,saveme.Inspiteoftheblindness, however,histhirstfortheDarshanoftheLordatTiruvarurdidnotabate.Withthehelpofsomepeopleon thewayhecametoTiruMullaivayil.Here,again,heprayedtotheLordtogivehimeye-sight.At TiruvembakkamheagainprayedtotheLordinasimilarstrain.Inthetemple,heprayedandasked:Oh LordWhoacceptedmeintoHisfold,prostrationsuntoThee.OhLordWhocleverlyplayedatrickonme, areYouinsidethetemple?TheLordgaveasternreply:Iamhere;youcango.andgavehimablindmansstick.ThisattitudeofindifferenceonthepartoftheLordpainedSundararandhepleadedfor mercy.OhLordofMercy,haveInottakenYouasmysolerefugeandsupport?Icommittedamistake thinkingthatYouwillpardonme.Youareevenindifferenttopubliccriticism.WilltheynotaccuseYoufor turningadeafeartoadevoteewhoissincerelyweepingatYourfeet,acceptinghisfaultandcravingfor pardon?OhLord,canYounotunderstandsuffering?Likealovingchildthathasbeenseparatedfromits motherforalongtimeandwantstohugher,IhavecometoYou:but,instead,Youtreatmelikea stranger.OhLord,Youdeceivedme,whoaskedYoutoremainforawhilenearthetree,bycleverly informingSangiliyarofthesameandaskinghertogetthepromisefrommenearthetree.OhLord,You gavemeSangiliyarandallthepleasures.But,nowYougivemetheblind-mansstaffandsayYoucan go.OhLord,amIunfittoreceiveYourmercy?Pardonmeandrelievemeofmysufferings. Then,completelyresigninghimselftoGod,SundararcametoConjeevaram,aftervisitingmanyholy placesontheway.HeworshippedMotherKamakshiandexpressedhissufferingstoherandpleadedto hertorelievehimofhissufferings.SundararthenworshippedLordEkambareswarar.MotherWhois
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seatedonHisleftside,hadalreadybeenmovedbySundararsprayersandwantedtoshowerHergrace onhim.LordSivaunderstoodthis.HeatoncerestoredvisiontoSundararslefteye.Inecstasyherolled ontheground,sheddingprofusetearsoflove. Afterspendingsomedaysthere,singingthegloriesoftheLord,SundararproceededtogotoTiruvarur. AtTiruvavaduthurai,heagainprayedtotheLordtoforgivehimandrestoresighttotheothereye,too. SundararthencametoThiruthurithi.TheLordaskedhimtotakeadipinthenortherntankthere. Sundarardidso,andcameoutofit.Tothesurpriseofall,hisbodyhadbecomeasbrightaspolished gold.Peoplewereamazedatthischange.Sundararwentintothetempleandprayed. SundararreachedtheoutskirtsofTiruvarur.Hegrievedthat,duetohispartialsight,hecouldnotgeta completeDarshanoftheLord.Theverysightofthetempletowerentrancedhim.Sundararwantedto feastbothhiseyesonthebeautyoftheLordandsoprayedtoHimtorestorevisiontohisothereyealso. SundararssupremedevotionandlamentationmovedtheLordsheart.Heatoncecuredtheothereye also.Sundararwasextremelyhappy.HeworshippedtheLordandremainedcompletelyabsorbedin divinebliss. Inthemeantime,peoplewhomParavayarhadsenttogreetSundararandinformhimofhereagerness tomeethim,foundoutthathehadmarriedSangiliyar.TheywentbackandtoldParavayaraboutthis. Paravayarwassunkingrief.Shewasannoyed,too.ParavayarspeoplerefusedtoallowSundarars devoteestoenterthehouse.WhenSundararheardofthis,hewasafflictedatheart.Hesentsome elderlydevoteestoParavayar,tobringaboutareunion.Theyfailed.Atmidnightwhenallthedevotees wereasleep,heprayedtotheLordforHishelpinpacifyingParavayar.TheLordappearedbeforehim andassuredhimofHishelp.TheLorddisguisedHimselfasSundararsmessenger,aBrahminpriest, andwenttoParavayarshouse.TheBrahminpleadedSundararscauseandaskedhertoaccepthim back.Sherefused,thoughsheherselfwasgrief-strickenattheseparationfromSundarar.Her annoyanceathissecondmarriagewassogreat!TheLordcoollyreturnedtoSundarar,whowas anxiouslyawaitingHisreturn.WhentheLordinformedSundararofallthathadhappened,Sundararfell downontheground,ingrief.IfYoudonothelpme,OhLord,Iwillgiveupmylife.TheLordseeing Sundararspitiablecondition,assuredhimofhelpandagainsetouttogotoParavayarshouse.
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Inthemeantime,thedevoutParavayarhadunderstoodthattheBrahminwasnootherthantheLord HimselfandwassufferingfromterribleanguishfornotrecognisingHim.TheLordagainwenttoher house:andthistimeHeappearedbeforeherinHisrealform.ParavayaratonceprostratedbeforeHim. TheLordsaid:OParavayar,IhaveagainbeensentbySundarartopleadhiscase.Donotrefusethis time.Heisundergoingterribleagonyonaccountofseparationfromyou.Accepthimandallowhimto cometoyourhouse.ParavayarprostratedtotheLordagain,withfoldedpalmsandsaid:OhLord,first YoucameintheguiseofaBrahminbutIdidnotrecogniseYou.AgainYouhavecomeandhaveshown meYourrealform.OhLord,howkindYouare!YouhavegracedmyhutandshoweredYourgraceonme. Youhavetakensomuchtroublethismidnight,forthesakeofYourfriend.HowcanIgoagainstYour wish?IwillacceptandobeyYourcommand.TheLordwasimmenselypleasedwithher.Heblessedher andreturnedtoSundarar.TheLordinformedhimthathehadpacifiedParavayarandthathecouldnow returntoher.Hethendisappeared.SundararwasoverwhelmedwithjoyandsangtheLordsglories. Inthemeantime,ParavayarhaddecoratedherhousebeautifullyandwaseagerlywaitingforherLord. Sundarar,withhisdevotees,enteredthehouse.Paravayarfellathisfeet.Thustheywerere-unitedafter alongseparation. Yet,thiswasnotall.ThenewsthatSundararhadsentLordSivaHimselfashismessenger,hadreached theearsofEyarkonKalikamaNayanarofTiruPerumangalaminPonniNadu.Hewasagreatdevoteeof LordSiva.HewasterriblyangrywithSundararfortreatingtheLordasamessengertosettleadomestic quarrel.How,inawonderfulandmysteriousmannerLordSivabringsaboutareconciliationbetweenthe twoNayanars,bothofthemgreatlydevotedtoHim,weshallsee,whenwedescribethelifeofKalikama Nayanar. EquallyinterestingisthewayinwhichtheLordunitesinfriendshipSundararandCheramanPerumal Nayanar,anotherroyaldevoteeoftheLord.Weshalldescribeitindetailwhenwecometothelifeof CheramanPerumalNayanar. When,alongwithCheramanPerumal,SundararwasproceedingtoMadurai,theyarrivedat Tirunagaikkoronam.HereSundararsangasonginwhichheaskedtheLordtogivehimapearlgarland,
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preciousstones,musk,spectacles,fragrance,clothes,jewelry,one-thirdofthewealthofTiruvarur, horseswhichranasfastasthewind,goldenflowers,palanquin,etc.Howwonderfulistherelation betweenthedevoteeandtheLord!SundararregardedGodashisfriend,becauseGodHimselfhad wantedittobeso.HeadoptedtowardsGodtheSakhyaBhava(attitudeofadearfriend). InthecompanyofCheramanPerumal,Sundararwentonseveralpilgrimages,andmetmanyofthekings ofSouthIndia.Once,whentheywereatTiruKandiyur,theysawTiruvaiyarontheoppositebankofthe river.Cheramandesiredtovisitthatplacealso.Theriverwasinflood,anditwasimpossibletocrossit. SundararsincerelyprayedtotheLordtohelpthem.Hesangoneofhissongswhicheasilypleasedthe Lord.Atoncetherivergaveway,leavingasandytractthroughwhichtheycouldwalkacrosstotheother bank.Assoonastheyreachedtheotherbank,theriverresumeditsformerform.Theyweredelightedat thismiracleoftheLord.EventhefiveelementsareeverreadytoservethedevoteesoftheLord,atHis command. CheramanthentookSundarartohisownplace,withgreathonourandpomp.Sundararstayedwith Cheramanforsometime.HesuddenlyrememberedtheLordofTiruvarurandwantedtogothere. Cheramancouldnotaccompanyhimandwasthereforegrief-stricken.Sundararconsoledhimand askedhimtostaybehindandrulethecountrywiselyandjustly.Cheramanprostratedhimselfbeforehim andgavehimrichpresents.Hesenthisownpeopletocarrythesepresents,andtoaccompany Sundarar.ItwastheLordswishthatSundararshouldreceivegiftsonlyfromHim!HowcouldHis friend receivefromothers?Hence,HedesiredtodepriveSundararofwhatCheramanhadgivenhim.When SundararandhisretinuewerepassingthroughTirumuruganpondi,theLordsentHisServantstorob SundararofalltherichesthathehadreceivedfromCheraman.TheLordsServantsdisguised themselvesashuntersandattackedthepartythatwascarryingthepresents.Thepartydroppedalland fled.TheywenttoSundararandreportedtohimwhathadhappened.Sundararwenttothelocaltemple andsangaPadigam.Hecameoutofthetempleandtohissurprisehesawthereallthattheyhadbeen robbedof.Now,itwasagiftfromtheLordHimself,andsoSundarar,Godsfriend,couldhaveit. WonderfularetheLilasoftheLord. Aftersometime,SundararagaindesiredtoseeCheramanPerumal.OnthewaytoKundakolur,hewent
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toTiruPukkoliyurAvinasi.Asheenteredthisplace,heheardsimultaneouslyauspiciousaswellwailing soundsemergingfromdifferenthouses. Onenquiry,helearnthowtwoBrahminboysofthesameage,fromthesetwohouseswenttotankfora bath;andhowoneofthemwascaughtbyacrocodile,andtheotherescaped,providentially.Thelatter wasbeinginvestedwiththesacredthreadthatday,andhencetheauspicioussoundfromthathouse. Thepeopleinthedeceasedboyshousewerebemoaningthelossoftheboy,soreatthefeelingthat, hadhebeenalive,hewouldalsobecelebratingthesacredthreadceremonythatday.Sundararwanted toconsolethebereavedfamily.Ashestoodinfrontofthehouse,thepeoplestoppedwailingandcame outtoreceiveSundarar.TheywereeagerforalongtimetogethisDarshan,andso,forgettingtheir sorrow,theycametowelcomehim.TheirdevotionmovedSundararsheart.Hewaspromptedbythe Lordtobringthedeadboybacktolife.So,hewenttothesametankandsangasongontheLordof Avinasitogivethechildbacktotheparents.TheCreator,pleasedwithSundarar,enteredthestomachof thecrocodileandre-constitutedthebodyoftheboy,thoughithadalreadybeendigested.LordYama, too,forhispart,releasedfromhiscustody,thelifehehadonceremovedandthecrocodilevomittedthe boy!Tothewonderofall,theboywasmuchmorehandsomethanwhenhemetwiththeaccident,andhe showedsignsofgrowth,appropriatetothelapseoftime.AllwereamazedatthismiracleofSundarar. TheparentsoftheboywereimmenselypleasedandembracedSundararsfeet.Sundarartooktheboy tothetempleandworshippedLordAvinasiappar.Hehimselfperformedthesacredthreadceremonyfor him. AtKodunkolur,Cheraman,whohadalreadycometoknowofthecrocodilemiracle,receivedSundarar withstillgreaterloveandvenerationthanbefore.Sundararstayedwiththekingforsometime.Oneday SundararvisitedthetemplealoneandworshippedtheLord.TheverysightoftheLordsenthiminto trance.HerolledonthegroundsheddingtearsofGod-love.Thehairsonhisbodystoodonendandhis mindwasfilledwithrapture.Heregainedconsciousnessafteralongtime.Hewastiredofworldly existenceandsorequestedtheLordtotakehimbacktoKailasa.HesangaPadigam. TheLord,desiringtotakeSundararbacktoHisAbode,commandedthecelestialstobringhimto Kailasaonawhiteelephant.HealsoinformedSundararofthis.Sundararcameoutofthetemple.The
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whiteelephantwaswaitingforhimthere.HementallywishedtotakeCheramanPerumalalsowithhimto Kailasa.ThenheclimbedtheelephantandproceededtowardsKailasa. InaPadigamhesangonthisoccasion,SundararhimselfrevealsthatthisdepartureforKailasawasnot inhisphysicalbody,butinhisspiritualbody.Thephysicalbodywasdiscardedhereinthisworlditself, andtheelementsofwhichitwascomposedwerereturnedtotheirsources. CheramanlearntbyintuitionofSundararsdepartureforKailasa.Atonce,hemountedahorseandcame toTiruAnchaikalam.TherehesawSundarargoingalongtheskyonthecelestialelephant.Atonce CheramanpronouncedthePanchaksharaintheearsofthehorse.Thehorseflewupandreached Sundarar.CheramanworshippedSundararthere.BothofthemwenttoKailasaintheirspiritualbody. AttheGateofKailasa,Sundararwasallowedtoenter,whileCheramanwasnot.SundararwentintoHis presenceandpraisedHismercy:OhOceanofMercy,Youhavepardonedmysinsandreleasedme fromthequagmireofSamsara.YouhavetakenmebackintoYourfold,andbestowedonmethe ImmortalBliss.HowkindandmercifulYouare!HetheninformedtheLordthatCheramanwasoutside theGate.TopleaseHisfriend,LordSivasentHisMount,NandikesvarartobringCheramanalsoin.The LordaskedCheramanhowhecouldcometoKailasawithoutHispermission.Cheramanrepliedthat whenhesawSundararproceedingtoKailasa,hecouldnotbearseparationfromhimandso accompaniedhim.Now,bythegoodofficesofSundararwhichearnedforhimtheLordsgracehehad beenadmittedintotheLordsAbode.Inthesewords,Cheramanexpressedaverygreattruth:thatevenif thedevoteeisundeserving,ifheisdevotedtoasaint(theGuru),hewillalsogainaplaceinthekingdom ofGod,throughtheintercessionoftheGuru. Sundarar,asbefore,engagedhimselfinHisservicewithallhisheartandsoul.Paravayarand Sangiliyar,beingpurgedoftheirKarmas,alsoreachedKailasa.Theyresumedtheiroriginaldutyasthe servantsofMotherParvathi.
2. Tiru Neelakanta Nayanar

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InChidambaram,thereoncelivedanardentdevoteeofLordSiva.Hewasapotterbycasteand profession.HehadthehighestregardforthedevoteesofLordSiva,too.Hewasevereagertoserve them.Hewasleadinganidealhouseholdlife.Hemadebeautifulbeggingbowlsofclayandofferedthem freetothedevoteesofLordSiva,withgreatjoy. Siva,inHisaspectofNeelakantawashissolerefugeandprop.Hence,hewascalledTiruNeelakanta Nayanar.Hewouldalwaystellothershow,fortheprotectionoftheworldtheLorddrankthevirulent poison,andhewouldassurehisfriendsthattheywhotookrefugeunderHisfeetwouldbepurgedofall sinsandwouldfinallybetakentoHisAbode. Inspiteofhisvirtuousqualities,oncehefellavictimtolust.Oneday,hevisitedthehouseofaprostitute. Whenhereturnedhome,hisdutifulandpiouswifeunderstoodthis.Thisirritatedher,thoughshedidnot showthisandcontinuedtoservehim,asbefore.But,shehaddecidednottohaveanysexualrelation withhim.Nayanarcouldnotunderstandthereason.Oneday,asheapproachedherwithpassion,she tookanoathandsaid:InthenameofNeelakanta,Iaskyou:donottouchus.Thoughsheonlymeant herself,shehadusedthewordus. SinceshetooktheNameoftheLordandsinceshehadusedthe wordus, NeelakantaNayanardecidedthatfromthatdayhewouldnottouchanywomanintheworld. SuchwashissinceredevotiontotheLord.Theycontinuedtolivetogether.Theydidnotwanttomakea fussovertheirownresolve.Nooneknewaboutit.Yearsrolledbyandtheyhadgrownold. LordSivawantedtorevealthegreatnessofHisdevoteeandthustoimmortalisehisname.So,inthe guiseofaSivaYogi(aSaivitemendicant)theLordcametoTiruNeelakantarshouse.Neelakantar welcomedhimandworshippedhim.TheYogigavehimabeggingbowlandsaid:Ohnoblesoul,kindly keepthisinyoursafecustody,tillIcomebackforit.Tomeitisextremelyprecious.Ithasthewonderful propertyofpurifyinganythingthatcomesintocontactwithit.So,pleaseprotectitwiththegreatestcare. ThentheSivaYogilefttheplaceandNeelakantarkeptthebowlinaverysafeplaceinthehouse. Afteralongtime,LordSivacametothehouseofNeelakantar,asthesameSivaYogiandaskedforthe bowl.TheLordHimself,bythepowerofHisMaya,causedittodisappearfromthehouse!Neelakantar searchedforit,butcouldnotfindit.Itwasamysterytohim.Hewasashamedofhimself.Tremblingwith
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fear,hefellattheYogisfeetandsaidthathecouldnotfindit.Atthis,theYogigotveryangryand accusedNeelakantar,callinghimathiefandcheat.Neelakantarofferedtoreplacethebowlwitha costlierone;buttheYogiwouldnotaccept. AgainandagainNeelakantarpleadedthathehadnotstolenthebowlandthatbyadivinemysteryitwas missingfromthehouse.TheYogidemandedthatifthatwasthetruth,Neelakantarshouldsaysoonoath, holdinghiswifeshand.WhenNayanar,whohadresolved,inthenameoftheLord,nottotouchanyone, declinedthis,theYogiattributedthisunwillingnesstothefactthatNeelakantarhadinfactbeenguiltyof theft.Theywenttothecourt.TheBrahminsheardthecase.TheyaskedNeelakantartopromise,as desiredbytheYogi.Neelakantargotintothetank,alongwithhiswife;theyhadastickintheirhand,and eachofthemwasholdingoneendofit.TheYogiobjectedtothisandwantedthatNeelakantarshould actuallyholdhiswifeshandwithhisown.Neelakantarcouldnothidethesecretrelationshipthatexisted betweenhimandhiswifeanymore,andso,relatedthewholestorytothecourt.Afterthisnarration, Neelakantarandhiswifecaughtholdofthetwoendsofthestickandtookadipinthetank.Amiracle happened.Astheyemergedfromthewater,theyshonewithyouthandbeauty.TheSivaYogi disappearedfromtheirmidstandLordSivaandMotherParvathyappearedinthesky,blessingallof them.TheLordsaid:Duetothemeritofhavinglivedalifeofself-controlanddevotion,youwillliveinMy EternalAbode,foreveryouthful.TheLordthusrevealedthegloryofsupremedevotiontoHim(which alonemadeitpossibleforNeelakantartorefrainfromlustfulthoughtsoractions,afterhiswifehadsworn intheNameoftheLord)andalifeofcelibacywhichbestowseternalyouthfulnessonyou,andthe unostentatiousnessofasaintsvirtue.
3. Iyarpahai Nayanar
Charity,freefromthemeanutteranceI have none isfoundonlyamongmenofgoodbirthsaysthe Kural.AmongsuchnoblesoulsIyarpahaiNayanarrankedhigh.Charitywasingrainedinhim.Itwashis practicetoinviteSivaBhaktastohishouse,worshipthemwithfaithanddevotionandgivethemallthey wanted.HehadtakenavownevertosaynotowhataSivaBhaktawanted.
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IyarpahaiarwasanativeofKaveripoompattinam.HewasaVaisyabycaste.TohimSivaBhaktaswere thelivingmanifestationsofLordSiva. LordSivawaspleasedwithHisdevotee.Hewantedtorevealhistruegreatnesstotheworld.So,the Lord,inthedisguiseofaBrahmin,withsacredashessmearedalloverhisbody,cametoNayanars house.HewelcomedtheBrahminwithgreatjoy,astheverysightoftheholymanthrilledtheNayanar. TheBrahminsaid:Ohnoblesoul,youarefarfamedforyourcharitablenature.Learningthatnonereturns empty-handedfromyourhouse,Ihavecometoyouforagift.Ishalldiscloseittoyou,ifyoupromiseto givewhatIwant.TheNayanaragreedreadilyprovidedIhaveitwithme.TheBrahminatoncerevealed whathewanted:Itisthegiftofyourwife.Nayanarhadnodifficultyatallingrantingthis!Thesupreme devoteeoftheLordthathewas,hedidnotstooptodoubtthecredentialsoftheBrahminwho,thoughhe appearedtobeaSivaBhakta,hadsuchanundesirabledesire:suchistheunquestioningnatureof devotion.NorwouldNayanarhesitatetofulfiltheBhaktaswish,onthepleathatitinvolved unrighteousness:for,tohimworshipoftheguest(GuestisGod)wasgreaterLawthanallthemoral codes. Nayanarwentinsidethehouseandinformedhiswifeofallthathadhappened.Shewasshockedatfirst, butquicklyregainedhercomposure.Toachastewife,thehusbandisGod,andwhateverhecommands isLawandDharma.ShereadilyagreedtofollowtheBrahmin-guestashiswife.Nayanarcameoutwith hiswifeandaskedtheBrahmintoacceptthegift.TheBrahmin,however,fearedthewrathofthewifes relativesandaskedNayanartoaccompanythemtilltheyweresafelyoutofthetownandoutofdanger. NayanaragreedtodosoandarmedhimselftoprotecttheBrahmin.Theythenproceededtogo. InthemeantimetherelativesofNayanarswifecametoknowofthewholestoryandwerefurious.They followedtheNayanarandpartyandthreatenedtheBrahminwithdeath,unlessheabandonedhis impiousdesire.TheBrahminpretendedtobescared.Nayanarswife,however,assuredhimthat Nayanarwascapableofdefeatingthemall.Nayanarwasreadytofightthem.Therelativesendeavoured toconvinceNayanaroftheunrighteousnessofthewholething,and,whentheyfoundthattheycouldnot, theypreferredtodieathishands,thansubmittotheshame.Nayanaratoncepounceduponthemand choppedofftheirheads.AllofthemdiedandNayanar,happyatthethought,thatthroughthegraceof
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LordSiva,hehadsucceededinkeepinghisvowofworshippingHisdevotee,proceededfurtherwiththe Brahminandthewife.WhentheyreachedthetempleofTiruchaikadu,theBrahminaskedNayanarto leavethemandreturn.NayanarprostratedtotheBrahminandturnedhisstepshomeward. Ashehadhardlyproceededafewyardsonhishomewardjourney,theBrahminagaincalledNayanar aloud.Thinkingthattheremighthavebeenanotherattackontheparty,Nayanarhastenedtowherethe Brahminwas:but,tohisamazement,foundthathehaddisappearedandthathiswifewasstanding alonethere.HesearchedhereandtherefortheBrahmin,andwasworriedwhenhecouldnotbefound. Loandbehold,LordSivaandMotherParvathyappearedintheskyandblessedNayanarandhiswife: Ohnoblesouls,IamimmenselypleasedwithyourdevotiontoMyBhaktas.Bothofyouwillverysoon reachMyAbode. Withthesewords,theLorddisappeared.TheNayanarandhiswifereachedHisAbodeandrejoiced there.NayanarsrelativeswhodiedathishandsalsoattainedthelotusfeetoftheLord. ThushadtheLordprovedthenatureofsupremedevotion,whichdoesnotquestion.And,theLordalso revealedthetruththatsuchunquestioningdevotiondoesnotresultintheviolationoftheDharma.Allglory totheLordandHisdevotees.
4. Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar

IlayankudiMaraNayanarwasafarmer.Maranarwashisname:helivedinavillagecalledIlayankudi.He wasagreatdevoteeofLordSivaandHisdevotees.Hetookthegreatestpleasureinservingthem.This SadhanawasknownasMaaheswaraPuja(orworshipofthedevoteesofMahesvaraorLordSiva).Itis describedasfollows: OnseeingadevoteeofLordSiva,withtheexternalmarksofVibhuti,Rudraksham,etc.,takinghimas LordSivaHimself,welcominghim,prostratingbeforehim,washinghishandsandfeet,drinkingthat water(Charanamrit),givinghimaseat,worshippinghimwithflowers,Doopa,Deepa,andNaivedya, pleasinghimwithsweetwords,thankingtheLordfortheopportunity,andaccompanyingtheguestfor
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somedistancewhilesendinghimawaytheseconstituteMaaheswaraPuja.Thisisalsoincludedin Chariyai(oneofthemainSaivitedisciplines). OfferingfoodtotheLordsdevoteeshadpurifiedhisheartandmadehimafitreceptacleforthegraceof God.AsTiruvalluvarhassaidintheKural: Fortune dwells with a delighted heart in the house of the man who honours his guest with a pleasant countenance. Nayanarhadbeenblessedwithallthewealthoftheworld.But,heconsideredthatthewealthbelongedto theLord,tobeutilisedforthebenefitofHisdevotees. LordSivawashighlypleasedwiththeNayanarsdevotion.HewantedtoshowtotheworldthatHis devoteewouldbeundauntedbytheworstcalamityandwouldremainunshakeninhisvirtue.Nayanars wealthmeltedaway.Hiswealthhadlefthim,butnothisvirtue.Onthecontrary,hisdevotiontotheLord andHisdevoteesgrewmoreandmoreintense.Nayanarsoldallhispropertyandhadtoselleven himselfinordertobeabletoservethedevoteesoftheLord. Onedayitwasrainingheavily.Nayanarandhiswifewerestarving.Noonecameforwardtohelpthem. Finally,heboltedthedoorandwasabouttofallasleep.Justthenheheardaknockatthedoor,and,on openingit,foundaSivaBhaktastandinginfrontofthehouse,drenchedwithrain.Nayanaratoncetook theguestinside,driedhisbodyandgavehimfreshclothestowear.Restawhile,Swami,whilewe preparesomefoodforyoutoappeaseyourhunger,saidNayanarandtoldhiswifeofhispredicament: therewasnothingtoofferthedevoteeoftheLord.But,thedevoutwifesuggestedthatNayanarcouldgo intothebackyardandcollectthegrain-seedsthattheyhadjustsownthatveryday.Nayanaracceptedthe suggestion.Onaccountoftheheavyrain,thegrainswerefloatinganditwaseasytocollectthemina basket.Assoonashebroughtthegrains,thewifefriedandcrushedthem,andwiththehelpofsome greensthatgrewintheirownbackyard,cookedanicedinnerfortheguest.
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Nayanarwassupremelyhappy.And,ashewenttoawakentheguest,hediscoveredthathehad disappeared.Atthesametime,Nayanarsawinsky,LordSivaWhohadcomeintheformofthedevotee andMotherParvathyshoweringTheirblessingonhimandhiswife.TheLordsaid:Ohnoblesouls,Iam highlypleasedwithyourdevotion.YouwillsoonattainMyAbodeandlivethereforever.
5. Maiporul Nayanar
MaiporulNayanarwasapiousking.HeruledoverthehilltribesofSethi.Hewaschivalrousandbrave. Hefoughtmanybattlesandwasalwaysvictorious.Therewaspeaceandplentyinhiskingdom.People worshippedhimasthelivingGod. HewaswellversedintheAgamas.HewasanardentdevoteeoftheLord.TohimSivaandHis devotees,adornedwithmattedlocks,Rudrakshamandsacredashesrepresentedtheonlytruth, AbsoluteTruth:andalltherestoftheworldwasstraw.HesaweverythingasSivamayam.SivaBhaktas enjoyedabsolutefreedominhiscountry:theywerehonouredbythekingandthepeoplealike.Thoughhe ruledthekingdomastheking,hismindwasalwaysattheLordsFeet.Daily,specialprayersand festivalswereconductedinthetemplesinhisrealm. Nayanarsfamesoonspreadfarandwide.ThisevokedthejealousyofMuthanathan,thekingofthe neighbouringstate.HecollectedabigarmyandattackedNayanarseveraltimes;buthewasrepeatedly defeated.So,Muthanathanresortedtofoul-play.Oneday,hedisguisedhimselfasaSivaYogi(forhe knewthatNayanarhadsupremedevotiontoSivaBhaktas)andenteredthepalaceatnight.Thegatekeepersdidnotquestionhim,butallowedhimtoproceed.Dathan,thefaithfulandintelligentservantof Nayanar,wasguardingthebedroominwhichthekingwassleeping.WhentheSivaYogiapproached thebedroom,Dathantriedtodissuadehimfromdisturbingthekingssleep;buttheYogirefusedto listen,saying:IhavesomesecretShastratoteachtheking.Icannotwait.So,Dathanhadtoallowthe Yogitoenterthebedroomoftheking,thoughhewasalittlesuspicious.Nayanarswifegotupand, findingaSivaYogiintheroom,quicklyawakenedherhusband.TheSivaYogitoldthekingthatthe Shastrawasagreatsecret,revealedbytheLordHimself,andthatonlythekingwasentitledtohearit.At
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oncethekingsenteventhequeenawayandprostratedbeforetheYogi,readytoreceivethesecret.At thatmoment,theSivaYogi,whowasnoneelsethanthejealouskingMuthanathan,quicklystabbed Nayanaronhisback,withaknifehehadkepthidden.Atthattime,theshrewdDathan,asheenteredthe room,foundthekingonthefloorinapoolofbloodandMuthanathanwithaknifeinhishand.Hewas readytostrikedownMuthanathan,whenthedyingNayanarsaid:Datha,heisourman.Hehasthe appearanceofaSivaYogiandsomustbehonouredasone.Donotharmhim.Kindlyescorthimtothe bordersofourkingdom,andseethatheisunharmed.Dathanobeyedthecommandsofhismaster.As hewasescortingMuthanathan,thepeoplewhohadheardwhathappenedwenttoattackMuthanathan, but,assoonasDathantoldthemofthekingscommands,theywithdrew,admiringthesupremedevotion oftheirking.Thus,Muthanathanwassafelyescortedoutofthekingdom.And,Dathanhastenedbackto thepalacetoconveythisnewstothedyingkingwhowaseagerlywaitingforit. AssoonasDathanconveyedthenewstotheking,theNayanarcalledallhisMinistersandrelativesto hisbedside,andspoketothemasfollows:ItisourdutytoservetheBhaktas.Theymustbehonoured andworshippedatalltimesandunderallcircumstances.LetourpeoplewalkinthefootstepsoftheSiva Bhaktas.LetthecountrybefloodedwithSivaBhaktas.Bytheirblessings,letpeaceandprosperityreign inourland.Withthesewords,heclosedhiseyesandmeditatedonLordSiva. LordSivaatonceappearedbeforehimandblessedhimasfollows:Iamimmenselypleasedwithyour devotiontoMyBhaktas.Iamimmenselypleasedwithyourcosmicloveandyourunquestioningdevotion toMydevotees.EveninamurdereryousawMe.Youare,therefore,fittoreachtheHighestAbodewhich eventheDevascannothopetoreach.YouwillsooncometoMyAbode.WiththesewordstheLord disappeared:andMaiporulNayanar(whoseverynamemeantoneforwhomGodwasthesolereality) alsoattainedHisAbode.
6. Viralminda Nayanar
ViralmindaNayanarwasborninSengunru,ahillyplace.HewasaVellalabycaste. HewasastaunchdevoteeofLordSiva.ThroughHisgrace,hewasfreefromI-nessandmine-ness.
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HewasastaunchdevoteeofLordSiva.ThroughHisgrace,hewasfreefromI-nessandmine-ness. Hehadequalvision.HeservedHisdevoteesandattainedpurityofmind.TohimworshipofSiva Bhaktaswasequal,ifnotevensuperiortotheworshipofLordSivaHimself.Hefeltthatnoonecouldget SivasgracewithoutfirstworshippingSivaBhaktas,andthathewhoworshipseventheSivaLingamwith allfaithanddevotion,wouldnotattainsalvationifheinsultsSivaBhaktas.Dailyheusedtovisitthe temple.BeforeworshippingtheLord,heusedtoworshiptheSivaBhaktaswhomightbefoundthere. HeleftSengunruonapilgrimageandcametoTiruvarur.OnedaywhenhewasworshippingtheLord, SundaramurthiNayanarcametothetemple.Sundararby-passedtheBhaktaswhowereintempleand wentintothesanctum sanctorum toworshiptheLord.ThisupsetViralmindar,whowasobservingthis. HecouldnottoleratethisinsulttoHisBhaktas.HesaidtoSundarar:YouhaveinsultedtheSivaBhaktas. BythisactyouhaverenderedyourselfunfittoremainintheholycircleofSivaBhaktas.Hence,youare excommunicatedfromthiscircle.Headdedfurther:And,Siva,forhavingsothoughtlesslyaccepted suchimproperworshipatyourhands,He,too,shallberegardedasanoutcastefromthedivinefold.So firmwasheinhisconvictionthathecouldthusreprimandGodHimself!Infact,itwasSivaHimselfWho spokethroughhimtoinstructHisBhaktasintheproperattitudetheyshouldhavetowardsHisBhaktas. SundararimmediatelyunderstoodViralmindarsinnerBhavtowardstheBhaktasaswellastowards LordSiva,andprostratedbeforehim.HethensangaPadigampraisinghim.ThePadigammelted ViralmindarsheartsomuchthathegreetedSundararandsaid:Yourmindiswellestablishedinthe serviceofSivaBhaktas.Youhavegotsinceredevotiontothem.LordSivawasgreatlypleasedwith ViralmindarsgreatsteadfastnessinhisdevotiontoSivaBhaktas.ThushadtheLordrevealedthegreat gloryoftheBhakta.HewasthenelevatedtotheblessedplaneoftheSivaGanaswheretheLordmade himleaderoftheGanas.GlorytosuchBhaktas!
7. Amaraneedi Nayanar
AmaraneediNayanarwasaVaisyabycaste.HebelongedtoPazhaiyaaraiintheCholaKingdom. Pazhaiyaaraiwasaveryfertileplace,surroundedonallsidesbygardensandgreenfields.Inthosedays thisplacewasveryfamous.
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AmaraneediNayanarwasatraderingold,diamonds,silksandcottongoods.Heusedtoimportthese goodsfromforeigncountriesandwassellingthematreasonableprices.Heearnedmoneyhonestlyand becamerich.Thoughhewasengagedinworldlyactivities,hismindwasfixedonLordSiva.Hewasan ardentSivaBhakta.HewouldinviteSivaBhaktastohishouseandworshipthem.Hewouldgivethe Kowpeenam,cloth,etc.,andfeedthemnicelyandsendthemawayhappy,withothergifts. HeusedtovisitthesacredtempleofTirunallurduringfestivalsandworshipLordSivawithintensefaith andrepeatPanchaksharaMantradailywithBhava.Notbeingsatisfiedwiththisvisitduringfestivalsonly, hewantedtosettledownthereonceforall,alwaysenjoyingtheLordsDarshan,andfeedingSiva Bhaktas.SoheleftPazhaiyaaraiandmigratedwithhisfamilyandrelatives,toTirunallur.Hebuilta beautifulMutttheretoaccommodateSivaBhaktaswhovisitedthetemple.DailyheusedtoinviteSiva BhaktasandofferKowpeenam,etc. LordSivawashighlypleasedwithAmaraneediNayanarsKowpeenacharityandextremekindnessto SivaBhaktas.HewantedtoshowtotheworldHisBhaktasgreatnessandalsoshowerHisblessingson him. So,onedayLordSivaintheguiseofaBrahmachari,withbeautifulmattedlocksonhishead,sacred ashesonhisforehead,withastaffonhisshoulder,appearedbeforeAmaraneediarsMutt.Two Kowpeenamsandasmallash-bagweretiedtooneendofthestaff.Hehadacharmingface.Hiseyes wereglittering.HewalkedgracefullyintotheMutt.Amaraneediar,withextremejoy,welcomedhimand worshippedhim.TheBrahmacharisaid:Ohfriend,youareanoblesoul.Peoplearehighlypraisingyour Kowpeenacharity.IhavecometoyouforDarshan.AmaraneediarbeggedofhimtotakeBhiksha.He readilyagreedandsaid:IshallgototheriverandreturnafterfinishingmybathandNityaKarmas.Rain maydrenchmyKowpeenams.So,pleasekeepthisdryKowpeenamsafelywithyou,andIshallcome backforit.TheKowpeenamisveryprecious,asyoualreadyknow.So,pleasekeepitsafe. TheBrahmachariwentaway,andAmaraneediarkepttheKowpeenamsafelyinsidethehouse.But,the Lordwilledthatitshoulddisappear!SoonaftertheBrahmacharicamebackafterhisbath,etc.,and askedforthedryKowpeenamasrainhaddrenchedtheKowpeenamhehadonthestaff.Amaraneediar
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couldnotfindit.HeprayedhardtotheLord.Yet,hecouldnotfindit.HeapproachedtheBrahmachari, trembling,withanotherKowpeenam,andexplainedhispredicamenttohim.But,theBrahmachariwasin nomoodtotakeanyexplanation.Amaraneediarofferedmuchwealth,etc.,incompensation.But,the Brahmacharisaid:WhathaveItodowithallthiswealth?Alltheseareofnousetome.Ionlyneeda Kowpeenam.And,insayingso,theLordintheguiseoftheBrahmachari,utteredaverygreattruth.He continued:IhavegotanotherKowpeenam:youcangivemeanotherofthesameweight.Amaraneediar wasgreatlyrelievedwhenheheardthis.Hebroughtabalance.HeputtheKowpeenamononesideand anotherpieceontheother.TheBrahmacharisscalewentdown.WhateverAmaraneediarputonhis side,theBrahmacharisscalewasheavier.Amaraneediarwasamazed:andheunderstoodthatitwas GodsownLila.AllhiswealthcouldnotequaltheBrahmacharisKowpeenam!Howcouldit?LordSivas KowpeenamrepresentstheVedas.ThefibresofHisKowpeenamrepresenttheShastras. Amaraneediarwasonthehornsofadilemma.HefellattheBrahmacharisfeetandaskedhimtoallow himself,hiswife,andhischildtobeweighedagainsttheBrahmacharisKowpeenam.TheBrahmachari agreed.Amaraneediargotonthescalewithhiswifeandhischild,saying:IfIhavetrulyservedtheSiva Bhaktas,withfaithandsincerity,letthissca1ebeequalinweighttotheotherone.Immediatelythetwo scaleswereequal.ThemeritofAmaraneediarsselflessserviceoftheSivaBhaktaswasequaltothe meritofLordSivasKowpeenam.Thepeoplewhowitnessedthiswerewonderstruck.Theyprostrated beforeAmaraneediarandpraisedhim.DevasfromtheheavenshoweredParijathaflowers.The BrahmacharidisappearedandLordParameswaraandMotherParvathiappearedonTheirRishabha beforeAmaraneediar,hiswifeandchild.Heblessedthem:IamimmenselypleasedwithyourwholeheartedandsincereserviceofMyBhaktas.IamimmenselypleasedwithyourKowpeenacharity.You threewillcometoMyAbodeandlivetherehappilyforever.OnaccountoftheLordsgrace,thebalance itselfturnedintoacelestialcarinwhichAmaraneediar,hiswifeandhischildattainedSivasAbode.
8. Eripatha Nayanar
EripathaNayanarwasborninKaruvur,oneofthemaincitiesoftheCholaKingdom.Itwasaverysacred place,situatedonthebankoftheriverAmbiravati.Onboththebanksofthisriversaintsandsageswere
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doingTapasandwereradiatingspiritualvibrations.Afamoustemplewasthere,too,dedicatedtoLord PasupatheesvararWhowasshoweringHisgraceonthekingandthepeoplealike.Theywereallhappy. EripathaNayanarwasdailyworshippingLordPasupatheesvararwithgreatfaithanddevotion.Hisone aiminlifewastoserveSivaBhaktasandtoofferthemeverykindofprotection.Healwayscarrieda weapon,anaxe,forthispurpose.WiththeaxehewouldpunishanyonetryingtoharmSivaBhaktas.He wasdoingbythistheLordsownwork! Inthatcity,therelivedaSivaBhaktabynameSivakamiAndar.Hewasveryregularinhisdailyworship ofLordSiva.Earlymorningwouldfindhiminthegardenafterbath,collectingflowers,makinggarlands fortakingtothetempleandofferingtotheLord.Thiswashisroutine. OnaMahaNavamidaywhenallthepeoplewerejubilant,SivakamiAndarwasrushingtothetemple,as usual,withabasketofflowers.Atthesametime,thekingspetelephantwasreturningfromtheriver, afteritsbath.OnitsbackweretwoMahouts,andthreeotherswereescortingit.Suddenly,itwentmad andwaschasingthepeople.Theywererunninghereandthere.ItrantowardsSivakamiAndar.Itcaught holdofhim,wrenchedthebasketofflowersfromhim,threwitonthegroundandranaway.Theflowers wereallscatteredontheground.SivakamiAndarwasgreatlyupset.Theelephanthaddestroyedthe flowershehadkeptfortheworshipoftheLord.Hechasedtheelephant.Hewasveryagedandsoonfell downexhausted.Hewasweepingbitterly,cryingaloud:Sivada,Sivada(acryexpressingagony). EripathaNayanarhappenedtopassthatway.HeheardSivakamiAndarspitiablecryandthecauseof it.Whereisthatelephant?askedEripatharandbegantoruninthedirectionindicatedbySivakami Andar.Soonheovertooktheelephantandhurledhispowerfulaxe,killingitwithonestroke.Thenhe pouncedontheMahoutsandkilledthem,too. Thenewsoftheelephantsfatereachedthekingwhoimmediatelyreachedthespotonhishorse, surroundedbyhissoldiers.Hecouldnotseewhohadkilledtheelephant,for,hecouldnotassociatethe SivaYogiEripatharwithsuchanact.Hebegantoshout:Whokilledmyelephant?Whensomeone pointedtoEripathar,immediatelythekingswrathvanished,forheknewthatiftheSivaYogihaddone so,thereshouldhavebeenaveryvalidreasonforit.Hemusthavekilleditinself-defence,thoughtthe kingandfelthappythattheelephanthaddonenoharmtotheSivaYogi.HeaddressedEripathar:Oh
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Swamin,Ididnotknowthatyoukilledtheelephant.Definitely,theelephantandtheMahoutsmusthave donesomeharmtoyouandyourightlypunishedthem.Eripatharnarratedtothekingallthathad happened,andsaid:SincetheelephantandtheMahoutswereguiltyofSiva-Aparadham,Ikilledthem. ThemomentthekingheardtheexpressionSiva-Aparadhara (sinagainstLordSiva)hesufferedterrible mentalagony.HefellatthefeetofEripatharandsaid:OSwamin,forwhattheyhavedone,the punishmentawardedbyyouisnotenough.Ihavecommittedagreatcrimebykeepingsuchanelephant andsuchMahouts.Now,Idonotdeserveadeaththroughyourholyweapon,theaxe.Hereismyown sword.Pleasebegraciousenoughtocutoffmyheadwithit. Eripatharwasstunnedtohearthesewords.Hehimselfwasstruckwithremorse.Whatagreatpainhave Iinflictedontheking!Whatanoblekingheis!hethought;and,lestthekingshouldexecutethe punishmentonhimself,hetooktheswordfromtheking.Eripatharfeltthathewasthecauseforthekings affliction,andinself-punishment,hebegantocuthisownthroat.Thekingwasalarmed.Hethoughtthat hewouldnowbeguiltyofanotheroffenceandatoncegrippedtheswordandstoppedEripatharfrom cuttinghisownthroat. TheLordsLilawasover.Avoicewasheardinthesky:Ohnoblesouls!ThisisLord PasupatheesvararsLila.ItisHiswishthatHisBhaktassincereandfaithfulservicetoHimmustbe recognisedbytheworld.Immediately,theelephantsandtheMahoutsgotup,asfromsleep.Sivakami Andarsflowerbasketwasfull.AllwereamazedandbegantosingLordPasupatheesvararsglory. Eripatharplacedtheswordatthekingsfeetandprostratedtohim.ThekingalsofellatEripatharsfeet. Bothembracedeachotherandwereingreatjoy.Eripatharwishedthatthekingshouldmounthispet elephant.Thekingdidso.Eripatharreturnedtohisplace.SivakamiAndarwenttothetemplewiththe flowers. EripatharcontinuedtoserveSivaBhaktas.FinallyhecastoffhismortalcoilandreachedtheAbodeof LordSiva.
9. Enadinatha Nayanar
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EnadinathaNayanarwasaShanar(toddytapper).HewasborninEyinanurinCholaKingdom.Itwas situatedtothesouth-eastofKumbakonamonthebankoftheriverArisol.Itwasveryfertileandrich. EnadinatharwasanardentdevoteeofLordSiva.LikeMaiporulNayanar,however,hewasdevotedeven totheexternalmarksofSivaBhakti.ToEnadiar,thethreewhitelinesofVibhutiorsacredashonones foreheadweresufficienttoevokehisownreverence. ItwouldnotbeoutofplaceheretosayawordaboutthismarkontheforeheadofdevoteesofSiva. ThroughthismarkLordSivateachessilentlythatthespiritualaspirantshoulddestroythethreetypesof impurities,viz.,Anavam(I-ness),Karma(selfishactivity),andMaya(illusion):thethreedesiresor Eshanas,viz.,desireforworldlygoods,forsonandforwife:thethreeVasanasorsubtletendencies,viz., Lokavasana(worldliness),Dehavasana(attachmenttothebody)andShastravasana(blindfaithinthe scripturesandpolemics),andthatheshouldtranscendthethreebodies(physical,astralandcausal), andthethreestates,viz.,waking,dreaminganddeepsleep,andeventuallyattainunionwithLord.The ShastrasassureusthattheBhasmaorsacredashisadivinehealer.Itcuresalldiseases,includingthe diseaseofbirthanddeath,andbestowsonthedevoteewhowearsit,thehighestwealth,viz.,Moksha. Suchisthegloryofthesacredash:and,nowonderEnadiarworshippedwhoevercametohimwiththe ashonhisforehead.EnadiarsawLordSivainhim.Hewasreadytogiveevenhisownlifeatthefeetof thedevoteewhoworetheash. EnadinathaNayanarwasaverygoodswordsman.Hewasatutortotheprincesinfencing.Heearneda goodincomefromhisprofession.HespentallhisincomeintheserviceoftheSivaBhaktas.Hebecame verypopular,too.Thisevokedthejealousyofanothermanbelongingtothesameprofession,byname Atisuran.Contrarytohisname(whichmeansagreathero),hewasnotatallskilfulandnotstrongeither, becausehewasfullofvices.Yet,hewantedtofightwithEnadinatharanddefeathim. OnedayAtisuranmarchedtowardsEnadinatharshouse,withallhisrelatives,fullyarmed:hehopedto defeatEnadinathar,withthehelpofhisrelatives.HestoodinfrontofEnadinatharshouseand challengedhimtoafightjackalcomingtofightthelion.Enadinatharacceptedthechallengeandcame
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forwardtofight.Atisurangotfrightened.HeaskedEnadinathartocometothenearbygrovetofightwith him.TherelativesofAtisuranwerewaitinginthegrove.Inthemeantime,thefriendsofEnadinatharhad alsogatheredaroundhim.Thetwopartiesfelloneachother,andintheterriblefightthatensuedmany liveswerelost.Atisuranranawayfromthegrove.HewantedtokillEnadinathar,notinopenfight(which wasimpossible),butbystrategem. Thenextday,hesentamessagetoEnadinathar:Letusfightagain,butwithoutanyassistancethistime: otherwise,manyinnocentpeopledieonouraccount.Letusgotoalonelyplace,withoutanyones knowledgeandfight.Enadinatharacceptedit.Thenextmorning,Enadinatharwentawaysecretlyand wasawaitingAtisuransarrivalatthestipulatedplace.Atisuran,withthesacredashesonhisforehead (whichwascleverlyhiddenbyhisshield)approachedEnadinathar.Enadinatharpounceduponhim,with abigroar.Inamoment,Atisuranremovedtheshield,revealingthesacredashes.Enadinatharquickly loweredhisswordandthought:WhatasinIwasabouttocommit!HehasbecomeaSivaBhaktanow.I mustnotharmhim.Lethimachievehisobjectofkillingme.Endinatharwantedtothrowtheswordaway, butkeptitinhishand,elsehewouldbecompellinghisopponent(aSivaBhakta!)toincurthesinof killinganunarmedperson.Ashewasmutelystandingthus,Atisurankilledhim. LordSivawashighlypleasedwiththisself-sacrificingdevotionthatEnadinatharhadfortheashes.He appearedbeforeEnadinatharashefell,andtookhimtoHisAbode.
10. Kannappa Nayanar

NaganwasthekingofhuntersatUduppurinPottapiNadu.HiswifewasTattai.Theyweregreat devoteesofLordSubramanya.ByHisgrace,theyhadachild,afteralongtime.Itwasveryheavy:so, theynamedhimTinnanar. TinnanarwasArjunainthepreviousbirth,accordingtoTiruKalahasthiPuranam.Whenhewentto worshipSiva,togetPasupathaAstra,andwhentheLordcametohimasahunter,Arjunadidnot recogniseHim.So,hehadtobebornasahunteragainandadoretheLord,beforeattainingFinal Liberation.
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Liberation. Tinnanarwaseducatedaccordingtothehunterscustoms.Hebecameagoodarcher.Evenwhenhe wasyoung,hisfatherretired,andcrownedhimking.Thoughhewasahunterandcarriedonhuntingas hisDharma,Tinnanarwasfullofloveandwouldnotkillyoungones,females,diseasedanimals,etc. Spiritually,hehadalreadykilledtheanimalswithinhimself,viz.,lust,anger,greed,vanity,etc. Oneday,Tinnanarwentouthunting.Apigescapedfromitsnetandwasrunningaway.Tinnanarpursued itaccompaniedbytwoothers,NananandKadan.Thepigwastiredandstoodnearatree.Itwasquickly killedbyTinnanar.Theyweretired,too,andthirsty.TheyproceededtowardsthePonmukali.Tinnanar wantedtoclimbthenearbymountain.Nanan,too,volunteeredtofollowhim,sayingthatonthat,the Kalahasthihill,therewasLordKudumithevar(GodwithaTuft).Kadanwasbusycookingthepork. Evenwhenhebegantoclimbthehill,therewasadefinitechangecomingoverTinnanar,owingtopast Samskaras.Hefeltthatagreatburdenwasbeingliftedoffhisshoulders.Hewaslosingbodyconsciousness.AshesawtheLordthere,hefeltsupremelovesurginginhisheart.Heembracedthe LingamandkissedIt.Hebegantoshedtearsofjoy.HefeltthattheLordwaslonelythere,andthathe shouldthenceforthremainwithHim.Again,hethoughtthattheLordmightbehungry.Thoughhewas reluctanttoleavetheLordalone,hequicklycamedownthehilltofetchsomefoodfortheLord.Hetook thebestpiecesofthepork,tastedthemandear-markedtheverybestforHim.Inthemeantime,he gatheredfromNananthattheLordwasworshippeddailywithwater,flowers,etc,beforethefoodwas offeredtoHim.So,hebegantocollecttheotherarticlesofworship.Hefilledhisownmouthwithwater fromtheriver.Flowers,hegatheredandworethemonhishead!Hetookthepork,bowandarrowand wentupthehillagain,alonethistime. Atthetemple,Tinnanarpouredfromhismouth,thewaterthathehadbroughtforHisworship.Thatwas hisAbhishekam.ThenhedecoratedtheLingamwiththeflowershehadbroughtonhisownhead.This washisArchana.HethenplacedtheporkbeforetheLord.HewentoutandstoodguardforHim,atthe entrance,lestsomewildanimalsshouldhurtHim.Inthemorningagainhewentouttohuntandbring freshfoodfortheLord.
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Inthemeantime,NananandKadanworriedaboutthechangethathadcomeoverTinnanar(whichthey thoughttobemadness).TheywentandreportedthemattertoTinnanarsparents.Theycameandtried, invain,totakehimback.They,too,wentaway. WhenTinnanarleftthetempleinthemorningtogetfoodfortheLord,Sivagochariar,thetemplepriest, cametherefortheusualorthodoxworship.Hewashorrifiedatthedesecrationthatsomeunknown personhaddoneinthetemple.HewaswellversedintheAgamas(ritualsofSiva-worship).He performedthenecessarypurificatoryritesandtookbathagainandbeganhisformalworship.Hebrought waterinaholypot,withabandagearoundhisownmouth,lestthebreathofhismouthshouldpolluteit. Hebroughtfreshflowersinaholybasket.Hebroughtfruitsandsweets,newlymadeandunpollutedby anyonetastingit,beforetheLordforbeingofferedtoHim.Hewenthomeaftertheworship. Tinnanarreturnedwithfreshmeat.Heremovedthepriestsdecorations,anddidtheworshipinhisown way,andthenasusual,stoodguardattheentrance. Thiswentonforfivedays.Thepriestwasgreatlyupsetaboutthedesecrationoftheholyplace.He appealedtotheLordtostopit.LordSivawantedtoshowtoSivagochariarthenatureofTinnanars supremedevotion.Hecommandedhiminadream,tohidehimselfbehindtheLingam,whenTinnanar wenttothetemplethenextday,andwatchwhattookplace. Onthesixthday,TinnanarwentoutasusualforgettingtheLordsfood.Whilereturning,hesawmanyill omens,whichmadehimfeelthatsomethinghadhappenedtotheLord:hewassounconsciousof himself,thathedidnotthinkthatsomethingcouldhappentohim.HerantowardstheLord.Hewas grievedtoseebloodissuingfromtheLordsrighteye.Thearticleshehadbroughtfortheworship droppedfromhishand.Heweptbitterly.HecouldnotfindwhohaddonethistotheLord.Hetreatedthe eyewithherbsheknewof.Stillthebleedingdidnotstop.Asimpleideaoccurredtohim:fleshforflesh. Atonce,withhisownarrow,hetookouthisownrighteye,andfixeditovertherighteyeoftheLord.The bleedingstopped.Hewasveryhappy.Whenhewasdancinginecstasy,henoticedthattheLordsleft eyehadbeguntobleed.But,hehadalreadyfoundouttheremedy.Therewasonlyoneproblem:howto locatetheeyeoftheLord,whenhisowneyehadbeenpulledout.So,Tinnanarplantedhisfootatthe
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placewheretheLordslefteyewasontheLingam,andbegantopullhislefteyeout,withhisarrow. Atonce,LordSivacaughtholdofhishandandsaid:Mydearchild,Kannappa!Stoppluckingyoureye. TheLordrepeatedthewordKannappa thrice.Kannapparwasthriceblessed.Tinnanarbecame Kannappar,becausehegavehisowneyetotheLord.LordSivatookhimwithbothHands,andkepthim onHisrightside.Kannapparregainedhisvisionandlivedasgodhimself.Sivagochariarunderstoodthe truenatureofdevotion. Thisstoryhasanesotericmeaning,too.Nayanarhadconqueredallotherevils:but,AnavaMalamor egoismhadtobekilled,too.Thewildpigrepresentsthis.SupremeBhaktidawned,themomentthiswas killed.Initschase,theseekerisaccompaniedbygoodandevil(thetwohuntersNananandKadan). Nanan(good)describedthegloryoftheLordtohim:NananrepresentsgoodSamskaras.Kadan(the evil)hadtobeleftbehind.TheaspirantwithgoodSamskaras,goestoHisPresence.But,whenhehas toattainGod-realisation,eventhishastoberenounced.Hence,Nayanar,whenhewenttoworshipHim, wentalone.Nayanarsparents(thehiddengoodandeviltendenciesandworldlydesires)triedbutfailed totakehimawayfromGod.TheLordaskedthepriesttohidebehindHim,whileTinnanarwasinfront: thismeans,trueBhaktiisfarsuperiortomereritual.Tinnanarsreadinesstopluckouthisowneyesfor Hissakeistotalself-surrenderorAtma-Nivedan,thehighestpeakofdevotionwhichimmediatelyreveals theLordinallHisglory.
11. Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar

KungiliyaKalayaNayanarwasborninTirukadavurintheCholakingdom.TheLordofthisplaceiscalled AmirdaGhateswarar.OnceDevasandAsurascametothisplacewithnectarinapot.Theywantedto takebath.So,theyleftthepotonthegroundandwenttotheriver.Whentheycamebacktotheplace, theycouldnotliftthepot.ThepotitselfhadbeentransformedintoaLingam.HencethisLingamisknown asAmritaLingam.MarkandeyaworshippedthisLingamandbecameanimmortalboyof16years. TheGoddessinthisplaceiscalledAbhiramiAmman.AbhiramiPattar,agreatdevoteeofMother,sang beautifulsongsinpraiseofHer:andtheMotherWhowashighlypleasedwiththis,changedthenew
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beautifulsongsinpraiseofHer:andtheMotherWhowashighlypleasedwiththis,changedthenew moondayintoafullmoonday,inordertosavehimfromthekingswrath. KungiliyaKalayaNayanarwasaBrahminbycasteHegotthenamebecausehewasalwaysholdinga pot(anincensepot)inhishand.HeconsideredburningofincensebeforetheLordwasthebestservice toHim.LordSivawashighlypleasedwiththeNayanarsintensedevotionandhiswonderfulservice.He wantedtoputittotest,sothatthetruegloryofhissupremedevotiontotheLordmaybeunderstoodby all. BythewillofLordSiva,Nayanarbecamepoorsuddenly.Hesoldallhisproperty.Hisfamilywasstarving. Still,hecontinuedtoburnincensebeforetheLord.Onedayhisdutifulwifethought:Everythinghasbeen sold.OnlythisMangalyam (asacredthreadwithapendant,whicheverymarriedwomanmustalways haveonherperson,tillthehusbanddies,whenitisremoved),isleft.IwillgiveittomyLord:thoughitis inauspicioustodoso.Lethimsellitandobtainsomerice,withwhichwecouldfeedthechildrenwho maydieofhungerotherwise.SheremovedtheMangalyam andgaveittoherhusband,whogladly receivedit.Ashewasproceedingtothemarkettosellit,LordSivaHimselfappearedbeforehim,inthe guiseofahawkerandsaidthathehadverygoodincense.Thewordincense atoncemadeNayanar forgethimselfandthemission!HequicklyboughtincenseforthepriceoftheMangalyam, andwentto thetempletoburnitbeforetheLord. Hiswifepatientlywaitedforhisreturn,and,notfindinghimevenafternightfall,putthechildrentobedand remainedpraying.TheLordwasimmenselypleasedwiththisnoblecouple.Thefaithfulwifewas preparedtopartwitheventhemostsacredornamentfortheserviceofherlord,herhusband.TheKural says:Rain falls at the bidding of her who, on waking from sleep, worships no other God but her husband. ThatnightLordSivaappearedinherdreamandblessedherwithallwealth. Shewokeupfromhersleepandwasamazedtofindalltypesofwealthinthehouse.ShesangHis glories.Immediatelyshepreparedanicemealandwaswaitingforherlordsreturn. AfterblessingtheNayanarswife,thus,LordSivaappearedbeforeNayanarinthetempleandsaid:Oh noblesoul,Iamimmenselypleasedwithyourdevotion.Yourdutifulwifeisanxiouslywaitingforyouinthe
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housewithmilkandfood.Kindlygotoyourhouse.ItwasonlythenthatNayanarbecameawareofthis world!Hereturnedtothehouseandfoundthatithadbeentransformedintoaheaven,bythegraceofthe Lord.SivaBhaktas,too,hadassembledinthehouseinlargenumbers.Theyallsangthegloriesofthe Lord.TheNayanartreatedthewealththattheLordhadbestoweduponhimasthepropertyofSiva Bhaktasandservedthem. OnedayNayanarwantedtovisitthetempleatTiruppanandal.TheLordofthistempleisArunasatesar. ThatakaiwasthedaughterofanAsura.Forgettingason,sheworshippedtheSivaLingamregularly. Onedayattheendoftheworship,shewantedtogarlandtheLingam.Assheliftedthegarlandwithboth herhands,herclothbegantoslipfromherwaist.Shehelditwithherelbows,andhencecouldnotraise herhands(andthegarland)highenough.Torelieveher,theLordleanedtoonesideandacceptedthe garland.ManypeopletriedtopulltheLingamstraight:butitcouldnotbedone.Nayanarheardthatthe kingoftheplacewasupsetaboutitandwantedtheLingamtobestraightened.Nayanarwantedtohelp theking.HetiedtheLingamtohisneckwitharope(theropeofGod-love)andgentlypulledit.The Lingambecameupright!Devasrainedflowersfromheaven.Allwereamazedandrecognisedtheglory oftheNayanarandhisgreatdevotiontotheLord. AfterspendingsomemoretimeintheserviceofLordSivaandHisBhaktas,NayanarreachedHis Abode.
12. Manakanchara Nayanar

KancharurwasafertileplaceintheCholakingdom.ThepeoplewereallSivaBhaktas.Inthisplacethere livedastaunchdevoteeofLordSivabynameManakancharanar.HewasaVellalabycaste.Hewasa hereditarySenathipathi.Peopleofthecommunityhadthehighestregardforhim.Hewasa contemporaryofSundaramurthiNayanar.TohimadorationofSivaBhaktaswasthehighestformof worshipoftheLord.Hewouldreadtheirmindsfromtheirlook,andwouldservethemwithouttheir asking. Hehadnochildrenforalongtime.HeworshippedSivawithfaithanddevotionandobtainedtheboonof
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Hehadnochildrenforalongtime.HeworshippedSivawithfaithanddevotionandobtainedtheboonof adaughterfromHim.Nayanarcelebratedthebirthofthisdivinechild,withalotofcharity.Induetime,the girlattainedthemarriageableage.ShewasengagedtobemarriedtoEyarkonKalikamarwhowasalso anearnestandsinceredevoteeoftheLord.Thedateoftheweddinghadbeenfixedandall arrangementsmade. Inthemeantime,LordSivawantedtoshowerHissupremegraceontheNayanar.Hetooktheformofa Maha-Vrathiar(manofgreatvow)whowearsthesacredashonhisforehead,mattedlocksadornedwith agarlandofbones,andasacredthreadmadeofhumanhaironhischest.TheMaha-Vrathiarappeared beforeManakancharanarwhoreceivedhimwithgreatdelight.Whentheasceticenquiredaboutthe causeofthefestiveappearanceofthehouse,Nayanarexplainedthathisdaughterwastowedthatclay. Heaskedthegirltobowtotheasceticandreceivehisblessings.Theasceticsawherflowinghair,and said:Ohnoblesoul,Iamdelightedtoseeherhair.ThiscanbeconvenientlymadeintoaPanchavati (thethreadthatadornsmychest).Atonce,Nayanartookaknifeand,withoutthinkingforamoment,cut thehaironhisdaughtersheadandhandedittotheascetic.InhisextremedevotiontotheSivaYogi,he didnotevenconsiderthefactthathewasdisfiguringhisonlydaughter,andthatthebridegroommight refusetoaccepther.TheLordintheformoftheasceticimmediatelydisappeared.HegaveNayanarand hisfamilyDarshanamalongwithMotherParvathyandblessedthem. EyarkonKalikamar,thebridegroom,andhispartyarrivedtheresoonafter,andcametoknowofallthat hadhappened.HewassorrythathehadnotcomeearlierandhadtheLordsDarshan.Whenhesawthe disfiguredbrideandhesitatedtoaccepther,LordSiva,theIndweller,understoodthecause,and restoredthehairtoherhead.Nayanarandhisfamilywereveryhappyandproceededwiththewedding.
13. Arivattaya Nayanar

ThereoncelivedinKannamangalamintheCholakingdomarichVellalabynameThayanar.Hewas leadingthelifeofanidealGrihastha(householder)ofwhomthesaintTiruvalluvarhassung: He will be placed among the gods in heaven who in this world follows the law of the householders
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life. ThayanarwasagreatdevoteeofLordSiva.HisdevotiontooktheformofadailyofferingtotheLordof foodpreparedwithredrice,asaucemadeofredherb,andmangopickle.Heconsideredthisasanact ofgreatdevotiontotheLord.TheLordwashighlypleasedwithThayanarsdevotion.Hewantedtoputit tothetest,inordertomanifestittotheworldinallitsglory.ByHisWill,povertystruckThayanar. Thayanargothimselfemployedandearnedhiswagesinkind(redrice).Hehimselfwouldnoteatthis redrice,butlivedontheinferiorkhar rice.TheLordtestedhimfurther.Allthefieldsintheplacegrewonly red rice.But,Thayanarwouldnottouchit.Hiswifecookedforhimsomegreenleavesfromtheirgarden. ThayanarwascontentandwasintentonhisusualofferingtotheLord.TheLordputHisdevoteethrough moreseveretests.Eventhegreenleaveswitheredawayandtherewasnothingleft.Thayanarwasnotat allperturbed.Hehappilylivedonmerewater:hismindwasfulloftheblissoftheworshipoftheLordand hefeltneitherhungernorthirst.Oneday,Thayanar,nowemaciatedandweak,wastakinghisusual offeringtotheLord,followedbyhiswife.Hestumbledonthewayandfelldown.Theofferinghehad,was spiltontheground.Thayanarwasgreatlyupset.Hebegantoweepbitterly:OhLord,todaythefood intendedforYouhasbeenspiltontheground.WhatgreatsinhaveIcommittedtodeservethis?Please forgiveme.Havemercyonthispoorcreature.Youareomnipotent,omniscientandomnipresent.Ifthisis true,Youmustbepresentherealso.Kindlycomeandaccepttheofferinghere.IfYoudonoteatthis,Iwill giveupmylife.Withthesewords,hebegantocuthisthroatwithanArival (sickle).Hence,thename ArivattayaNayanar. LordSivawashighlypleasedwithhisdevotion.HisLilawasover.HeatoncestretchedHishandand caughtholdofNayanars,thuspreventinghimfromcuttinghisownthroat.Nayanardidnotrealisewhat washappening.Atthattime,heheardthesoundofsomeonebitingamangopickle.Heunderstoodthe LordsLila,sangHisgloriesanddanced.TheLordandMotherParvathiappearedbeforehimand blessedhim:Ohnoblesoul,Iamimmenselypleasedwithyourdevotion.Youandyourchastewifewill sooncometoMyAbodeandlivehappilythere.
14. Anaya Nayanar

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TirumangalamwasanimportantplaceofpilgrimageinMazhanad(TrichnopolyDistrict).TheLordWho dwellsinthisplaceiscalledSamavedesvarar.ItwasHeWhopurifiedParasuramaofthesinofkillinghis motherandalsogavehimtheaxe. Inthatenchantingplace,therewasacowherdbynameAnayar.Becausehewastendingcows,hewas knownbythatname.HewasastaunchdevoteeoftheLord.HewasdevotedtotheBhasma,andalsoto SivaBhaktas,irrespectiveoftheircaste.HisdevotiontotheLordtooktheformofplayingonhisflutethe holyPanchaksharaMantraofSiva.HeaspiredtorealisetheLord,throughthisMantra. OnedaywhenhewasplayingtheMantraonhiscelestialinstrument,underaKonrai tree(afavouriteof LordSiva),themusiccaptivatedallthecowsandcalves.Eventhebirdssatontreesandsilentlyheard theenrapturingmusicoftheflute.Thepeacocksdancedinjoy,keepingtimewiththemusic.Hearingthe music,otheranimalsstoodmotionless.Themusiccaptivatedtheheartsofthedeer,snakes,lions, elephants,tigers,etc.Thesnakeandthepeacock,thelionandtheelephant,shedtheirenmityandlived togetherhappily.Theriversstoppedintheircourse.Thewavesintheseacalmed,tohearthemusicof Ayanar.Eventhecelestials(Vidyadharas,KinnarasandDevas,)cameintheircelestialcarstohearthe music. TheLordwasimmenselypleasedwithAyanarssinceredevotion.Thesweetnessofthemusicofthe fluteandtheeffectofthePanchaksharaMantrabothmeltedHisheart.HeappearedbeforeNayanar, withMotherParvathi,blessedhimandtookhimtoKailas.
15. Murthi Nayanar

ToadoreLordSivawithsandalwoodpaste,smearingitallovertheLingamisregardedasagreatform ofHisworship.ThiskindofworshipwasdonebyMurthiNayanar.HewasborninMadurainPandya kingdom.HewasaVaisyabycaste.HewasagreatdevoteeofLordSiva.Dailyheusedtooffer sandalwoodpastetotheLord.
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Atthattime,thecitywasinvadedbyaKarnatakaking.InthebattlethePandyakingwasdefeated.The KarnatakarulerbecamethePandyaking.HewasafollowerofJainism.Hewantedtoexterminate Saivismandtospreadhisreligion.HebegantopersecuteSaivas.MurthiNayanaralsohadtobearalot ofsufferings.But,hewasundaunted.HecontinuedhisworshipoftheLord,withsandalwood. Theking,withaviewtoconvertMurthiNayanarforciblytoJainism,madeitimpossibleforanyonein Maduratoobtainsandalwood.ThisgreatlyupsettheNayanar.HeprayedtotheLord:OhOceanof Mercy,thiscountryisruledbyatyrantandheisbentuponexterminatingYourdevotees.Whenwillwebe fortunateenoughtogetakingwhowillbedevotedtoYou?Heknewthatthepeoplewouldfollowthe king,outoffearandinanefforttowinhisfavour.He,therefore,wantedaSaiviteking! Hesearchedthroughoutthedayforalittlesandalwoodtoofferhisworship.Hecouldnotgetany.Witha brokenheart,hewenttothetemple:andhehadawonderfulidea.Hebegantorubhisownelbow(inthe placeofsandalwood!).Thehandwasbleedingprofusely.LordSivawashighlypleasedwithhis devotion.Aheavenlyvoicesaid:Ohnoblesoul,Iamimmenselypleasedwithyourdevotion.Kindlystop rubbingyourelbow.Allyourgrievanceswillberedressed.Kindlytakeupthereinsofthekingdom.After rulingthecountryjustlyandwiselyforalongtime,youwillcometoMyAbode.Nayanarwasamazedto hearthisandtoseethathiselbowregaineditsoriginalshape. MurthiNayanardidnotaspireforkingship,butitwastheLordswill.Thatnightthecruelkingdied.The nextday,theMinisterssentthepalaceelephanttochoosetheirking,inaccordancewithanancient custom.Theelephantproceededtowardsthetemple.MurthiNayanarhadcomethereforhisworship. Theelephantbowedtohimandplacedhimonhisbackandreturnedtothepalace. TheMinistersbeggedofNayanartobecometheirking.Nayanarstipulatedthiscondition:IfIbecome king,Iwillnothaveanyluxurybath,butwillbatheonlywiththesacredashes.Myjewelwillbeonly Rudrakshamandmycrownwillonlybemattedlocks.IshallstrivetolettheloveofLordSivabe enthronedintheheartsofall.TheMinistersacceptedtheseconditionswithgreatjoyandsatisfaction. Nayanarruledthecountryjustlyandwiselyforalongtime,andeventuallyattainedSivasAbode.
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16. Muruga Nayanar

TodoArchanawithflowersmentionedinSivaAgamas,toofferflowergarlandstotheLord,andto repeatthePanchaksharaMantraistheidealformofworship.PanchaksharaMantraisconsideredavery greatMantrabecauseitoccursinthecentreoftheSriRudradhyayi,whichoccursinthemiddleofthe middleKhandaoftheYajurVeda.HewhodoesJapaofthisMantraisatoncerelievedfromthedisease ofbirthanddeath. MurugaNayanarexcelledinthisworship.HewasborninTirupukalur,madefamousbymanyother Nayanarsalso.Dailyhewouldwakeupwellbeforesunrise,takebath,wearthesacredashonhis forehead,dohisNityaKarmas,andgotothegardenwithabasket.RepeatingthePanchaksharahe wouldcollectflowers,andasmentionedintheSivaAgamas,makecolourfulgarlandsandoffertothe Lord. OnedaythegreatJnanaSambandarcametohisplace.MurugaNayanarinvitedhimandworshipped himandwonhisfavour.Sambandartookhimashisdearestfriend.MurugaNayanargotthegreatgood fortuneofattendingSambandarsweddingwhenhe,thebrideandallothers(indudingMurugaNayanar) gotmergedintheDivineEffulgenceoftheLord.Hence,theKuralsays:Rarest of all rare things is to win the great to ones side by courting it.MurugaNayanarsdevotionwonforhimSambandars friendship,and,throughthat,God-realisation.
17. Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar

TherearesevenKhandasintheYajurVedaregardedastheHeadoftheLord.SriRudramisinthe centreofthemiddleKhandaoftheYajurVeda.Itsrecitationisagreatpurifier.ItdescribestheLords wonderfulmanifestations.Standingintheriverandrecitingthissacredscriptureisregardedasspecially efficacious,andbestowsMokshaonthedevotee. RudraPasupathiNayanarwasagreatdevoteeofLordSivaandheresortedtothisSadhana.Heused
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toreciteSriRudramstandinginwater,neckdeepandwas,therefore,blessedbytheLordwithMoksha.
18. Tiru Nalai Povar Nayanar

NandanarwasaParaiah(untouchable)bycaste.HewasborninAdanoorintheCholakingdom.Hewas anembodimentofhumilityanddevotion.LordSivawashissolerefuge.Hewouldoftenvisittheholy placesofpilgrimage,andsupplyleatherdrumsandsuchothermusicalinstrumentsforthetemples. Whenhewentnearthetemples,healwaysremainedoutsideandworshippedtheLordmentally. OncehehadadesiretohaveDarshanoftheLordatTirupunkur.Hewasalsoeagertodosomeservice totheLordthere.HewenttoTirupunkurandstoodinfrontofthetemple.HewasgrievedbecauseNandi whichisalwaysrightinfrontoftheLordwashidingHim.NandanarprayedtotheLordfervently.TheLord washighlypleasedwithhisdevotionandaskedNanditomovealittlesothatNandanarmighthaveHis Darshan.Eventoday,atTirupunkur,Nandiisleaningtooneside!NandanarhadadelightfulDarshanof theLord.AfterdiggingatanknearthetemplehereturnedtoAdanoor. ThedesirenowaroseinhimthatheshouldgotoChidambaramandhaveDarshanofLordNataraja.The loveoftheLordhadgrownsointensethathewouldshedtearsofloveandtellhiscompanions:Iwill surelygotoChidambaramtomorrow.ThisexpressionearnedforhimthenameTiruNalaiPovar(one whowouldgotomorrow).OnedayheactuallylefthisplaceandwenttoChidambaram.Hewentround thevillageand,thinkingofhislowbirth,didnotwanttoenterit.Heprayed:OhLord,Iwanttoseeyour CosmicDanceinYourNrityaSabha.But,howcanI?Onaccountofmylowbirththeywillnotallowmeto enterthetemple.Fordayshewentonprayinglikethis.TheLord,pleasedwithhisdevotion,appearedin hisdreamandsaid:Ohnoblesoul,donotgrieve.YouwillcometoMe.Takeafirebath.Thencometo MyKanakaSabhaalongwiththeBrahmins.Nandanarwokeupandwashighlypleased.Atthesame time,theLordappearedbeforetheBrahminsofTillai,intheirdream,andsaid:OBrahmins,Mydearest devotee,TiruNalaiPovar,hascometoTillai.Prepareasacredfire.Nandanarwilltakebathinitand thencometoMe. Thenextday,theBrahminspreparedthesacredfire.TheywenttoNandanar,prostratedbeforehimand
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Thenextday,theBrahminspreparedthesacredfire.TheywenttoNandanar,prostratedbeforehimand relatedtheirdream.Nandanarwentroundthefire,andwithHisNameonhislipsandhismindfixedon thelotusfeetoftheLord,hejumpedintothefire.Heemergedfromthefirewithanewholybody,with sacredashessmearedallover,theholythreadandmattedlocks.Hewasthentakeninsidethetemple. IntheKanakaSabha,heworshippedtheLord.Hewentintoadivineecstasyandwascompletely absorbedinthedanceoftheLord.Adazzlinglightwasseenintheroom,andNandanarhad disappeared.HehadbecomeonewithLordNataraja.
19. Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar

Thondamandalamwasaprosperousland.ItscapitalwasKanchipuram.Here,Parvathiworshippedthe Lord,accordingtotheAgamas.TheLordhereiscalledEkambaranathar. Tiruthondarwasbornhere.Hewasawasherman.HewasastaunchdevoteeofLordSiva.Heserved SivaBhaktas,understandingtheirneedbywatchingforthesignsontheirface,andhencehehadearned thenameTiruKurippuThondaNayanar.HisserviceconsistedmainlyofwashingtheclothesofSiva Bhaktas.LordSivawantedtoblessthisdevotee:and,asusual,ithadtobeprecededbyaseveretest. TheLorddisguisedHimselfasapoorman,withRudrakshamonhisneckandsacredashesoverthe body,andappearedbeforeTiruthondarwearingadirtyrag.TheverysightoftheSivaBhaktaput Nayanarinatrance.Heworshippedhim.Thondarthenaskedhim:Youhavepurifiedmyhousebyyour visit.Howisityouaresoemaciated?And,yourragneedswashing.Kindlyallowmetodothisservice foryou.TheSivaBhaktaagreedtolethimdosoononecondition:theragshouldbewashed,driedand returnedtohimbeforesunset,otherwisehisemaciatedbodywouldperishinthecold. WhenThondaracceptedthework,therewasbrilliantsunlight.Hehadwashedtheragandimmediately,it begantorainheavily.Itwasnearingsunsettime.Therewasnohopeofgettingtheragdried.Thondar wasgreatlyupset.InsteadofservingtheSivaBhakta,hewasgoingtoputhimtogreathardship. Thinkingofthissin,Thondar,dashedhishead,prayerfully,onthewashingstone,andbegantoweep. LordSivaappearedbeforehim,heldhishandandsaid:Ohnoblesoul,Iamhighlypleasedwithyour
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sinceredevotion.YouwillsooncometoMyAbodeandlivehappilythereforever. TiruKurippuThondarfellattheLordsFeetandsangHisglory.
20. Chandesvara Nayanar

VicharaSarman(whowaslaterknownasChandesvaraNayanar)wasborninTiruchaijnanallur,which wasfamousforVedicrecitations,Tapas,andSivaBhakti.Hewasaprodigy.Attheageoffivehehad learnttheVedas,andalltheAgamas,byhimself,onaccountofpreviousSamskaras.Afterhis Upanayanam(sacredthreadceremony),helearnttheVedas,underaGuru:buttheGuruswerewonderstruckattheintelligenceofthedisciple.HewantedtoattainFinalEmancipationinthatbirth. OnedayVicharaSarman,withhisfriends,waswalkingalongaroad.Henoticedacowherdseverely beatingacowbecauseithadslightlypushedhimwithitshorn.VicharaSarmancouldnotendurethis.He wasgreatlymovedandspoketothecowherd:Ohignorantman?Doyounotknowthatthecowis worshipfulanddivine.AlltheDevasdwellinher.Sheisindispensableforallreligiousactivities.Itisour sacreddutytotendandprotectthecows.WhoeverharmsthecowishurledintotheNaraka.Whoever worshipsthecowwinsaplaceinheavenorinSivasAbode.Youhavecommittedagreatsintoday. Hereafter,youneednottendtothecows:Iwilldothatmyself.VicharaSarmantooktheworkupon himselffromthatday. Thecowsgrewhealthier.TheylikedVicharaSarmanverymuch.TheBrahminswhogotmoremilk thereafterwereabletofulfiltheirreligiousdutiesverywell,andtheywerepleasedwithVicharaSarman. Therewassomuchofsurplusmilknow,thatVicharaSarman,wholovedLordSivaandHisworship, decidedtoperformAbhishekamforLordSiva.HeusedtositunderanAttitreeonthebankoftheriver, constructatemplefromthemud,andalsomakeamud-imageofSivaLingamandofferthemilk,to bathetheLingam.ThenhewouldperformArchanawiththeAttiflowers.Thecowsweregivingplentyof milkbothtoVicharaSarmanandtotheBrahmins. Oneday,whenVicharaSarmanwasdoingthisPuja,avillagerhappenedtopassby,andhewatchedall
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this.Hereportedthemattertotheownersofthecows,andcomplainedthatVicharaSarmanwas pouringpreciousmilkonmudandriversand.TheseBrahminssummonedVicharaSarmansfather, Echhadattan,andpassedthecomplaintontohiminratherstrongterms.Thefatherwasnaturally shocked.Hecamehome,butdidnotspeaktoVicharaSarman.Hewantedtofindoutforhimself.So, thenextday,hefollowedVicharaSarmanatadistancewithouthisknowledge.WhenVicharaSarman beganpouringmilkontheimprovisedSivaLingam,thefather,withoutunderstandingthesonswonderful devotion,hithimwithastick.TheboywassomuchabsorbedinhisPujathathedidnotevenfeelpain. Then,thefather,gettingstillmoreangry,knockedthemilk-potdown.ItwasthenthatVicharaSarman realisedthathisfatherwasinterferingwithhisworshipandhadcommittedanunpardonableoffence againstLordSiva(SivaAparadham).Heatoncetookastickandhithisfathersleg:bythewillofthe Lord,thestickwastransformedintoanaxe.Again,byHiswill,itkilledthefather.Itwastotestthedepth ofVicharaSarmansdevotion.Hewassoengrossedintheworship,thathedidnotmindwhathad happenedandcontinuedtheworship. LordSivawasimmenselypleasedwiththeintensityofVicharaSarmansdevotionandappearedbefore him,withParvathi.VicharaSarmanprostratedbeforetheLord.TheLordembracedVicharaSarman andfondledhim.Thatveryinstant,VicharaSarmanattainedthedivineFormofLordSiva.TheLord removedagarlandfromHisownneckandputitaroundVicharaSarmans.HehadattainedSaroopya Mukthi(liberation,withtheattainmentoftheformoftheLord).TheLordsaid:Mychild,youcutyourown fatherslegforMysake.Now,IamYourFather.YouwillsoonattainChandikesvararsAbode.You worshippedMewithfood,clothesandflowergarlands.Inthesamemanner,youwillalsobeworshipped. TheLorddisappeared.VicharaSarmanalsowenttotheAbodeofChandesvarar.Nosinattachedto him,forhavingkilledhisownfather,becauseofhissupremedevotiontotheLord.Hisfather,too, becausehewaskilledbysuchagreatdevoteeoftheLord,waspurgedofthesinofinterferingwithHis worship,andreachedtheAbodeofLordSiva.
21. Tiru-Navukkarasar Nayanar

ApparorTiruNavukkarasarflourishedinthe7thcenturyA.D.HeisoneofthefourSaivaSamaya
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Acharyas(Saivitespiritualteachers).HewasborninTiruvamoorinTirumunaipadiNadu.Pukalanarwas hisfather;Mathiniyar,hismother.MathiniyargavebirthtoadaughterwhomtheynamedTilakavathi.After someyears,MathiniyarhadasonwhomtheycalledMarulneekiar,thedispellerofdarknessor ignorance.EarlyinlifehemasteredalltheShastras. WhenTilakavatiarreachedhertwelfthyear,shewasbetrothedtoKalaipahayar,amilitarycommanderin thePallavaarmy.Beforethewedding,however,hewassentbythekingtofightanother,andhediedin battle. Pukalanarfellseriouslyillanddied.MathiniyarcommittedSati(diedonthehusbandsfuneralpyre).As thechildrenwererecoveringfromthisshock,thenewsofKalipahayarsdeathreachedTilakavathiar:and asshe,sinceherbetrothal,hadregardedhimasherhusband,shedecidedtocommitSati,too.But, Marulneekiarpleadedwithherremindingherthatnowshewashismother,andalsothreatenedtodieif shewouldnotchangehermindandlive.Tilakavathiarchangedhermindfortheyoungbrotherssake. Eventhoughshewasyoung,sheledthelifeofanascetic.ShewashighlydevotedtoLordSiva.Her gloriousasceticlifehasbeensungbySekizar,theauthorofTirumurai. ShewasmothertoAppar. Marulneekiar,evenwhileyoung,hadrealisedtheunrealityoftheworld.Heengagedhimselfinallkindsof charitableworks.Hewaseagertofindoutthebestreligionandtofollowit.Hehadheardmuchabout JainismanditswonderfulpracticeofAhimsa.HebelievedthatJainismwouldgivehimemancipation andsobecameaconvert.HeevenwenttoPataliputra(inSouthArcotdistrict)andjoinedtheJain school.Heattainedmasteryoveralltheirscriptures. Tilakavathiarwasheart-brokenoverthischangeinherbrother.Sheabandonedhernativeplaceand settledinTiruvadigaiVirattanam,inaMuttshebuiltthere.SheprayedferventlytoLordVirattaneswarar tosaveherbrotherandshowerHisgraceuponhim.TheLordappearedinherdreamonedayandsaid: Mychild,yourbrotherhasalreadydonesevereTapasinordertoattainMe.Iwillsurelyturnhismind,by makinghimsufferfromseverecolic,andthentakehimtoMyfold. Marulneekiarfellavictimtoseverecolic.Hecouldnotbearthepain.TheJainstriedtheirbestbutcould
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notrelievethepain.Hefeltintuitivelythatitwasaneye-openingexperience.HelostfaithinJainism.He thoughtofhissister.HethrewawaytheJaingarbandwithoutinforminganybody,returnedtohissister. Hefellatherfeetandprayedtohertoprotecthim.SheunderstooditwasHisLila,andsaidthatbythe graceofLordSiva,hewouldbeallright.Shesmearedtheholyashesonhisforeheadandrepeatedthe PanchaksharaMantra.Hisignorancevanished.ShetookhimtothetempleofVirattanesvarar.He worshippedtheLordandsangahymn:OhLord,IhaveinsultedYouandYourreligion.Ihavecommitted manyevilacts.OnceonthebankofGodavari,Iarguedwiththesaintsandestablishedthesuperiorityof Jainism.Forallthisevil,LordYamahimselfhascometomeintheformofthisexcruciatingpain.Oh Lord,Youaremysolepropandrefuge.Saveme.IwilleverkeepYourLotusFeetinmyheart.Whenhe concludedthesong,thepaindisappeared.Acelestialvoicesaid:Fromnowonyouwillbeknownas Tiru Navukkarasar,LordofSpeech.Yourglorywillspreadeverywhere.ThusLordSivasgrace restoredhisfaithinSaivism. Tilakavathiarwasimmenselyhappy,too.TirunavukkarasarbecameastaunchdevoteeofLordSivaand livedinHimrepeatingthePanchaksharaMantra. TheJainsatPataliputrawereafraidthat,ifthekingcametoknowthatbecauseoftheirinabilitytotreat Tirunavukkarasar(towhomtheyhadgiventhenameDharmasenar)hehadleftthemandgonebackto Saivism,hewouldtakethemtotask.SotheyconcoctedanewstoryandshowedTirunavukkarasarasa traitoragainstthekingandtheroyalreligion,viz.,Jainism.Thekingorderedhisministerstoproduce Tirunavukkarasarbeforehim.TheywenttoTiruvathikai,withanarmy.WhenTirunavukkarasarheardof thechargeagainsthim,hesaid:OhMinisters!Iamnolongeryourkingssubject.Iamthesubjectof LordSiva,theprotectorofallbeings,thedestroyerofallsins,theLordofallgods,thebestowerof immortalityandeternalbliss.Disobediencetothekingmayamounttotreasoninthecaseofother people,notmine,becauseIamunderHisprotection.Fearcannotapproachme,becauseIamunderthe protectionofonewhooncekickedLordYama,tosaveHis(Sivas)Bhakta.TheMinistersrecognised hisgreatness:butwereafraidtoreturnwithouthim.They,therefore,beggedofhimtocomewiththemout ofhissupremecompassion,andtoestablishthegloryofSaivism.Tirunavukkarasarwentwiththem. TheverysightofTirunavukkarasarenragedthekingwhoaskedtheJainheadstodecideuponthe
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properpunishmenttobemetedouttohim.Theysuggestedthathebethrownintoaburninglimekiln. Accordingly,hewasshutupinakilnforsevendays.Heremainedthere,fixinghismindontheLordand repeatingHisName.ByHisgrace,theheatofthekilnwastransformedintoacoolbreeze.Attheendof sevendays,theJains,totheirsurprise,foundTirunavukkarasaralive,andabsorbedindeepmeditation. TheyattributedthistothepoweracquiredbyhimwhenhewasaJain:andadvisedthekingtopoison him.Again,bythegraceofLordSivathepoisonwastransformedintonectar.Again,theJainsattributed thistotheefficacyoftheJainMantraswhichTirunavukkarasarhadlearntfromthem,andadvisedthe kingtohavehimtrampledbytheelephant.Tirunavukkarasar,boldlyfacingtheelephantsangahymnin praiseoftheLord.Tirunavukkarasarslovinglooktransformedtheelephantsnatureanditwentround himandprostratedtohim.TheMahoutsgoadedit:butitgotwildandattackedtheMahoutsandthe Jainsandkilledsomeofthem.Thosewhoescapedrantothekingandfellathisfeet.Thiswasagreat disgrace. Thekingwasgreatlyworried.TheJainsfinallyadvisedthekingtohaveTirunavukkarasartiedtoastone andthrownintothesea.Inaccordancewiththekingsorders,thiswasdone.Tirunavukkarasarfixedhis mindonLordSivaandwascontinuallyrepeatingthePanchakshara.Hesanghymnsinpraiseofthe Panchakshara.Assoonashefinishedthesongthestonebegantofloat.Tirunavukkarasarsatonthe stoneandwashappilyborneonthewavesandsafelytakentotheshoresofTiruppapuliyur.Thusdidthe LordsaveHisBhakta. AtTiruppapuliyur,therewasahugecongregationofSivaBhaktastowelcomehim.Heworshippedthe LordandsanghymnsinpraiseoftheLord.OhLord,theunseenProtector:Youaremyguideand saviour.Youaremyfather,mother,sisterandeverything.OhLordofMercy,Yousavedmefromall dangers.DuetoYourgraceandlovealoneIamalive.Addressingthemind,hesays:Ohmind,when youhavetotallysurrenderedyourselftoHim,whydoyoufearanydanger?Nonecanharmyou.Fearnot. Again,turningtotheLord,hesays:OhLordofMercy,Iwantnomorebirth.IfItakebirthatall,owingto pastKarma,letmerememberYourNamealways.EvenifItakebirthasaworm,letmenotforgetYour Name.LetmefinddelightinutteringYourName.ThenTirunavakkarasarreturnedtoTiruvathikai,after visitingmanyholyplacesontheway.WhenPallavakingwhopersecutedhimcametoknowthis,and whenherecalledthemanymiracleshehadwitnessed,hewasconvincedofthesuperiorityofSaivism.
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HewenttoTiruvathikai,fellatTirunavukkarasarsfeet,andbeggedhispardon.Tirunavukkarasar embracedthekingwithallloveandaffection,andthekingembracedSaivismandbuiltthemagnificient templeofSivacalledGunabharaveechuramatTiruvathikai. TirunavukkarasarthenspenthisdaysinworshippingandservingtheLordinvariousways,tosetan exampleeventosaintsthattheyshouldnotrelaxtheireternalspiritualvigilance,lesttheyshouldfalla preytoMayaandtoexhortthemtoleadtheideallifeofahumbledevoteefortheguidanceofothers.He alsovisitedmanysacredshrines,thusemphasisingthegloryofpilgrimage. ThethoughtthathehadlivedforsometimewiththeJains,eatingtheirfoodandmixingwiththemmade Tirunavukkarasarfeelthathisbodywasstillimpure,fortheworshipofLordSiva.HeprayedtoLordSiva: Idonotwanttoliveanymoreinthisimpurebody.LetmehavethestampofYourTridentandNandion mybody,andthenIshallregarditasfitforYourworship.AtonceadivineservantofLordSiva approachedTirunavukkarasarandputthestampoftheTridentandNandi(oneoftheSaiviteritualsof initiation,accordingtotheAgamas)onTirunavakkarasarsshoulders.Heexperiencedsupremebliss immediately. TirunavukkarasarthenwenttoChidambaram.Theverysightofthetempletowersenthimintoatrance. Hesangthrillinghymnshereandprayed:LetmeserveYou.YourBhaktasknownowantnorfear.Even LordYamacannotdaretoapproachthem.IhavecometoYourAbodewherenosincanapproach.I havesurrenderedmyselftoYou.IhaveenshrinedYourLotusFeetinmyheart. AtChidambaram,heheardofthegloryofTiruJnanasambandarandhowhewasblessedbyParvathy. HewaseagertomeetthegreatsaintwhowasatShiyali.AsTirunavukkarasarwasproceedingtowards Shiyali,Sambandaralsowashappyandwaseagerlylookingforwardtothismeeting.When TirunavukkarasarreachedtheoutskirtsofShiyali,Sambandarwentforwardtoreceivehim.Theyfellat eachothersfeet,andsetanexampleinsaintlyconduct.Theywenttothetempleandworshippedthe Lord.AtSambandarsrequest,Tirunavukkarasarsangahymnhere:Whenthewholeworldwas submergedduringPralaya,LordThoniapparwasseatedwithHisConsortintheboatofPranava(OM) surroundedonallsidesbyDevasintheformofbirds.EvennowthetempleofLordThoniapparisinthe
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formofaboat.TheywhoclingtoHisfeetareprotected. AlongwithSambandarTirunavukkarasarvisitedthetempleatTirukkolaka.Hethentookleaveof SambandarandleftthelattersAshramandaftervisitingmanyshrines,reachedTiruvavaduthurai.He sangahymnhereexpressingintenseVairagya:OhLord,Iamcaughtinthewheelofbirthsanddeaths.I amtiredofthis.Showmeawaytogetoutofit. ThenhecametoSattimutham.HeprayedtotheLord:OhLord,placeThyLotusFeetonmyheadbefore Ileavethisbody.TheLordsaid:CometoTirunallur.Iwillfulfilyourwish.Tirunavukkarasaraccordingly wenttoTirunallurandworshippedtheLordWhoplacedHisFeetontheheadofAppar.Hesang:Oh Lord,ThyHolyFeetareadoredbymenonearthandthegodsinheaven.EvengreatTapaswinscannot touchYourFeet,iftheirdevotiontoYouistainted.ButTheyareeasilyaccessibletotherealdevotees whoservewithfaithanddevotion.ThesacrednessofYourdivineFeetcannotbeunderstoodbyordinary men.Theyarethebestowersofallprosperityandimmortalbliss. Aftervisitingsomemoreplacesofpilgrimage,TirunavukkarasarwenttoTingalur,whereheformeda miracleandbroughtsaintAppudiAdigalssonbacktolifeweshallreadthisinAppudiAdigalslife. AtTiruvarur,hewasgivenarousingwelcomebytheSivaBhaktas.HehadtheLordsDarshanthere.His heartwasoverflowingwithlove.Heshedtearsoflove.Hedancedinjoy.Hewasimmersedindivine bliss.HesanghymnsexpressingregretforhismistakeinjoiningJainism.Hefeltthathewouldhave beenblessedwiththeLordsDarshanearlierhadheremainedaSaiviteandcarriedonHisworship, withdevotion.HealsosangahymnpraisingthesinceredevotionandgreatnessofNamiNandiAdigal wholightedthelampwithwaterinthissacredshrinewhenhecouldnotgetoilanywhere. ThenTirunavukkarasarwenttoTirupukalur,aftervisitingothershrinesontheway.TiruJnanaSambandar wasthere,too,andthetwosaintsmeteachotherforthesecondtime.AtApparsinstance,Sambandar wenttoTiruvarurandhadtheLordsDarshanthere.BoththesaintsremainedatTirupukalurforsome time:andmanyothersaintstookthisgoldenopportunityofhavingtheDarshanofthesetwogreat Acharyas(spiritualpreceptors)together.TiruNeelakanthaNayanar,Siruthondar,MurugaNayanarand
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manyotherscametoTirupukalur,andtheplacewasconvertedintoadivinerealmduringthestayofthe twoAcharyas. ThetwosaintsthenmovedontoTiruveezhimalai.Famineragedthereatthattime.Appar(anothername forTirunavukkarasar)andSambandarweregreatlymovedbythesufferingofthepeopleandprayedto theLordforrelief.TheLordpromisedtogivethemagoldencoineacheveryday,withwhichtheycould feedthepeople.LordSivaplacedtwocoins,oneatthewesternentranceandtheotherattheeastern entrancetothetemple:theNayanarscollectedthecoinsandrelievedthesufferingofthepeople.The faminesooncametoanend.BoththesaintspraisedthegloryoftheLordandleft. ThentheycametoTirumaraikaduorthepresentVedranyam.Onceuponatime,theVedasthemselves usedtoworshiptheLordhere.WhenpeopleneglectedthestudyoftheVedas,thiswasdiscontinued. Fromthattime,thedoorbywhichtheVedasusedtoenter,remainedclosed.Therewasanotherdoorby whichpeoplewouldgoinandworship.ApparandSambandarheardofthiswhentheycamethere. Sambandardesiredtoenterthroughthedoorwhichremainedclosed.HerequestedAppartosinga song.Thedoorsopenedbythemselves,bytheWillofGod.TheywentinandworshippedtheLord.When theyreturnedtothatentrance,ApparrequestedSambandartosingasong,sothatthedoorcouldclose again.Sambandarsangandthedoorclosedagain.Atnightoneday,LordSivaappearedand commandedAppartocometoTiruvaimoore.TheLordappearedbeforehimandwalkedinfrontofhim. ApparfollowedHim,butcouldnotapproachHim.SuddenlytheLordenteredthelocaltempleand disappeared.ApparwentinsidethetemplebutcouldnotfindtheLord.Inthemeantime,Sambandar, learningofApparsdeparture,followedhimandcametothetemple.ApparentreatedtheLordtobless SambandarwithHisDarshan.TheLordfulfilledApparswish.Then,theywenttoTiruvaimooreandfrom therereturnedtoTirumaraikadu. MangayarkarasiarandKulachiraiNayanar,thequeenandtheministerofthePandyanking,sent messengersfromMaduraitoSambandar,reportingtheevilinfluencesoftheJainsandurgingforhis immediatepresenceinMadurai.Sambandarwantedtogothereimmediately.Appar,inthemeantime, toldhimofallthathappenedtohimandtriedtostophimfromgoing.But,sogreatwasSambandars eagernesstoservetheLord,thathewent.
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TirunavukkarasarthenvisitedTiruvavaduthurai,andcametoPazhaiyarai.Herehecametothe VadathalaitempleandworshippedtheLordfromoutside.HecametoknowthattheJainshadconverted thisintoaJaintemple,andthattheyhadremovedtheSivaLingamtoanunknownplace.Heprayedto theLord:OhLord,IwillnotproceedaninchfromheretillIhavetheDarshanofYourimagewhichhas beenremovedbytheJainstoanunknownplace.TheLordappearedbeforethekinginhisdreamand said:Ohking,MyBhaktaTirunavukkarasarisfasting,tohaveMyDarshan.Goatonceanddriveoutthe Jains,sothatTirunavukkarasarcouldenterthetempleandhaveMyDarshan.Healsotoldtheking wheretheLingamlayhidden. Thekingwokeupandimmediatelysummonedhisministers.Hewenttothetemple,droveawaythe JainsandfellatthefeetofTirunavukkarasar.ThetemplewasimmediatelyreconvertedintoaSiva templeandtheLingaminstalledonceagain.TirunavukkarasarworshippedtheLordandwashappy. Duringanotherpilgrimage,Tirunavukkarasarfeltthepangsofhungerashewasapproaching Tirupainjeeli.LordSivawantedtoappeasehishungerandthirst.Hecreatedatankandagardenonthe way,sothatTirunavukkarasarcouldquenchhisthirstandrestinthegarden.TheLordHimselfwaited thereintheguiseofaBrahmin,withfoodinhandandgaveittoTirunavukkarasarassoonashearrived there.Appartookthefood,drankthewaterandwasrestingwhentheBrahminenquiredwherehewas going. HesaidthathewasgoingtoTirupainjeeli.Theybothstartedtowalk.Whentheywereneartheplace,the Brahminsuddenlydisappeared,andApparunderstoodthatitwasnoneotherthantheLordHimself.He weptbitterlyfornotrecognisingHimearlierandrolledonthegroundonaccountofHisseparation. AftervisitingTiruvannamalai,Kancheepuram,andKalahasthi,wherehesangthegloriesofKannappar, ApparfeltadesiretogotoKailasa.HewenttoBanaras,andworshippedLordViswanath.Heturned northwardsandcrossedmanythickforestsinfestedbywildanimals.Byhismerelook,thewildanimals becametame!Hewalkednightandday.Hisfeetweresore.Thenhecrawledwithhishands.Hiselbows begantobleednow.Thenheusedhischestandcrawledon.Hischestalsobegantobleedandtheribs begantobreak.Still,Appar,undaunted,continuedhisjourneytoKailasa,rollingontheground.Appar
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wantedtogotoKailasa:buttheLordwantedthatheshouldliveintheworldformanymoreyearssinging Hisglories.TheLordcreatedatanknearbyandappearedbeforeApparintheformofasaint,with mattedlocks,Rudrakshamandholyashes.ThesaintfoundoutfromApparthathewasproceedingto Kailasa,andsaid:Ohfriend,theLordofKailasacannotbeseenbyhumanbeings.So,turnback. Apparsaid:SolongasIhavethisbody,Iwillnotturnback,withoutgoingtoKailasa,andturnedtowards thesaintagainafterbowingtohim:butthesaintwasnotthere.ApparunderstooditwastheLord Himself.TheLordafterwardskeptApparinvisiblecompany,givinghimencouragingwordsnowand then.ApparmentallyprayedtotheLord:OhLord,givemeafreshbody,sothatImaycontinuethe journey.TheLorddirectedhimtotakebathinanear-bytankandsaid:YouwillseeMeandMyAbode, KailasainTiruvayar.Appar,repeatingthePanchakshara,tookadipinthetank.Hecameoutofthe tank,andfoundhimselfinthetankatTiruvayar,hundredsofmilesaway,tothesouth!Hecameoutside andsaweverywhereSivaandSakti.HeenteredthetempleandsawMountKailasathere.HesawLord SivaseatedwithMotherParvathy,surroundedbygods,andcelestialservantspraisingHisglory.He wentintoatranceandsangHisgloriesanddanced. Then,ApparhadaMuttbuiltforhimatTirupoonthuraiandremainedthere.Sambandarhad,inthe meantime,defeatedtheJainsatMaduraiandwascomingtoTirupoondurai.Apparwentforwardto receivehim.WithoutSambandarsknowledge,Apparquietlyjoinedthosewhowerecarryinghis palanquin.OnreachingTirupoonthurai,Sambandarcriedout:WhereisAppar?andAppar,frombelow thepalanquincoollyannouncedhimself.AtonceSambandarjumpedoutofthepalanquinandfellatthe feetofApparwhohad,byhisexample,demonstratedthehumilityofatruesaint.Theyembracedeach otherandshedtearsoflove.(Incidentally,itisinterestingtonotethatApparwasadvancedinageand Sambandarwasonlysevenyearsoldatthetime.) Then,TirunavukkarasarwantedtoseethestateofSaivisminthePandyankingdom,forhimselfandleft forMadurai.Theking,NinraSheerNedumaraNayanar,thequeenMangayarkarasiar,andtheminister KulachiraiNayanarwelcomedhimwithdevotion.Apparremainedthereforsomedays,worshippingthe Lord.ThenhewenttoRameswaramandothersacredplacesbeforereturningtoTirupukalur. LordSivawantedtotesthimhere.WhenApparwasdoinghisservicesinthetemple,theLordmadethe
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entirefloorappearasthoughitwasstrewnwithgoldanddiamonds.ToAppar,goldanddiamondswere worthlessstraw.Hecollectedallofthemandthrewtheminanear-bytank.Again,theLordmade celestialdamselsappearbeforehimandtempthimwiththeircharms.Apparremainedundisturbed.His entireheartandsoulwascentredontheLotusFeetoftheLord. Apparspenttherestofhislifethereandattheageof81mergedhimselfinLordSiva.
22. Kulacchirai Nayanar

IndevotiontoSivaBhaktas,KulacchiraiNayanarexcelled.HewasborninManamerkudi,inthePandyan kingdom.ThisplacewasfrequentlygracedbySivaBhaktas.KulacchiraiNayanarwastheleaderaswell asthesupporterofthepeople.TohimadorationofSivaBhaktaswasequaltoadorationofLordSiva Himself.HesawnodifferencebetweenSivaBhaktasandSiva. HewasthePrimeMinisterofthePandyanking.Yet,heregardedhimselfastheslaveofSivaBhaktas. Hewastherichestmanintheplace:yet,tohimwealthwasonlydust.Nothingbelongedtohim:itwasthe propertyofSivaBhaktas.EvenSambandarextolledhisvirtuousqualitiesinasong. Nayanarwasanablesoldierandadministrator.Yet,hismindwaseverabsorbedintheLord.Hehelped thequeeninstemmingthetideoftheevilinfluenceofJainism.NayanarinvitedSambandartoMaduraito fightthisevilinfluence.TheJainssetfiretoSambandarscamp.Sambandarsangasong.Thefirewas extinguished.ThePandyankinghadhighfever,whichtheJainscouldnotcure,butwhichwascuredby thesacredashwhichSambandarappliedonhim.SambandararguedwiththeJainsanddefeatedthem. KulacchiraisentthedefeatedJainstothegallows.HeservedtheSivaBhaktasandfinallyattained SivasAbode.
23. Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar

GuruisGod.ThesameLordWhoisneverseparatefromus,Whoisoursustainerandsupportappears
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tousasthevisibleformoftheGuru.HewhoadorestheGuruwithfaithanddevotionwillattainallSiddhis (psychicpowers)andeternalbliss.PerumizhalaiKurumbaNayanarexcelledinGuruBhakti.Hewasan ardentdevoteeofLordSivaandSivaBhaktas,too.HeheardofSundaramurthiNayanarsgreatness andmentallyacceptedhimashisGuru.Tohim,Sundararwasthesolerefuge.HeadoredtheGuruin thought,wordanddeed.BytheGurusgrace,heattainedalltheSiddhis.HewasimmersedinSiva BhaktiandGuruBhakti. Inthemeantime,SundararcametoTiruvanchaikalamfromwherehewastakentotheLordsAbode. KurumbaNayanar,throughhisYogicpowers,cametoknowthatthiswouldhappen.Hedidnotliketo remaininthisworldaftertheGuru:and,therefore,throughthemethodofSivaYoga,Nayanarcastoffhis mortalcoilandreachedtheAbodeofSiva,adaybeforeSundararsdeparture.
24. Karaikal Ammaiyar

PunithavathiarasKaraikalAmmaiyarwascalled,wasborninaVaisyafamily.Herfatherwas Danadathan.Hewasawealthymerchant.Hewasveryvirtuous,too.Heandhisdutifulwifeprayedtothe Lordforachild,andthechildtheLordblessedthemwiththeycalledPunithavathy.Fromherchildhood, PunithavathyhadanintenseloveforLordSivaandHisBhaktas.ShewasmarriedtoParamadattan,a wealthyVaisya.Bothofthemwereleadinganidealhouseholderslife. OnedayParamadattansenttwomangoestohishouse.Punithavathykeptthemsafelysothatshecould serveherhusbandwiththematmeal-time.Inthemeantime,aSivaYogiappearedbeforeher.Hewas hungryandcompletelyexhausted.PunithavathyworshippedhimandofferedhimBhiksha.Shehad nothingtogivehim,exceptthemangoes.Shegaveonetotheguest.AtmiddayParamadattancameto thehouse.Thewifeservedhimwithonemango.Helikedit,andaskedfortheother.Shewasupset.She appealedtotheLordforhelp.Whenshefinishedherprayer,mysteriouslyamangofellonthepalmofher hand.Shegaveitherhusband.Hetastedit.Itwasexceptionallysweet.Heaskedhertotellhimfrom whereshegotit,ashewasquitesureitwasnotthemangohehadsent.Punithavathytoldhimthewhole truth.Paramadattan,however,wouldnotbelievethisandchallengedhertoproduceanother.Sheprayed
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againtotheLord.Anothermangoappearedonherpalm.Shegaveittohim.But,atonceitdisappeared fromhishand.Hewasastounded.Heunderstoodthegreatnessofhiswife.Hefeltthatitwasagreatsin tolivewithherasherhusband.Onthepretextofgoingtoaforeigncountryfortrade,hesailedwithaship loadofgoods.Onreturn,heestablishedhimselfinabigcityinthePandyankingdom.Hemarrieda Vaisyagirlandlivedhappily.HehadadaughterbyherandhenamedherPunithavathy,afterhisfirst wife. Punithavathiyarsrelativescametoknowofherhusbandswhereaboutsandtookheralsothereina palanquin.WhenParamadattanheardthatPunithavathywascomingtohim,he,withhissecondwifeand child,wentforward,andfellatPunithavathysfeet.Whenthepeopledemandedanexplanation,he revealedthatheregardedher,notashiswife,butasaGoddess.Punithavathyunderstoodhismental condition,andprayedtotheLord:Inthatcase,OhLord,deprivemeofthepresentphysicalcharmand letmehaveademonaicalform.Herprayerwasimmediatelygrantedandhercharmingbodywas transformedintoaskeleton. ThenshewentonapilgrimagetotheholyKailasa.Feelingthatitwouldbeagreatsintoplaceherfoot onthosesacredgrounds,shemadethelastpartofthejourneyonherhead.MotherParvathywas surprisedtoseePunithavathysstrangeformandherwonderfuldevotion.LordSivatoldherof Ammaiyarsgreatness.WhenshewentnearHim,LordSivawelcomedherwithextremeloveand grantedaboontoher.ShefellatHisFeet,andprayed:OhLordofMercy,givemesincere,pure, unalloyed,eternalandoverflowingdevotionuntoYou.Iwantnomorebirth.If,however,Ihavetotakebirth here,grantmethatIshouldneverforgetYou.WheneverYoudance,ImustbeatYourfeetsingingYour praise.Thisismyonlywish.LordSivagrantedtheboonandaskedhertoproceedtoTiruvalangaduto witnessHisdance.ShewenttothatplaceandspentherlifesingingthepraiseofLordSiva.
25. Appuddi Nayanar

IndevotiontotheGuru,AppudiNayanarexcelled.HewasanardentSivaBhakta.Hewasleadingthe idealhouseholderslife.HebelongedtoaBrahminfamilyinTingalurintheCholakingdom.
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AppudihadheardofthegloriesofTirunavukkarasarorAppar.HehadheardofhowGodsgracemade thestonefloatandhowApparrodeonitandfloatedontheseaandwenttoaplaceofsafety.Even thoughhehadnotseenAppar,hehadtakenhimashisGuru,andliterallyworshippedAppar.Heknew thatLordSivaHimself,outofcompassionforthespiritualaspirants,appearedastheGuru.He meditatedonthelotusfeetoftheGuru.HehadnamedallhischildrenTirunavukkarasu:andallthe householdarticleshadalsobeennamedaftertheGuru.Hehaderectedanumberofwater-sheds,forthe serviceofpilgrims,andhadnamedallofthemaftertheGuru.Thushadheensuredthathewould constantlyremembertheGuru,andexperiencehisgrace. ApparhimselfpassedthroughTingaluroneday.Hewentintooneofthewater-sheds.Hewassurprised toseehisownnameeverywhere.Hefoundoutfromsomeotherpilgrimsthattheshedhadbeenerected byAppudiandwenttomeethim.AppudireceivedtheSivaBhakta(thoughhedidnotknowwhoitwas) withgreatdevotion.Apparsaid:Ohnoblesoul,Ihaveheardalotaboutyourgreatnessandglory.I wantedtopaymyrespectspersonallytoyou.Pleasetellme,whyhaveyounamedthewater-shedafter somebody,andnotyourself.AppudiwasupsetatthiscasualreferencetotheblessednameofhisGuru. Hesaid:Ohfriend,thoughyouappeartobeaSivaBhakta,youdonotseemtoknowTirunavukkarasu Swamigal,whothroughthegraceoftheLordwithstoodsuccessfullyallthepersecutionsofthePallava kingandre-establishedSaivism.Haveyounotheardhowthekingtiedhimtoastoneandthrewhiminto thesea,andhowhefloatedbacktotheshore?Whoareyou? ApparwasverymuchmovedbyAppudisdevotionandreplied:Iamthathumblesoulwhofellavictimto severecolicandthentookshelterundertheLordsFeet.Iamthathumblesoulwho,duetothegraceof LordSiva,gotcuredofthatdiseaseandreturnedtoSaivism.Lookatthedifferencebetweenthetwo descriptions!AppudiremembersthegloryofAppar:whereasApparchoosestorecallhisownfailing(to preservehishumility)andtheLordssupremesavinggrace. Assoonasheheardthis,AppudiunderstoodthattheSivaBhaktawasnoneotherthanApparandwas overjoyed.HeworshippedAppar,alongwithhiswifeandprayedtoAppartoaccepthisBhiksha(food). Whiletheirsonhadgonetothegardentobringabananaleaf,forAppartouseashisplate,theboywas bittenbyacobra.ThesonofaNayanar:hewasalsoagreatdevoteeoftheLord!Herantothemother
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eagertofulfilhisduty.Hehandedtheleaftohismotherandimmediatelyfelldowndead.Appudididnot wanttoletthisdisturbhisworshipofApparSwamigal:and,therefore,hidthecorpse.HeinvitedApparto havehismeal.ApparsatdownandblessedAppudiandhiswifewithBhasma,andthencalledfortheir son.Appuditactfullyreplied:Heisnotinapositiontocome.Apparsensedthattherewassomething wrongandaskedAppuditotellhimthetruth.Appudiinformedhimwhathadhappened.Immediately AppargotupandaskedAppuditolaythecorpseinfrontofthetemple:andhehimselfsangasong.A miracletookplace.Theboygotup,asiffromsleep.Allwerehappy,excepttheparentsoftheboy.They regrettedthatthisincidenthadcausedsomedelayinApparhavinghismeals!Suchisthenatureoftrue devotion.Apparimmediatelytookhismealsandblessedthefamily. ApparlivedinAppudiAdigalshouseforsometime.AppudigainedthegraceoftheLord,byhis wonderfuldevotiontohisGuru,ApparSwamigal.
26. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar

TirusattamangaiwasanimportantcityintheCholakingdom.Itwasaplacefullofspiritualvibrationsand SivaBhakti.TheBrahminsweredevotedtothestudyandrecitationoftheVedasandworshipofthe Lord.And,thewomenweredevotedtotheirlord(thehusband)andservedthemastheywouldserve GodHimself.ItissituatedsevenmileseastofNannilam.ThereisatempleinthisplacecalledAyavanthi. TheLordpresidingoverthisisAyavanthi-Nathar.HisConsortisMalarkanniAmmai. InthiscitytherelivedthegloriousBrahmin,TiruneelanakkaNayanar.HewaswellversedintheAgamas andwasregularinhisritualisticworshipoftheLord.OnaTiruvathiraidayhewasdevoutlyworshipping theLordinthetemple.Hiswifewasalsowithhim.AspiderfellupontheSivaLingam,whentheworship wasinprogress.Thesaintswife,withoutamomentshesitation,blewitaway,andspatonthespot whereithadfallen,ontheSivaLingamthisiswhattheydowhenaspiderfallsonthebodyofachildor otherhumanbeing.But,thehusbandwasenragedatthewifessacrilegiousaction:shehadspoiltthe worshipandpollutedthetemplebyspittingontheLingam.Withoutasecondthought,heabandonedher andreturnedhome.
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TheladyappealedtoLordAyavanthinatharforhismercy.Heappearedinthesaintsdreamthatnight andshowedhimHisbodyallthepartsofHisbodyexceptthatonwhichhiswifehadspat,hadbeen affectedbythespiderpoison.HerealisedthatBhaktiwassuperiortoritualisticworship.Herecalledthe glimpseoftheLordhehad,inhisdreamandrejoiced,rolledontheground,weptoutofsheerjoyand danced.ThenextmorninghewenttothetempleandworshippedtheLord,andreturnedhomewithhis wife,thenobledevoteetowhomtheSivaLingamwasnotastone,butaLivingPresence. OnceTiruJnanaSambandarvisitedhisplacewithTiruneelakantaPerumbanarandVirali. TiruneelanakkaNayanarwasveryeagertomeetthegreatsaintSambandar.Hewelcomedthesaintwith duehonours.Thatnight,SambandaraskedTiruneelanakkartogivesomeaccommodationtotheother twowhowerewithhim.Theywerenotofthehigh(Brahmin)caste!TiruneelanakkaNayanarhesitatedto letthemsleepinsidethehouse.Heaskedthemtosleepnearthesacrificialpit.Assoonastheywent nearthepit,theNayanarwasastoundedtoseethatthesacrificialfirebegantoburnofitsownaccord. Heunderstoodthat,throughthefireoftheirdevotiontheyhadattainedtoastagewhichwasfarhigher thanwhatmereritualcouldleadto.ThemistofcastedistinctionalsovanishedfromtheeyesofNayanar. Nextmorning,SambandarwenttothetempleandsangasonginwhichheglorifiedTiruneelanakka Nayanaralso.WhenSambandarwantedtoleavetheplace,Tiruneelanakkaralsowantedtoaccompany him:butSambandarinstructedhimtostaythereitselfandservetheSivaBhaktas.Heobeyed. Hewas,however,longingtobealwaysatthefeetofSambandar.Soonhiswishwasfulfilled.Heheardof Sambandarsmarriage,andwenttoNallurPerumanamtowitnessit.WhenSambandargotmergedin theLightofLordSiva,TiruneelanakkaNayanaralsogotmergedinit.
27. Nami Nandi Adigal

InEmaperurintheCholakingdomtherelivedaBrahmincalledNamiNandiAdigal.Dailyheusedtogo toTiruvarurandworshipLordSiva,hissolerefuge.Oneday,hefeltanintensedesiretolightmany lampsinthetemple,whichisanacthighlyextolledintheSivaAgamas.So,NandiAdigalwenttoanearbyhouseandaskedforghee tolightthelampswith.ItwasaJainshouse:andtheJainsaidscornfully:I
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havenoghee:ifyouaresoeager,youmayaswellusewater,instead.NandiAdigalwasfilledwith anguishtohearthis.HewenttothetempleandprayedtotheLord.Heheardavoice:Dontgrieve.Bring waterfromthenear-bytankandlightthelampswithit.WithgreatjoyNandiAdigaldidso.Throughthe supremegraceoftheLord,allthelampsburnedbrightly!AlltheJainswereamazedtowitnessthis miracle.NandiAdigaldidsoonseveraldayscontinuously.Bythattime,peoplesfaithinJainismwas lostthroughthemiraclesofNandiAdigalofTiruvarur.PeopleembracedSaivism. TheCholaking,hearingofNandiAdigalsgreatness,appointedhimastheheadofthetemple.Heused tocelebratethePanguniUttaramfestivalonagrandscale.TheLordwouldbetakentoaplacecalled TirumanaliwherepeopleofallcasteswouldflockaroundandworshipHim.Ononesuchoccasion,after finishinghisduties,Nandireturnedhome.Feelingthatthetouchofpeopleofallcasteshadpollutedhim, hedidnotenterthehouseanddotheusualworshipbeforehewenttobed.Heaskedhiswifetobring somewatersothathecouldbatheandthenenterthehouse.But,beforethewatercame,hewas overpoweredbysleep.Inadream,LordSivasaid:OhNandi!AllthosewhoareborninTiruvaruraremy Ganas (servants).Theycannotberegardedasimpure.Youyourselfwillseethiswithyourowneyes. NandiAdigalwokeupfromsleepandtoldallthistohiswife.Herepentedforhiswrongnotion.Heat onceperformedtheworship.InthemorninghewenttoTiruvarur.Therehesawthatallthepeoplewho wereborntherehadthesameformasLordSivaHimself.NandiAdigalprostratedbeforethemall.They resumedtheiroriginalforms:NandiAdigalunderstooditwastheLilaoftheLord. Then,NandiAdigalsettleddowninTiruvarur.HeservedtheLordandHisBhaktassonicelythatAppar praiseshimasAnipon (puregold).UltimatelyheattainedthegloriousrealmoftheLord.
28. Tiru Jnana Sambandar

InsacredSirkali(which,accordingtoalegendwastheNoahs Arc duringacosmicdissolution)there livedapiousBrahminbynameSivapadaHridayarwithhisvirtuouswifeBhagavathiar.Bothofthem wereardentdevoteesofLordSiva.TheyrefusedtoembraceJainismandgiveupSaivism,eventhough theforcesofJainismwerepowerfulanddevastating.SivapadaHridayarprayedtotheLordfortheboon
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ofaworthysontohimwhowouldreestablishthegloryofSaivism.TheLordgrantedthisboon,and Bhagavathiarsoonbroughtintothisworldaradiantmalechild.Theybroughtupthischildwithgreatlove anddevotion,knowingfullywellthatitwasapurposefulgiftfromtheLord.Thechild,too,wouldweepfor hisseparationfromhisdivineparentsLordSivaandParvathy,thoughordinarypeoplemistookitfora babyscryinghabit. OnedaySivapadaHridayarandhiswifetookthechildwiththemtothetempletankinwhichtheywanted tobathe.Thechildhadinsistedonbeingtakenwiththem.Theyleftthechildonthebankandwentinto bathe.Thechildlookedatthetowerofthetempleandbegantocryforhis parents.Thisoutwardly appearstobeamerechildishaction,buttheLordknewitsinnermeaning.LordThoniapparwantedto blessthechild.So,HeappearedwithMotherParvathyandaskedHertofeedthechildwiththemilkof divinewisdom.ToobtainHisgraceanddivineknowledge,thegraceoftheMotherisnecessary,Mother ParvathyfondledwiththechildandsuckledhimwiththeMilkofWisdom.Fromthatmomenthewas knownasAludaiya Pillayar oronewhoenjoystheprotectionoftheLord:andalsoasTiru Jnana Sambandar asheattaineddivinewisdomthroughthegraceofLordSivaandParvathy.Fromthe momenthedranktheMilkofWisdom,hebegantosingsoul-stirringsongsinpraiseofLordSiva.The collectionofthesesongsiscalledThevaram. Afterfinishingtheirbath,theparentscametothechild,andfoundagoldencupinhishands(thecupin whichParvathygavehimthemilk)andmilkoverflowingfromhismouth.SivapadaHridayarthoughtthat somebodyhadgivenmilktothechild:hedidnotlikethathischildshouldacceptmilkfromallsortsof people.So,hebrandishedacanebeforethechildandaskedhimwhogavethemilk.Thechild, sheddingprofusetears,pointedtotheLordWhoappearedintheskyalongwithMotherParvathy.He alsosangasonginpraiseoftheLord.SivapadaHridayarcouldnotseetheLord,butguessedfromthe childsbehaviourthathemusthavehadavisionoftheLord.Hefollowedthechildintothetemple,ashe wenttowardsit.Manydevoteeshadalsocometothetemple.Theyhadcometoknowofwhathad happenedtoPillaiyarandglorifiedhim.Theparentswereveryhappy.Theytookthechildontheir shouldersandwentroundthetowninaprocession.Thepeoplehaddecoratedthetownnicelyand receivedSambandarwithgreatdevotion.
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ThenextdayPillaiyarwenttoTirukkolakkaandsangasong,clappinghishandstokeeptime.LordSiva, pleasedwiththis,presentedhimwithapairofgoldencymbals.Sambandarbegantosing,withthehelp ofthegoldencymbals.EvenNaradaandthecelestialswerecharmedbythis. Sambandarthenwentonpilgrimages.OnceTiruNeelakantaYazhpanar,anardentdevoteeoftheLord andanexpertmusicianontheYazh(Veena)metSambandar.Theyallwenttothetemple.Sambandar requestedYazhpanartoplaytheYazh.ThemusicmeltedtheheartofSambandar.Yazhpanarwantedto bealwayswithSambandar,toplayonhisinstrumentthesongsthatSambandarsanginpraiseofthe Lord.Sambandargrantedthiswish. SambandarwentonapilgrimagetoChidambaran.TheverysightoftheLordentrancedhim.Hehad heardaboutthegreatnessoftheBrahminsofTillai(Chidambaram).Tohim,theyactuallyappearedas SivaGanas(celestialservantsofLordSiva).HeshowedthistoYazhpanarandtheywerethrilled.The Brahminsfellathisfeet.Beforetheydidso,Sambandarhadfallenattheirfeet! Aftervisitingthebirth-placeofYazhpanar,SambandarwantedtogotoTiruArathurai.Hewould sometimeswalkandatothertimessitonhisfathersshoulders.Inthismannertheyapproached Maranpadi.Theywerealltiredduetotheheatofthesunandthearduousnessofthejourney.Theyrested atMaranpadiforthenight. TheLordwantedtoalleviateHischildssufferingbypresentinghimwithapalanquin.Heappearedinthe dreamoftheBrahminsofTiruArathuraiandtoldthemthattheywouldfindapearlpalanquinandapearl umbrella,andaskedthemtotakethemtoSambandarwhowasthenproceedingtowardsTiruArathurai. Atthesametime,theLordappearedinSambandarsdreamandinformedhimofthegift!Thenext morning,theBhaktashandedovertoSambandartheLordsgiftstohim.Sambandarworshippedthe giftsandascendedthepalanquin. SambandarreturnedtoSirkali,aftervisitinganumberofshrinesontheway,andsingingPadigamsin praiseoftheLordeverywhere.Hisparentsperformedthesacredthreadceremony.TheBrahminsthen begantoteachhimtheVedas.But,evenbeforehearingtheVedasfromtheteacher,Sambandarcould
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recitethem,onaccountofpreviousSamskarasanddivinegrace.ThenSambandartaughtthemthe essenceofthePanchaksharaandalsosangaPadigam.ItwasatthistimethatTirunavukkarasaralso metSambandar. Duringthecourseofhispilgrimage,SambandarcametoTiruPachilasramam.Thedaughterofthe MazhavaKingthere,whowasagreatdevoteeofLordSiva,wassufferingfromanincurabledisease. Thekinghad,indespair,takenhertothetempleandplacedherinfrontoftheLord.Atthesametime, Sambandarhadcomeintothetemple.Hesawthepitiableconditionofthegirl,whowaslying unconscious.HesangaPadigamprayingforHisgraceuponthegirl.Sheatoncegotuptothesurprise ofall.Allwereamazedatthismiracle. AtSenkunrur,duringhispilgrimage,Sambandarfoundthatthecoldwasverysevereandthatmany peoplesufferedonaccountofit.Theyentreatedhimtoalleviatetheirsufferings.Sambandarsanga song,andimmediately,theywererelievedoftheirsuffering. Aftersomemorepilgrimages,SambandarcametoTiruvavaduthurai.Hisfatherwantedtoperformabig Yajna.Hewantedalotofmoneyforthat.Sambandarwenttothetempleandsangasong.AtonceaSiva Ganaappearedbeforehim,handedhimapursecontainingonethousandgoldcoinsandsaid.This pursehasbeengiventoyoubyLordSiva.SambandarglorifiedtheLordsgrace,handedoverthepurse tohisfather(whowentawaytoSirkali)withtheassurancethatitwouldgiveinexhaustiblewealth. AtDharmapuram,whichwasthehomeoftheYazhpanarsmother,thepeopleglorifiedYazhpanarforhis proficiencyinmusic.YazhpanarfeltthatitwasduetoSambandarsgracethathewasallowedto accompanySambandarandthathecouldreallynotreproduceontheYazhthedivinemelodyofthe saintsPadigams.ToprovethisSambandarsangasonginpraiseofLordGanesawhichYazhpanar wasunabletoplayonhisinstrument.Hetriedtobreaktheinstrumentindesperation.But,Sambandar preventedhimfromdoingso,andaskedhimtobecontentwithwhathecouldachievewithit,assuring himthatthatwasalot. SambandarwenttoSattamangaiwherehewasreceivedbyTiruneelakantaNayanarwithgreatloveand
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devotion.SambandarsangaPadigaminwhichheglorifiedtheNayanar.AtTiruKeizhvelur,similarly,he metSiruthondarandglorifiedhiminaPadigam.Suchisthenatureofthetrulygreatones:theyadore evendevoteesoftheLordastheLordHimselfandsingtheirglories,notregardingthatasworshipor adorationofahumanbeing,butofmanifestdivinity. Duringhisstaythere,SambandarwoulddailygotoTiruMarugaltoworshiptheLord.Onedaya merchanthadcometherewithhiswife.Whentheywereasleep,apoisonoussnakebitthemanandhe died.Doctorsfailedtorevivehim.ThewifeprayedtotheLordforHismercy.AtthattimeSambandar enteredthetempleandheardthewomanswailing.Sambandarconsoledher,andshenarratedtohim herstoryandherpitiablecondition.Sambandarsangasong,andthemerchantatoncecamebackto life!Allofthemworshippedthesaintsholyfeet. AttherequestofSiruthondar,SambandarwantedtohavetheDarshanoftheLordatChenkattankudi. WhenhewastakingleaveoftheLord,HegavehimDarshanintheformasHeisinChenkattankudi.On theway,SambandarstayedatTiruPukalurastheguestofMurugaNayanar,andsanghisglories. AtthesuggestionofApparSwamigal,SambandarvisitedTiruvarurandhadDarshanofLordThiageesa. ThenboththesaintsstayedwithMurugaNayanarforsometime.TheythenwenttoTiruKadavur,met KungiliyaKalayaNayanarandsanghisglories. TheythencametoTiruveezhimizhalai.Duringtheirstaythere,theBrahminsofSirkalimetSambandar there,andpleadedthatheshouldgotoSirkaliandhavetheDarshanofLordThoniappar.TheLord Himself,however,didnotwantHischildtoundertakethisjourney.Thenextmorning,Sambandarwentto thelocaltempleforworship.TherehesawLordThoniapparseatedinfrontofhim.HesangHisglories. HeinformedtheBhaktasofthisandsentthembacktoSirkali. ApparandSambandarstayedatTiruveezhimizhalaiforsomemoretime.Therewasaseverefamine there.ApparandSambandarweremovedbythesufferingsoftheBhaktas.Theyofferedprayerstothe LordWhopromisedtogivethemsomegoldcoinsdaily,withthehelpofwhichtheycouldservethe people.Bothofthemfoundagoldcoin,atdifferententrancestothetemple.Apparwasimmediatelyable
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togetprovisionsforhisgoldcoin,whereasSambandarcouldnot.Hehadtoexchangehiscoinsforpure goldcoins,beforehecouldobtaintheprovisions.SambandarunderstoodthatitwasbecauseofAppars sincereservicetotheLord,andsangaPadigampraisingtheLord.TheLordthengavehimalsopure goldcoinsandhehadnodifficultyingettingthefoodstuffs. ThemiraclethattheyperformedatTirumaraikaduorVedaranyam,hasalreadybeendescribed,while dealingwiththelifeofApparSwamigal. Ashasalreadybeenstated,JaininfluencewasgrowinginMadura,andeventhekinghadsuccumbedto it.Therewereonlytwopersonswhowerefreefromtheinfluence,andtheywerethequeen MangayarkarasiarandtheministerKulacchiraiNayanar.TheywereSaivitesbyinnerconviction,though theydidnotweartheexternalSaivitemarks,forfearofthekingswrath.Theyhadheardthegloryof Sambandar.So,withouttheknowledgeofthekingtheysentsomewisementoTirumaraikaduto persuadeSambandartorescueSaivismfromtheJaininfluence.SambandarinformedApparofhis desiretoleaveforMaduraimmediately.Appar,outofsheerlovefortheyoungBoy,pleadedthathe shouldnotgo,but,realisinghisdivinenature,lethimgo! TheJainslivingalloverthePandyankingdomsawmanyevilomens.Theyreportedtotheking.Atthe sametime,MangayarkarasiarandKulacchiraisawmanygoodomensandwerehappy. Bythistime,thenewsofthearrivalofSambandarreachedthequeenwhosenttheministertowelcome him.SheherselfwenttothetempleandofferedspecialprayerstotheLord.Theministerwhoproceeded totheborder,heardthesoundoftrumpetsandchantingofVedas.Hewenttowardsthatdirection.The verysightoftheBhaktaswhowerecominginadvance,thrilledhim.Hefellattheirfeetanddidnotgetup atall.ThedevoteescarriedthisnewstoSambandar.Sambandargotdownfromhispalanquinandwent toKulacchirai.Heliftedtheministerupandembracedhim.SambandarworshippedtheLordthe momenthebeheldthetempletowerfromagreatdistance.Hesangthegloriesoftheministerandthe queen.Theywenttothetemple.Thequeen,standingononeside,offeredmentalprostrationsto Sambandar.Then,shefellathisfeet.Sambandarblessedher.
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ThenewsofSambandarsarrivalhadreachedtheJains.TheholyvibrationsofthePanchakshara piercedtheirears.Theydecidedtobringthewrathofthekingonthosewhowelcomedthesaint.They toldhimthattheyhadallbeenpollutedbythesightoftheSaiviteswhohadenteredthecity,followingthe arrivalofoneyoungBrahminallegedtohavebeenblessedwithDivineKnowledgebyLordSivadirectly andwhowantstodefeatusinareligiousdebate. Thekingtookcounsel.TheJainssoughthispermissiontoburnSambandarscampwiththehelpof blackmagic.Hegavethempermission.But,itdidnotsucceed.Inthemeantime,seeingtheking worried,thequeenascertainedthecause,andsuggestedthatboththerivalpartiesshouldbeinvitedto arguetheircaseandprovethesuperiorityoftheirownreligion.Thekingagreed. TheJainsfailedtosetfiretoSambandarscamp.So,theysetfiretothecampinwhichthedevotees werelodged.Theygotup,rantoSambandarandtoldhimwhathadhappened.HesangaPadigam expressingthewishthat(inaccordanceofthelawofKarma)thefireforwhichthekingwasresponsible shouldproceedtowardshim.Nextmorning,thenewsreachedthequeenandtheminister.Theywere grieved.Theywantedtoputanendtotheirlives,butchangedtheirmindwhentheyheardthatnothing hadhappenedtoSambandarorthedevotees.AssoonasSambandarsangthePadigam,thefireinthe campdiedoutandproceededtowardstheking,intheformofadreadfuldisease.Thekingexperienced burningsensationalloverthebody.AlltheendeavoursofthedoctorsandtheJainprieststoalleviatethe kingssufferingprovedfutile.Thequeenandtheministersunderstoodtherealcauseofthekings ailmentandwereworried.TheyinformedthekingoftheirfeelingandrequestedhimtocallSambandar immediatelysothathisgracemightrelievehimofthedistress.Thekingacceededtotheirrequestand decidedtoembraceSambandarsfaith,ifhecouldcurethedisease. Thequeenatoncewentout,surroundedbyhermaid-servants,toinviteSambandar.Kulacchiraiaralso wentaheadofher.TheyreachedtheMuttinwhichSambandarwasstaying.Theyfellathisfeetand informedhimofthekingscondition:TheatrocityoftheJainshadrecoiledonthekingwhoissuffering fromintenseagonywhichtheJainshavefailedtorelieve.Withfoldedpalmsweentreatyoutorelievehim ofthedistress,andthendefeattheJainsinargumentandconvincethekingofthesuperiorityof Saivism.Sambandarassuredthemthathewouldfulfiltheirwishes.Hewenttothetempletogetthe
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LordsblessingsfordefeatingtheJainsindebateandestablishingSaivismintheland. Followedbythequeenandtheminister,Sambandarwenttothepalace.Thekinghadhimreceivedwith allthehonours.TheJainswereworriedandsuggestedknavishlythat,evenifhewascuredby Sambandar,heshouldgivethecredittothemonly,forthepreservationofJainism!Thekingrefusedto beunjustandpartial.Sambandarcameintothekingsapartments.Thekinghadhimseatedonanicely decoratedthrone,whichgreatlyannoyedtheJains.Theychallengedhimtoadebate.Thequeenwas afraidthattheymightbehaveinanunrulymannertowardsSambandarwhowasbutaboyinage.She suggestedthatthekingsdiseaseshouldfirstbecured.Thekingagreedtothis.Sambandaralso assuredherthathewasnotafraidofanything. Thekingaskedthetwopartiestodemonstratetheirpowersbycuringhisdisease.TheJainsvolunteered tocurethediseaseontheleftside,leavingtherighttobedealtwithbySambandar.Thekingagreed. TheJainstouchedvariouspartsofthekingsbodywithpeacockfeathers,chantingtheirMantras.The painonlyincreased!ThekinglookedpleadinglyatSambandar.SambandarsangaPadigaminpraise ofthesacredAsh(Bhasma)andwithhisownhandsmearedtheAshontherightsideofthekingsbody. Atoncetheburningsensationstoppedandthekingexperiencedacoolingsensation.Thekingtoldthe JainsthattheyhadalreadybeendefeatedandturnedtoSambandarandentreatedhimtocurethe diseaseontheleftsidealso.SambandarappliedtheholyAshontheleftsidealsoandthedisease vanishedcompletely.ThequeenandtheministerfellatSambandarsfeet.Thekingfollowedsuitand praisedhim.TheJains,however,attributedthecuretoSambandarspoeticaltalents,andwerequite surethathecouldnotdefeattheminphilosophicalarguments.Theybegantothinkofsomeothermeans ofdefeatingSambandar.WhenSambandarinvitedthemtoopenthedebate,theysaidthatthey preferredpracticaldemonstrationtotheoreticaldiscussions.TheywantedtochallengeSambandartoa firetest.Theysaidthatboththepartiesshouldwritetheessenceoftheirrespectivereligionsonpalm leavesandputthemintofire:thatreligionshouldbeconsideredastherealonewhoseinscriptions survivedthistest.Sambandaragreedtothecondition.Thefirewaslit.Sambandar,offeringhisprayers totheLord,openedthebundleofpalmleaveswhichcontainedhissoul-stirringhymnsonLordSivaand removedthePadigamwhichhehadcomposedatTiruNallaru.ToSambandar,LordSivawasthe AbsoluteTruth,andso,thesongsunginpraiseofHim,shouldalsobeeternal.Withthefirmconviction
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thatnoharmwouldcometothepalmleaf,heputitintothefire.TheJainsalsoputtheirwritingsintothe fire.Thelatterwasatonceburnt:Sambandarsleafwasquitesafe.TheJains,ashamedtofacetheking, droppedtheirgaze.ThekingdeclaredthattheJainshadbeendefeatedasecondtime. TheJains,however,wouldnotagree,andwantedathirdtest.Thistimeboththepartiesshouldthrow theirpalmleavesintheriverVaigaiandthepalmleafwhichswamagainstthecurrentcontainedthe Truth.Sambandaragreedtothis,too.Thistime Kulacchiraiyarintervenedandasked:Whatshouldbethepunishmenttobemetedouttothepartythat failsinthistest?TheJains,intheiranger,saidthatthepartywhichfailsinthetestshouldbehanged. TheJainsthrewtheirpalmleafintotheriver:thecurrentwasswiftandtheleafwaswashedaway. Sambandarthrewhisleafwhichswambeautifullyagainstthecurrent,withoutsinkingorgettinglost.Inthe Padigamwhichwonthistest,SambandarinvokedtheLordsgraceontheking.Onaccountofthis,the kingsbirth-deformity,viz.,ahunchbackwasalsocured.Theleafreachedtheplaceknownas Tiruvedagam.Theministerwantedtotakepossessionoftheleafandfollowedit.Knowingthis, Sambandarsanganothersong,whichstoppedtheleaf.Theministertooktheleaf,wenttothetemple andworshippedtheLord.Sambandar,accompaniedbytheroyalcouple,wenttothetempleand worshippedtheLord.ThekingwasconvincedofthesuperiorityofSaivism.TheJains,accordingtotheir owncontract,werehanged.ThepeoplefollowedtheexampleofthekingandbecameSaivites.Thus wasSaivismre-establishedinMadura. InSirkali,Sambandarsfatherwaswaitingfortheillustrioussonsarrival.Oneday,thedesirewasstrong andSivapadaHridayarcametoMaduraandwasreceivedbySambandarwithgreatreverence. AfterstayingatMaduraforsometime,Sambandarproceededonapilgrimage,accompaniedbythe royalcoupleandtheminister.FromRameswaram,theyofferedmentalprostrationsattheFeetofthe LordofTirukonamalaiandTiruketheesvaram(inCeylon).Theyalsovisitedthebirthplaceoftheminister. SambandartookleaveofthePandyankingandwentintotheCholakingdom. HecametoMullivaikarai.Theretheriverwasinflood.Theboatmenhadabandonedtheirboatsandhad
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leftthemtiedtothetreeonthebank.SambandarwantedtocrosstheriverandworshiptheLordatTiru Kollampoothur.Sambandaraskedthedevoteestounfastentheboatandgetintoit.HesangaPadigam. Thisitselfprovedtobetheoar.TheyreachedtheothersidesafelyandworshippedtheLord. ThepartythenreachedtheplacecalledBodhimangai.ItwasaBuddhistcentre.Sambandarsdevotees wereblowingthetrumpetsandsingingtheirGurusgloriesastheyenteredtheplace.Thisannoyedthe Buddhistwhoaskedthemtostopblowingtheirtrumpets.ThedevoteesinformedSambandar.Adisciple ofSambandar,bynameSambaSaranalayar,whousedtorecordallofSambandarssongs,himself sangaPadigamandsaidthatathundershouldfallontheheadofBuddhanandi,theleaderofthe Buddhistsgroup.Buddhanandiwasatoncedestroyedbyathunder.Theothersfled.But,soonthey reappearedundertheleadershipofSariBuddhanandchallengedtheSaivitestoadebate.Withthe blessingsofSambandar,thediscipleSambaSaranalayarhimselfdefeatedtheBuddhistsindebate. SariBuddhanhimselfembracedSaivismandhisfollowersfollowedsuit.Sambandarblessedthemall. SambandarthenwenttoTirukadavur.WhenheheardthatApparSwamigalwasatTirupoonthurithi, Sambandarwentforwardtomeethim.Atthesametime,Apparcamehalf-waytowelcomeSambandar. Quietly,hegotmixedwiththecrowdandjoinedthegroupofdevoteeswhowerecarryingSambandars palanquin,withoutanybodysknowledge.WhenSambandarenquiredaboutAppar,Apparresponded frombelow:HereIam,carryingthepalanquin,duetothevirtuousdeedsofmanypastlives.Sambandar wassurprised.HejumpeddownandembracedthegreatsaintAppar. Aftersomemorepilgrimage,SambandarreturnedtoSirkali.TiruneelakantaYazhpanarandhiswifetook leaveofSambandarandreturnedhome. SambandarwantedtovisitThondaiNadu.TakingleaveofLordThoniappar,heleftSirkali,andafter visitingmanyshrinesontheway,reachedTiruAnnamalai.Theverysightofthehillsenthimintoatrance. HerolledonthegroundandshedtearsofGod-love.ThenhereachedThondaiNaduandcameto Tiruvothur.Duringhisstaythere,aBhaktacametohimandsaid:Ihaveplantedmanypalmirahtreesin mygarden,butallofthemaremaletreesandtheydonotyieldanyfruits.TheJainsaremockingatme forthis.Pleaseprotectmefromtheirscorn.Sambandarwenttothetempleandsangasongmentioning thedevoteesplight:andthemaletreeswereatoncechangedintofemaletreesandtheyyieldedgood
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fruits.Duetothismiracle,somemoreJainsembracedSaivism.BecauseSambandarhadspecifically mentionedthepalmirahtrees,they,too,werehelpedintheirevolution. Bystages,SambandarreachedTiruAlankadu,theholyplacewhereKaraikkalAmmayarwalkedonher head,notwishingtopollutetheplace.He,too,didnotentertheplace,buthadtheDarshanoftheLordin hisdream.SambandarthenwenttoKalahasthiandhadthevisionofKannappaNayanarandalsoof Kailasa,Ketharam,Gokarnam,Tirupatham,IndraneelaParvatham,etc.SambandarthencametoTiruVotriyur. InMylaporetherelivedamerchantbynameSivanesar.HewasastaunchSivaBhakta.Hehadallwealth buthadnochildren.Inanswertohissincereprayer,LordSivablessedhimwithafemalechild.They namedherPoompavai.Shewasverybeautiful.SivanesarheardofSambandarsgreatnessandfeltthat hewastheonlysuitablematchforhisdaughter.Mentally,hehadofferedhertoSambandar. OnedaywhenPoompavaiwasgatheringflowersinthegarden,shewasbittenbyapoisonoussnake andshedied.Sivanesanarevenannouncedthathewouldgiveanyamountofmoneytoanyonewho wouldreviveher:butitwasofnouse.Thenherecollectedthathehadmentallyofferedherto Sambandar:thisputgreatcourageintohim.Heatoncecrematedthebodyofthegirl,collectedthe ashesandpreservedtheminapot.Dailyhewoulddecoratethepotwithflowers,etc.,andsitnearit meditatingonSambandar.ThenewsthatSambandarwasstayingatTiruvotriyurreachedthemerchant. Atonceheerectedabigpandal fromMylaporetoTiruvotriyurandfollowedbyBhaktasbeganto proceedtowardsTiruvotriyurtomeetSambandar.ThelatteralsowascomingtowardsMylapore.They metontheway.SambandarhadheardaboutSivanesarandhisworshipofthepotwhichcontainedthe ashesofhisdaughter.HewantedtopleaseSivanesarbybringingthegirlbacktolife.Theyreached Mylapore,worshippedtheLord,sanghymnsand,comingoutofthetemple,askedSivanesanartobring thepotofashes.Sambandaraddressedthepot:OhPoompavai,theverypurposeofhumanbirthinthis worldistoservetheLordandHisdevotees,andtofeasttheeyesbyseeingthefestivalsofLordSiva.If thisistrue,ariseinthepresenceofall.Areyougoingawaywithoutseeingthefestival?Thenhesanga Padigam.Whenhefinishedthefirststanza,Poompavaigotherform.Whenhefinishedeightstanzas, shegotherlifeandbecameatwelveyearoldgirl.Whenhefinishedthetenthstanza,shecameoutofthe
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pot,evenasLakshmicameoutoftheLotus.Allwereamazedatthismiracle.Sivanesanarand PoompavaiworshippedSambandarsfeet.SivanesanarentreatedSambandartoacceptthegirlashis wife.Sambandar,however,explainedthattheoriginalPoompavaiwhomSivanesanarhadmentally offeredtoSambandarwasdeadandthatthepresentgirlhadtherelationshipofdaughtertohim. SivanesanarhadtobowtothewishesofSambandar:hebuiltanAshramforhisdaughterwhereshe spentherdaysinworshipoftheLordandattainedHim. Aftervistinganumberofshrines,SambandarreturnedtoSirkali.Hehadreachedhissixteenthyear.His fatherwantedtogethimmarried.Hearguedthatitwasnecessaryforhimtoengagehimselfinthe performanceofVedicrites.SivapadaHridayarselectedthedaughterofNambandarNambiofNallur Perumanam.He,too,welcomedthealliance.TheweddingwastotakeplaceatNallurPerumanam.On theappointedday,SambandartookleaveofThoniapparandreachedNallurPerumanam.Sambandar wenttothetemple,worshippedtheLordandgotHisblessings.ThenhewenttoaMuttnearby.The bridespartycametheretoreceivehim.Sambandar,inhisweddingdress,tookhisseatinthepearl palanquin.Peopleaccompaniedhim,singingLongLiveSambandar.Sambandarcametotheplace wheretheweddingwastotakeplace.Sambandarholdinghiswifeshand,wentroundthefire,the manifestationoftheLord.Accompaniedbythedevotees,thecouplewentintothetempleand worshippedHim,withtotalself-surrender.SambandarsangaPadigamprayingforLiberation.TheLord grantedhiswishandsaid:OhSambandar,you,yourwife,andallthosewhowitnessedyourmarriage willmergeintheSivaJyotiandcometoMe.Atonce,aneffulgentLightemergedfromtheLord.Before merginginthatLight,SambandarsangaPadigamknownasthePanchaksharaPadigam.Thenallthose whoweretheremergedintheLightofSiva.TiruneelakantaNayanar,MurugaNayanarand TiruneelakantaYazhpanarwerealsothere!
29. Eyarkon Kalikama Nayanar

InTiruperumangalaminPonniNadu,therewasaVellalabynameEyarkonKalikamaNayanar.He belongedtothefamilycalledEyarkudiwhichproducedCommanders-in-ChieftoCholakings.Hewasa greatdevoteeofLordSiva.
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ThenewsthatSundaramurthiNayanarhadusedLordSivaHimselfasamessengertosettlethe domesticdisputebetweenhimandhiswifeParavayar,sogreatlyannoyeddevoutKalikamanarthathe saidtohimself:Isthismanwhobehavedlikethisadevotee?Iamagreatsinner,too,otherwisemylifebreathwouldhavedepartedonhearingthenews.SundararcametoknowofKalikamarsattitude.He realisedhisownfaultandentreatedtheLordtoappeaseKalikamarsanger.TheLordcaused KalikamartosufferfromcolicandtoldhiminadreamthatonlySundararcouldcureit.Kalikamar preferreddeathtobeingcuredbySundarar!Inthemeantime,theLordappearedinSundararsdream andaskedhimtogotoKalikamarandcurehimofthecolic.SundararatoncewenttomeetKalikamar. AssoonasheheardthatSundararwascomingtocurehim,Kalikamargaveuphislifebycuttinghis bowelopen. SundararwasgreetedbyKalikamarswife.WhenheaskedforNayanar,shemadeherpeoplesaythat therewasnothingwrongwithhimandthathewasasleep.Aftermuchpersuasion,theyshowedhimthe Nayanarsbody.Indesperation,Sundararalsowantedtocuthisthroat.BythegraceofLordSiva, Kalikamaratoncecamebacktolife.Theyembracedeachother.Kalikamarspenttherestofhislifein theserviceoftheLordandHisdevoteesandfinallyreachedHisAbode.
30. Tiru Mula Nayanar

TirumulaNayanarwasaSaivaSiddha.HewasoneoftheeightstudentsofTirunandiDevarWho showeredHisgraceonthem.TheywereallYogis.HewascalledTirumularbecauseheenteredintothe mortalframeofMulan. TirumulardesiredtoseeAgastyaRishiinPothiahills.SoheleftKailasaandwentsouthwards.Onthe way,hevisitedmanySaiviteshrines.WhenhecametoTiruvavaduthurai,hetookbathintheriverKaveri andwenttothetemple.HewentroundthetempletwiceandofferedprayertotheLord.Whenhewas walkingalongthebankofKaveri,hesawaherdofcowssheddingtears.Hefoundoutthecause:the cow-herdlaydead.Tirumularwantedtopacifythecows.Heenteredthebodyofthecowherdaftersafely depositinghisownbodyinthetrunkofatree.Thecowsrejoicedagain.Thiscowherdwasknownas
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Mulan,aresidentofSattanur.Intheevening,hedrovethecowsbackintothevillage.Mulanswifewas eagerlyexpectingthereturnofherhusband.But,whensheapproachedhimthatday,hewouldnotallow hertotouchhim,butsaid:Ohlady,Iamnotyourhusband.AdoreLordSivaandattainLiberation.Heleft herandwentawaytoanear-byMath. Theladycomplainedtotheleadersoftheplace,abouttheconductofherhusband.Theyexaminedhim andcametotheconclusionthathehadattainedgreatspiritualevolution.So,theyaskedhertoleavehim alone.Thenextday,Tirumularfollowedthecows,butcouldnotfindhisbodywherehehadleftit.Itwas theLordsLila.LordSivawantedTirumulartowriteabookonSaivaPhilosophy,containingtheessence ofallSivaAgamas,inTamil.TirumularunderstoodHiswishandreturnedtoTiruvavaduthurai.He worshippedtheLordandsatunderthenear-bypeepultreeindeepmeditation.HewasinSamadhifor threethousandyears.But,everyyear,hewouldcomedownfromSamadhiandcomposeastanza:thus, inthreethousandyearshewrotethreethousandstanzas.ThisbookiscalledTirumandiram. TheLordsmissionhadthusbeenfulfilled.Then,TirumularwentbacktoKailasa.
31. Dandi Adigal Nayanar

InTiruvarur,intheCholakingdom,therewasapiousBhaktabynameDandiAdigal.Hewasbornblind. But,healwaysrepeatedthePanchaksharamandvisualisedtheLordwithhisinnereyes.Hewoulddaily gotothetemple,docircumambulation,andworshiptheLord. TherewasatankonthewesternsideofthetemplewhichwassurroundedbyJaindwellings.Dandi Adigalwantedtoextendtheareaofthetank.But,howcouldhe,amanbornblind,doit?But,witha determinationandcompletefaithintheLord,hedecidedtodoit.Heerectedapostinsidethetank whereitwastobedugandtiedaropetoit.Theotherendoftheropewastiedtotheotherpostwhich wasfixedonthebank.Thenguidedbytheropehewouldgotowherethedigginghadtobedone.He woulddigwithaspade,collecttheearthinabasketandagainwiththehelpoftherope,hewouldgoto thebankandthrowtheearthaway.
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TheJainswerewatchingtheblindmansmiracle.Theywerejealousofhisachievement,too.So,they wantedtodisturbhisfaith.Theyputforwardacunningargument.Youareblindandyoucannotsee. Whiledigging,youarekillingmanyinsectswhichisagreatsin.So,giveupthisfoolishact.Nayanar explainedtothemthesacrednessofthework,whichwashighlypleasingtotheLord,andalsothatbyHis grace,hewassurenoinsectwouldbeinjured.Hewentonwithwork.TheJainswereinsultingintheir behaviournow.Theysaid:Youwerebornblind:butnowyouaredeaf,too.Eventhoughwearegiving yougoodcounsel,youarenotlistening.Nayanarreplied:Ohignorantpeople,whatdoyouknowofthe Lordsglories?TomeHeisthesolerefuge.IliveonlytoserveHim.DonotmockatHisgrace.ByHis grace,ifIregainedmyeye-sightandyoulostyours,whatwillyoudo?Thisreplygreatlyannoyedthem: theysnatchedthespadeandthebasketfromhishands. Withabrokenheart,DandiAdigalwenttothetempleandexpressedhisgrievancestotheLord.The LordappearedinhisdreamthatnightandassuredhimofHishelp.Healsoappearedbeforethekingin hisdreamandaskedhimtoredressthegrievancesofNayanar.ThekingsummonedtheJains.Dandi Adigalwasalsothere.ThekingaddressedDandi:Ohdevotee,yousaidthatbyGodsgraceyoucould getyoureye-sightbackandtheJainswouldlosetheirs.Provethis.DandiAdigalsaid:LordSivaisthe realGod.Heismysolerefugeandprop.IamonlyHisslave.Ifthisistrue,letmeregainmyeye-sightand lettheJainslosetheirs.HethenutteredthePanchaksharamandwentintothetank.Whenhecameout, hiseye-sighthadbeenrestoredandatthesametime,theJainslosttheireye-sight.Allwereamazedat this.ThekingbanishedtheJainsfromhiskingdomandrestoredpeoplesfaithintheLord.DandiAdigal attainedGod-realisation.
32. Murkha Nayanar

ThissaintwasaVellalabycasteandhebelongedtoTiruverkatinThondaiNadu.Hewasagreat devoteeofLordSivaandwasdoingMaahesvaraPujabyregularlyfeedingHisBhaktasatanycost.He hadspentallhiswealthinsuchfeeding. So,heresortedtoastrangeway.HeusedtogambleandusethemoneyforfeedingSivaBhaktas.He
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wentawayfromhisvillageinsearchofgamblers!Hewouldnotspareanybody:ifsomeonerefusedto gamblewithhim,hewouldresorttoviolence!(SothenameMurkhaNayanarwhichmeanswicked Nayanar!)But,hewouldneverutilisethemoneyforhisownexpenses.ItwasallforHisBhaktas.So,the Lord,theIndweller,showeredHisblessingsonhim. ThisisanextraordinaryillustrationofthenatureofsupremedevotionorParaBhakti.Itisitsownlaw.The devoteeknowsnothingbutGodandisactuallyobliviousoftheworldanditsmanners.HelivesinGod, forGodandheisofGod.Atsuchastage,GodHimselftakeschargeofhim!Thecompletenessofthe surrenderisseverelytestedbeforethis. ItistheextremedifficultyofthispaththatmadeSageNaradaexclaimthatevenasaintshouldnotviolate thecanonsofmorality.Hence,solongasyouareawareofyourownindividuality,sticktothecodeof rightconduct:donotfoolishlyimitatethesageswhodwellinaplaneofconsciousness,towhichyouare acompletestranger.
33. Somasira Nayanar

SomasiraNayanarwasaBrahminbycaste.HelivedinTiruvambur.HewasagreatdevoteeoftheLord andservedHisBhaktas,irrespectiveoftheircaste.HedidYagasandworshippedtheLord,without expectinganyreward.HewenttoTiruvarurandlivedwithSundaramurthiNayanartowhomhehadtotally surrenderedhimself.ThushegotHisgrace. Hereisasimplelifeofsaintliness.Onthefaceofittheredoesnotseemtobeanythingspectacular aboutthisNayanar.But,wehavetobearinmindtheconditionsthatprevailedinSouthIndiainthe Nayanarsdays.ItwasalmostimpossibleforaBrahmininthosedaystomixwithpeopleofothercastes, howeverdevotedtheymightbetoGod.ForaBrahmintoserve themwasunthinkablydifficult.Itrequired verygreatwillpower,determinationanddevotiontoGodandHisBhaktas. Again,inthosedaysnoonewouldeventhinkofperformingaYagawithoutexpectationofareward. Yagaswereperformedonlywithaspecificselfishdesire.ThatNayanarperformedthemselflesslyand
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desirelessly,showsthathehadalreadyreachedahighstageofJnanaorspiritualinsight.Hewasatrue JnaniandKarmaYogi. Overandaboveallthese,hewashighlydevotedtotheGuru,SundaramurthiNayanar.WhatcannotGuru Bhaktiachieve?And,yet,foolishandarrogantmanspeakslightlyofitandridiculesGuruBhakti!
34. Sakkiya Nayanar

ThissaintwasaVellalaborninTirucchangamangai.Hewastotallydisgustedwithworldlylifeand wantedtoattainLiberation.Hesoughtthebestwaytogetthis.Duetofalsepropaganda,hefellavictim toBuddhisticinfluence.HebecameaBuddhist,butitdidnotsatisfyhimforlong.Hewasimmediately attractedtoSaivismandwasconvincedthat,whateverbetheexternalappearanceorconductofone,if hehadintensedevotiontotheLord,hewouldattainLiberation.Thoughhedidnotgiveuphisexternal appearanceofaBuddhist,headoredLordSiva. Oneday,ashewassittinginanopenSivatempleandmeditatingontheLingam,completelyabsorbed inthedivinebliss,heself-forgetfullythrewastoneattheLingam.Onthenextday,hewenttothetemple againandrecollectedthepreviousdaysaction.HefeltthatitwastheLordsWill,torevealtheprofound truththatHewouldacceptanything offeredbyHisBhaktaindevotion.Hethrewastonethatdaytoo. Thatwashisdailyworship,withoutwhichhewouldnottakehisfood!Oneday,whenhewasaboutto takehismeal,herememberedthathehadnotdonehisusualPuja:andunmindfulofthehunger,wentto thetempleandthrewastonewithgreatdevotion.TheLordappearedbeforehim,blessedhimandtook himtoKailasa.
35. Sirappuli Nayanar

SirappuliNayanarwasapiousBrahmin.HelivedinTiruvakurintheCholakingdom.Hewasanardent devoteeofLordSivaandHisBhaktas.Heusedtoworshipthemandservethemsincerely.Hewould repeatthePanchaksharaMantra,withBhavandsincerity,throughoutthedayandnight.Healso
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performedtheVedicsacrificesinhonourofLordSiva.Alltheseearnedforhimthesupremegraceof Siva. AspecialspiritualpracticeofthisNayanarseemstohavebeentheceaselessrepetitionofthe PanchaksharaMantra(OmNamahSivaya).Thisextremelysimplepracticeiscapableofbestowing incalculablebenefitonman:andyet,ignorantman,fullofdelusion,refusestoresorttoit.Thecontinuous repetitionoftheMantrawillchangetheverymind-substance.Itcontainsadivinevibration.Modern sciencehasreachedastagewhenitnolongerbelievesinmassandquantity.Eventhegrossand impureintellectofascientisthascometorecognisethesuperiorpowerinthesubtleatomorcell.Great indeedisthefoolishnessofmanifhestillrefusestobelievethatthesound-vibrations(eventhesubtler thought-vibrations)canbringaboutaradicalchangewithinhimselfandhealhimphysically,vitally, mentally,psychicallyandspiritually. ThisisthehighestYoga:torememberGodalwaysandconstantlytorepeatHisName.
36. Siruthonda Nayanar

InTiruchenkattangudiintheCholakingdom,therelivedaSivaBhaktabynameParanjyoti.Hiswasa familyofarmycommanders.HehimselfwastheCommander-in-ChiefoftheCholaking.Herealisedthat devotiontotheFeetofLordSivawasthebestmeansofobtainingLiberationfromSamsaraandso,he clungtoThem. Once,attheinstanceofhisking,hewagedwarwithaNorthIndianking,defeatedhimandreturnedwith abigbooty.Thekingwashighlypleased.TheministerinformedthekingthatParanjyotiarwasableto achievethevictorybecauseofhisintensedevotiontoLordSiva.Thisshockedtheking,whowasaSiva Bhaktahimself:heregrettedhavingcompelledaSivaBhaktatowageabloodywar.Hecalled Paranjyotiar,apologisedforhavingsenthim,aSivaBhaktatowar,and,aftergivinghimrichpresents, senthimbacktohisvillage,withtherequestthatheshouldhenceforthengagehimselfinHisPuja. ParanjyotiarreturnedtohisvillageandfromthattimewasengagedintheworshipoftheLordandHis Bhaktas.HewouldnoteatwithoutfirstfeedingaSivaBhakta.Heregardedhimselfasthelowlyservant
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Bhaktas.HewouldnoteatwithoutfirstfeedingaSivaBhakta.Heregardedhimselfasthelowlyservant oftheLordandHisBhaktas:hencethenameSiruthondar(smallservant). LordSivawantedtobringoutthegloryofthisnoblesaint.So,onedayHeappearedinfrontof Siruthondarshouse,intheguiseofaVairavar(aspecialclassofSivaYogis).Heenquiredof Siruthondarsmaid-servant,SandanaNangaiyar,whetherhermasterwasathome.Shesaid:No,he hasgoneinsearchofaSivaBhakta,withoutfeedingwhomhewouldnottakehisfood.But,afraidlest thisSivaYogishouldgoaway,sheentreatedhimtocomeintothehouse.Themendicantwouldnot:I shallnotenterthehouseinwhichawomanisalone.SiruthondarswifeTiruvengattuNangaiyarheard thesewordsandcameouthurriedlyandprayedtotheVairavartostayinthehousetillthehusband returned.TheVairavarrepeatedhisobjectionandsaid:WhenhecomesbacktellhimIamunderthe treenearthetemple.TheVairavarwentaway. Immediatelyafterwards,Siruthondarreturned.Hiswifetoldhimallthathadhappenedinhisabsence. SiruthondarwasoverjoyedbecausehewasunabletofindanyotherBhaktathatday.Atonceheranto thetempleandfellatthefeetoftheVairavarandinvitedhimtothehouseforBhiksha.TheVairavar, however,hesitatedandremarked:IdoubtwhetheryouwillbeabletofulfiltheexactingconditionsIshall demandforacceptingyourBhiksha:so,betterleavemealone.Siruthondarwasgreatlygrieved.Hehad thoughtthatthismendicanthadbeenspeciallysentbyGodtoenablehimtoadheretohisvowandfeed aBhaktaeveryday.HewaspreparedtomeetanydemandfromtheBhakta,ifonlyheagreedtotakethe Bhiksha.Now,themendicantrevealedhiscondition:Ohdevotee,itismyhabittoeatonceinsixmonths thefreshmeatofaPasu. Thattimehasnowcome.Idoubtwhetheryouwillsatisfyme.ThiswordPasu hastwomeanings:ananimalandahumanbeing.Siruthondarthoughtthatthemendicantonlymeant animalmeat:andreadilyagreed!Tohissurprise,however,themendicantrevealedthatmeanthuman flesh!Healsoadded:Ohfriend,itshouldbethemeatofachild.Thechildshouldbefiveyearsofage. Hemustbehealthy.Heshouldbetheonlysonofhisparents.Suchaboymustbeheldbythemotherand cutintopiecesbyhisfather.Thismeatmustbecookednicelyandofferedtome.Withouttheleast hesitation,Siruthondaracceptedconditionsandtookthemendicanthome. Howtofindaboyofthemendicantsdescription?Siruthondarthoughtofhisownsonwhofittedthe description.Thenoblewifeagreed,too,andaskedhimtogetthechildfromschool.Assoonashecame
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themotherheldhimonherlap.TheinnocentchildwaslaughingwhenSiruthondar,withonestrokecuthis throat.Theheadisgenerallyunfitforcooking,andisnotfitforbeingofferedtotheLord.So,theygaveit awaytothemaid-servantandbegantocook,therestofthemeat.Afterworshippingthemendicant, SiruthondarwaspreparingtoofferhimBhiksha.Themendicantascertainedthemethodadoptedby themincookingthemeatandNayanarexplainedeverything(exceptthefactthatitwastheirownsonthat theyhadsacrificed).Themendicantsaidhewouldeatthehead,too.Themaid-servanthadanticipated thisandhadtheheadcookedandready. Onceagain,SiruthondarrequestedtheYogitohavehismeal.Now,theYogiwantedanotherSiva Bhaktatoeatwithhim:andtherewasnooneexcepttheNayanarhimself.So,hesatwiththeYogi,ready toeatthefleshofhisson,topleasetheYogi.Yet,onemoreconditionhadtobefulfilled!TheYogisaid thatunlessthehostssonatewithhim,hewouldnoteat!Nayanartactfullyexplainedthathissonwasnot inthehouseandsocouldnotjoinwiththem.But,theYogiinsisted:Gooutandcallforhim:hewillcome. NayanarwantedtoobeytheYogianddidastheYogihadaskedtodo.Wonderofwonders:theyoung boycamerunningtothefatherassoonasthefatherhadcriedaloud:Sirala,comehere:theYogiwants youtoeatwithhim.Theparentswereastonishedtoseetheirchild,Siralancomebacktolife.They enteredthekitchen,butcouldnotfindtheYogithere.Themeathadalsodisappeared!Astheywere searchingfortheYogi,theLordappearedbeforethem,blessedthemandtookthemtoHisAbode.
37. Cheraman Perumal Nayanar

CheramanPerumalNayanarwasborninKodunkolur.ItwasthecapitalcityofMalaiNaduorthepresent Kerala.HewasbornintheroyalfamilyofKothayars,otherwiseknownastheUthiyanfamily.Thename CheramanwasthecommonnameforallCheras.Perumalwasthetitleadoptedbyhimafterhis coronation.HisoriginalnamewasPerum-Ma-Kothayar.HewasendowedwithgoodSamskaras.He hadgreatdevotiontotheLordevenasachild.Ashegrew,hisdevotionalsogrew.Hehadaremarkable degreeofdispassionanddiscrimination.Hedidnotliketorulethecountry:andso,whenhecameof age,herenouncedtheworldandwenttoTiruAnchaikalamandengagedhimselfintheworshipofthe Lordthere.ThecountrywasruledbySengolPorayan.He,too,soonrealisedtheevanescenceofworldly
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lifeandrenouncedtheworld!Hehadnoissuesandthethronewasvacant.TheywenttoTiru AnchaikalamandrequestedPerum-Ma-Kothayartoascendthethrone.Thoughhewasreluctant,lestit shouldinterferewithhisdailyworship,hebowedtothedivinewill.Hewenttothetempleandoffereda prayer.TheLordpermittedhimtoaccepttherulership.BytheLordsgraceheascendedthethroneand ruledthecountryjustlyandwisely.Hecouldunderstandalllanguages,eventhelanguageofthebirds. TheLordhadbestoweduponhimalltheAiswaryas,greatstrength,royalvehicles,etc. Afterthecoronation, hewenttothetempleandafterworshippingtheLordhewasreturningtothe palace.Ontheway,hesawawashermanwhosebodyhadbeensmearedwithwhitesandandmud.The verysightenrapturedCheramanwhosawinhimtheimageofLordSivawiththesacredashsmearedall overthebody.HewasraisedtoGod-consciousness.Hedescendedfromtheelephantandfellatthefeet ofthewasherman,inspiteofthelattersprotest.Allwerewonderstrucktowitnessthesupremedevotion ofCheraman. Byhismanyactsofdevotionandpiety,heearnedthegraceofLordSiva.TheLordsenttohima renownedmusiciananddevotee,Banapatirar,withapalmleafonwhichwastheLordsownsongin praiseofCheraman!Itread:Ohkingwhohonoursgreatpoetswithrichpresents,whoruleshissubjects withlove!Glorytoyou!Iamveryhighlypleasedwithyourdevotionandcharitablenature.Thebearerof thismessageisBanapatirarwhoisagreatdevoteelikeyou.Heisagreatmusicianandalwayssings Mygloriesonhisfavouriteinstrument,Yazh.Hehascometoseeyou.Welcomehimwithduerespect andhonourhimwithplentyofriches.Cheramanwelcomedthemusicianwithgreatloveanddevotion. WhenhereadthesongoftheLord,hewasoverjoyedandrolledontheground.HesaidtoBanapatirar: Ohnoblesoul,kindlytakepossessionofalltheseandacceptmykingdomalso.Banapatirarwas astoundedtowitnessthekingsdevotionandsaid:Ohking,IamhighlypleasedwithyourDarshan.I shallacceptonlywhatisabsolutelynecessaryforme,forthathasbeenthecommandoftheLord.He tookwhatheneededandleftKodunkoluronanelephant.Cheramanescortedhimuptotheborder. CheramanwasgreatlydevotedtoLordNataraja.Hehadsurrenderedhisbody,mindandsoultoHim. HewoulddailyworshiptheLord:and,byHisgrace,atthetimeofhisprayer,hewouldhearthemusical soundproducedbytheLordsankletsduringHisdance.Oneday,however,atthetimeoftheprayer,he
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didnotheartheusualdivinesound.Cheramanwasgreatlyafflictedatheart.Hethoughtthathemust havebeenguiltyofagreatcrimeanddecidedtoendhislife,withhissword.Atonceheheardthedivine soundandavoiceintheskyexplained:Ohnoblesoul,MyfriendNambiArurarhascometoTillaiandhe wassingingsweetTamilsongs.Iwascompletelyabsorbedinthatandhencethedelayinblessingyou withthemusicalsoundofMyanklet.TheLordwantedtocreateafriendshipbetweenSundararand CheramanandsospokehighlyofSundarartoCheraman.Cheraman,desirousofworshippingLord NatarajaandalsoofmeetingSundarar,atoncestartedforTillai.TheverysightoftheLordinTillai entrancedhim.HesangPonVannathuAnthadionLordNataraja.Inappreciation,theLordblessedhim withthemusicalsoundofHisanklets.Cheramanwasswimmingindivinebliss. BeforeCheramanreachedTillai,Sundararhadalreadylefttheplace.CheramanproceededtoTiruvarur wherehemetSundarar.Theyembracedeachotherandfellateachothersfeet.Theybecamefast friends.AtTiruvarurCheramancomposedthefamousTiruMummanikovaionLordThiagaraja. ThentheywenttoVedaranyam.ThereCheramansanghisTiruAnthationtheLord.Aftervisitingmany shrinesonthewaytheycametoMadura.ThePandyankingwelcomedthem.TheCholaprincewhowas stayingwiththePandyankingalsowelcomedthem.Intheircompanythegreatsaintsvisitedmany shrines.Takingleaveofthekings,CheramanandSundararreturnedtoTiruvarur.Fromthere,atthe requestofCheraman,SundararaccompaniedhimtoKodunkolur.ThereCheramantookSundararonan elephantandwentroundthecityinprocession. WhenSundararreturnedtoTiruvarur,hehadinstructedCheramantorulethecountryjustlyandwisely. Cheramanobeyedthesaintscommands.OnthenextoccasionwhenSundararvisitedKodunkolurone daySundararsuddenlylefttheplaceandwenttothesacredshrineatTiruAnchaikalamwherehesought theLordsgraceandattainedLiberation.Byintuition,CheramanlearntofSundararsreleaseandhe alsoattainedtheLotusFeetoftheLord,aswehavealreadyseen,whiledealingwithSundaramurthi Nayanarslife.InKailasa,CheramanbecamethechiefofLordSivasGanas(servants).
38. Gananatha Nayanar

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GananatharwasapiousBrahminofSirkali.HewasagreatBhaktaofLordSiva.Peopleadmiredhis virtueanddevotionandcametohimforadvice.Heinvariablygavethemsomeworkconnectedwiththe temple,accordingtotheirability.Theywouldcleanthetemple,makegarlands,workinthegardens,burn lampsinthetemples,etc.ThusheinfuseddevotioninthemfortheLordandtransformedthemintoSiva Bhaktas.HewasgreatlydevotedtoJnanaSambandar.AlltheseearnedSivasgraceforhim. Hereisanothergreatbutsimplespiritualpractice.TalktootherpeopleaboutGodandthegloryof devotion,etc.Youwillbebuildingupapowerfulspiritualfortressaroundyou.Youwillbeabletoavoid peoplewastingyourtime:youwillnotindulgeinnorallowotherstoleadyouinto,gossipwhichisthe spiritualaspirantsarch-enemy.Peoplewhomayinthebeginning,thinkthatyouarestrangeinyour behaviour,willsoonunderstandyouandtheywill,oftheirownaccord,avoiduselesstalkinyourvery presence.Atthesametime,youwillberenderingaverygreatservicetohumanity,bydirecting everyonesmindtowardsGodandDharma.HereisawonderfulYogawhichhelpsyouandothers,too,at thesametime.Putitintopracticeandrealiseitsmiraculouseffect.
39. Kootruva Nayanar

ThissaintwasachieftainofKalandai.HewasextremelydevotedtoLordSiva.Dailyhewouldrepeatthe PanchaksharaMantra,andservetheBhaktas.TheLordmadehimmorepowerful,andbestowedonhim allwealthandstrength.NayanarcapturedmanyplacesintheCholaandPandyankingdoms.Hewanted thatthethreethousandBrahminsofTillaishouldcrownhimking:theyrefused,becausetheyowed allegiancetotheCholaking.AllofthemevenleftTillaifearinghiswrath.OnlyonewaslefttodothePuja. EvenherefusedtoaccedetoNayanarsrequest.OnedayNayanarprayedtotheLord:and,inanswer, theLordHimselfappearedbeforehimandcrownedhimbyplacingHisFeetonhishead.Nayanar continuedtoworshiptheLordandfinallyattainedHim. TheLord,theIndwellerofourheartsknewthat,whentheNayanaraskedthethreethousandBrahminsto crownhim,itwasonlytospiritualisethecoronationandtoenablehimtofeelthatthecrownwasbuta symboloftheFeetoftheLord.WhentheBrahminsfearedpoliticalrepercussions,theLordHimself
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fulfilledthedevoteeswish.
40. Pugal Chola Nayanar

PugalCholaNayanarwasaking.HewaslivinginUraiyurintheCholakingdom.Hewasgreatlydevoted toLordSivaandHisBhaktas.Hewasanidealkingandpeoplelovedhimandfollowedinhisfootsteps. OncehewenttoKarurtocollecttributesduetohimfromthekingsofKudaNadu.Allofthempaidat once:buttheministersreportedthatapettykingnamedAdiganhadnot.Heorderedhistroopstoinvade Adigansfort.Inthemeantime,thekingselephantwaskilledbyEripathaNayanarforaSivaAparadham (aswehavealreadyseeninEripathaNayanarslife).Ultimately,bothEripatharandthekinghadthe LordsDarshan.Asthisdramawasbeingenacted,elsewhere,thekingstroopshaddemolished Adigansfort,killingmanyofhismen,andAdiganhimselfhadrunaway.PugalCholarstroopsreturned withalotofwealthandtheheadsofmenkilled.Theyplacedalltheseatthekingsfeet.Amongthe heads,thekingnoticedaheadwiththebraidofhairontopitbelongedtoaSivaBhakta.Strickenwith terribleremorsethekinghadabigfiremade,wentroundithavingtheheadonagoldenplateinhishand andenteredthefirechantingthePanchaksharaMantra.ThusheenteredtheLordsAbode.
41. Narasinga Muniyaraiyar

Thissaintwasapettychieftain.HelivedinTiruMunaipadi.HewashighlydevotedtoLordSiva.Hewas achampionofSaivism.OneveryTiruvathiraidayhewouldconductspecialPuja,feedSivaBhaktasin whateverformtheyappearedandofferthegiftofahundredgoldcoinstoeach.Ononesuchoccasion, oneBhaktacamewithsacredashesonhisstarknakedbody:thisevokeddisgustintheheartsofthe otherBhaktas.Nayanarunderstoodthisandfellatthenakeddevoteesfeetandwelcomedhimwith morerespect.Hefedhimnicelyandgavehim200goldcoins.ThisearnedtheLordssupremegracefor theNayanar. Hereisanillustrationofthesubtlewayinwhichsaintsmanifesttheircosmicvision,andalsothesubtle
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wayinwhichtheybringaboutthenecessarychangeintheoutlookofothers.TotheNayanar,allthe devoteesarethemanifestationsofLordSiva.Thenakedmandoesnotevoketheleasttraceofdisgust orcontempt.Whenhefindsthisunhealthy attitudeinothers,hedoesnotviolentlycorrectthem.Inhis ownsubtle,mysteriousbutveryeffectiveway,hedemonstratesthetruth:andbringsaboutachangein theattitudeoftheignorant.Boththeselessonsareimportant.
42. Adipattha Nayanar

ThissaintwasafishermanborninNulaipadinearNagapattinam.Itwashispracticetoletgoonefish fromhiscatchdaily,asanofferinguntotheLord.TheLordwantedtorevealhisgreatnesstotheworld. Onceitsohappenedthatformanyconsecutivedayshecouldcatchonlyonefish.Heletitgo,inthe nameofLordSiva,andwentwithoutfood.Onedayhecaughtagoldenfish,againonlyonefortheday. And,hestucktohisvowandletitgo,inthenameofLordSiva.TheLordappearedbeforehimand blessedthisilliterate,fishermansaint! Notindeedbyvasterudition,norbybreath-takingausterities,norbyhearingandtalkingalot,butby unflinchingdevotionalonecanGodberealised.Thishumble,simple,fishermansainthasprovedthat beyondtheleasttraceofdoubt.But,lookathissteadfastness,Nishta!Itisnoteasytoacquire,unless youhavelivingfaithinGod.Otherwise,themindwillbringupallsortsofreasons(lameexcuses!)for breakingthevow.ThissupremefaithanddevotionisitselfthehighestJnana.Onlyanignorantman studiesbooks:whatneedisthereforagreatscholartostudyanelementarybookongrammar?What needisthereforonetowhomGodisalivingpresence,tostuffhimselfwithwords?Intellectisahelp,ifit servesfaith:itisahindranceifitshakesit.DevotionisindispensableforattainingHim.
43. Kalikamba Nayanar

ThissaintwasaVaisyabycasteandhelivedinPennagadamintheCholakingdom.Hewasdoing someserviceinthetemple.HewasverydevotedtoSivaBhaktasinwhomhesawtheLordHimself.His wife,too,helpedhiminallthis.
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Oneday,hisformerservantcametohishouseintheguiseofaBhakta.Nayanar,asusual,welcomed him,washedhisfeetandworshippedhim.But,hiswifewhorecognisedtheformerservantdidnotjoin. Nayanarunderstoodherlackofdevotion,cutoffherhandandcontinuedhisworshipoftheBhakta. PractisingthisformofYogaSadhana,heattainedHim. ThissainthasdramaticallyprovedthegreattruthwhichSageNaradahasemphasisedinhisimmortal workBhaktiSutras:thereisnodistinctionofcaste,creedorstatus,amongthedevoteesofGod.They donotrecognisesuchdistinctionsamongthemselves:andothers,too,shallnotentertainsuch distinctions.ItisblasphemyagainstGod.ThegreatdevoteeshavebecomeonewithHim.Theyareall manifestdivinity.Whatevermighthavebeentheirpast life,casteorfaith,theyhavenow becomedivine andhencesuchdistinctionshavenomeaning.
44. Kalia Nayanar

KaliaNayanarwasanoilmongerofTiruvotriyur.HisadorationoftheLord,toWhomhewashighly devoted,tooktheformoflightingthetemplelampsdaily.Hewasrich.But,inordertorevealhis greatnesstheLordmadehimpoor.Hisfamilypeoplealsorefusedhelp.Hebegantoworkasalabourer toearntheoil.Eventhisbecameimpossible.Hewantedtosellhiswife:butnoonewouldbuy.Atlast,in despair,hewantedtocuthisownthroatandusethebloodinsteadofoil,toburnthelamps.Inthat attempt,LordSivacaughtholdofhishandandblessedhim. Whatgreatness,andwhatintensityofdevotionisportrayedinthissimplelife!Self-forgetfulnessisthe key-noteindevotion.RememberingGodalways,thedevoteeissothoroughlyabsorbedinHim,that nothingbutGodandHisworshipmatterstohim.ByallmeansHisworshipmustgoon:noobstacleshall standintheway.Thedevoteesheartandmindarealwayspositive,neverlettinganegativethought enterthem.Heseesopportunitiesindifficultiesandisneverbeatenbyanyobstacleswhichservehimas stepstoGod!
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45. Satti Nayanar

SattiNayanarwasaVellalabycaste.HewasborninVarinjiyurintheCholakingdom.Hewasasincere devoteeofLordSivaandhonouredHisdevotees.Hecouldnottolerateanyonespeakingillofthem.If anyonedidso,hewouldcutofftheslandererstongue.LordSivaunderstoodhispureinnerBhavand showeredHisgraceonhim. BesidesrevealingthegloryoftheNayanarsdevotion,thissimplelifealsoholdsforusagreatobject lessonneverspeakillofthesaintsordevoteesofGod.TheyhaveattainedunionwithGod:and,so,if youvilifythem,youarevilifyingGodHimself.Itisthegreatestsin,thegreatest,Himalayanblunder.You cannotjudgethem:theyliveonadifferentplaneofconsciousnessfromyours.Ourscripturescontain numerousillustrationsofthestrangebehaviourofsaints,sagesandYogis.Sometimestheybehaveas littlechildren:sometimesasmad-men;sometimesasfools.Mysteriousisthenatureofsaints.Always worshipandadorethem:youwillbebenefited.Donotcriticisethemorspeakillofthemorfindfaultwith theirconduct.Ourscripturessaythathewhoblamestheconductofthesages,getstheirbadKarma,and suffersdoublyinconsequence.Beware! IfanyonespeaksillofasaintordevoteeofGod,inyourpresence,leavethatplaceatonce.Otherwise, yourownmoralandspiritualstructurewillbedangerouslyundermined.Beware!
46. Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar

AiyadigalKadavarkonNayanarwasaPallavakingwhoruledoverKanchi.Heinfusedthespiritof Saivismintohispeople,too. Soonhegotdisgustedwithworldlylife,renouncedtheworld,afterinstallinghissoninhisplace,and undertookacontinuouspilgrimageofthevariousshrinessinginghymnsinHispraise,whereverhewent. LordSivawashighlypleasedwithhisdevotionandblessedhimwithHisDarshan.
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Thiskinghassetanexampleforallkingsandsocialleaderstofollow.Leadersshouldbethebest examplefortheirfollowers.TheyshouldencouragethemassestowalkthepathofvirtueandGodlines. Otherwise,theyliveinvain:and,whatismore,theytakeupontheirshouldersagoodpartofthesinsof theirfollowers,fortheyareresponsibleforthosesins. ThisNayanarlivesinourheartseventodaybecauseheservedhissubjectsbothbypreceptandbyhis ownpersonalexample.Hetaughtthem;heencouragedthem;and,finally,byhisownlifeofrenunciation andwholehearteddevotionoftheLord,setagloriousexampleforthemtoemulate.Suchisthelifeofan idealleader.
47. Kanampulla Nayanar

KanampullaNayanarwasawealthymaninIrukkuvelur.HewasagreatSivaBhakta.Hewantedtoutilise allhiswealthinHisserviceonly.So,withunswervingdevotionhewouldlightthelampsinSivashrines andsingHispraise.LordSivawantedtorevealhisdevotion.Hewithdrewhiswealth.Hewentoverto Chidambaran.Therealsohecontinuedhisservice,withthemoneygotbysellinghispossessions.There wasnothingleftinthehouse.Hehadtocutgrass,sellitandpurchasegheewiththemoneyandburnthe lamps.BecausehecutgrassknownasKanampul,hewasknownasKanampullaNayanar.Onedayhe couldnotsellthegrass.Hedidnotwanttoswervefromhisduty,however.Hewenttothetempleand madeawickoutofthegrassandburntit.Thequantityofgrasswasnotenough.So,hebroughthisown headnearthelamp,spreadhishaironthelamp,andbeganburningit.AtonceLordSivaappeared beforehim,andblessedhim.
48. Kari Nayanar

ThisardentdevoteeofLordSivawasanativeofTirukadavur.HewasascholarinTamil.Heusedtogo tothethreeTamilkings,andgetmoneybysingingTamilKovais (anthology).Heearnedalotandbuilt temples.ThushespreadthecauseofSaivism.HealsoservedSivaBhaktasandearnedHisgrace.
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AtruedevoteeoftheLordlivesforHissakeonly.AllthathehasisofferedtotheLordasthedevotees worship.Godisyourcreator,yourfatherandmother,friendandGuru.Hehasgivenyouthevarious talentsandskill.TheybelongtoHim.Hedwellsinall, andexpectsyoutoutilisethemintheserviceofall. ThisisthesimplelogicbywhichthesaintsarriveattheconclusionthattheyshouldseeGodinall,serve theLordinall,andloveHiminandthroughcosmiclove,expressedasselflessserviceandcharity. Byleadingsuchaselflessanddivinelife,youwillconqueryourworstspiritualenemy,viz.,egoism,and realiseGodinthisverybirth,nay,thisverysecond.
49. Ninra Seer Nedumara Nayanar And 50. Mangayarkarasiyar

KoonPandyan,thePandyanking,wasrulinginMadura.HewascalledKoonPandyanbecauseofhis hunchback.HewashimselfapoetandhepatronisedtheTamilpoetsandestablishedaTamilSangam. HiswifewasMangayarkarasiyar.ShewasthedaughterofaCholaking.Shewasanardentdevoteeof LordSiva.KulacchiraiNayanarwashisminister:andhewasalsoastaunchdevoteeofLordSiva.Tiru JnanaSambandarhassungPadigamsinpraiseofboth. KoonPandyanhadfallenavictimtotheinfluenceofJainism.Thequeenandtheministerfearedthat unlesssomethingwasdone,Saivismwouldbewipedout.WhenSambandarcametoMaduraandwas stayingoutsidethecity,KulacchiraiNayanarinvitedhimintothecity.TheJainstriedinvaintodestroy Sambandar.WhenSambandarsangasong,thekingshunchbackwascured,asalsohisburningpain. HecamebacktoSaivism.SincethenhewasknownasNinraSeerNadumaraNayanar,ashis hunchbackhaddisappearedandhestooderectandtall. ThePandyankingthendefeatedthenorthernkingsatTirunelvelyandspreadSaivismthere. Mangayarkarasiyarhelpedherhusbandalotinthis.Boththehusbandandthewifeworshipped Sambandarwithgreatfaithanddevotion.TheirdevotiontotheGuruandloveofSaivismearnedHis graceforthem.
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51. Vayilar Nayanar

HewasaVellalabycaste.HebelongedtoMylapore.HewasaSivaBhakta.Heconstructedtemples mentallyanddidManasic(mental)worship.Hebuiltthetempleofnon-forgetfulness,littheshininglamp ofSelf-illumination,bathedtheLordinthewatersofimmortalAnanda(bliss)andworshippedHimwith theelixirofsupremelove.Thusheobtainedsalvation. HereisthelifeofaParaBhakta,asupremedevotee.Hehadtranscendedthestageofidolworship.He hadattainedgreatpurityofheartandclarityofinnerpsychicvisionsothat,withouttheaidofasymbol andwithoutthehelpofrituals,hecouldraisehismindtothesublimeheightsoftheAbstract. TheinclusionofthiswonderfullysimplelifeofVayilarNayanaristopointoutthatdevotionisofmany types,tosuitthetasteandtemperamentofdifferentindividuals.Whateverbethepaththechoose, ultimatelytheyreachthesamegoal,unionwiththeLord,Siva.TheHindusageshavealwaysdeclared thatthespiritualpathisnotastereotypedone,thesamedrugforalldiseases,thesamefoodforall peopleatallages(frominfancytooldage!),butthatthespirituallifeisadapted(withinbroadlimits)to theneedsofeachindividual.Everyonepursuesthepathorthecombinationofpathssuitedtohim,and ultimatelyreachesthesamegoal.
52. Munaiyaduvar Nayanar

ThissaintwasaVellalabycaste.HebelongedtoTiruNidurintheCholakingdom.Hewasagreat BhaktaofLordSivaandHisdevotees.Hewasalwaysthehopeofthedesperate,theweakandthe vanquished.Theywouldcalluponhimtoturntheirdefeatintoavictory.Hewouldhirehimselfoutasa professionalfighter.HefixedawageforthisserviceandwiththatmoneyhewouldfeedtheSivaBhaktas andlookafterthem.HeearnedmoneyinthiswayandhencehewascalledMunaiyaduvar.LordSiva washighlypleasedwithhimandblessedhim. TwovitallessonsthatthisNayanarslifeholdshouldnotbeignored.Thefirstandforemost,eveninthe
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TwovitallessonsthatthisNayanarslifeholdshouldnotbeignored.Thefirstandforemost,eveninthe exerciseoftheGod-giventalentoffencing,theNayanartookcaretosee,thatitwasusedtodefendthe weak,theoppressedandthedowntrodden.Strength,too,isamanifestationoftheLord,accordingto Him:butitshouldbeusedinHisserviceinarighteousway.Thesecondoneisthatthefruitsofsuch servicewerealwaysdedicatedtotheLord.ThisistheverycoreoftheteachingoftheBhagavadGita, andtheteachingsofallsaintsandsages.RighteousnessrestsonthispedestalofdedicationtoGodand unselfishness.Selfishnessistherootcauseofallsinsandconsequentmiseries.
53. Kazharsinga Nayanar And 54. Seruthunai Nayanar

KazharsingaNayanarwasanardentdevoteeoftheLord.HewasaPallavamonarch,belongingtothe familyofKadavar.DuetoGodsgracehedefeatedthekingsofthenortherncountryandestablished Saivismthere.Hewentonmanypilgrimages. OncehecametoTiruvarurwithhisqueenandvisitedthetemple.Thequeen,comingroundthetemple, cametotheplacewhereflowershadbeenkeptforSivasworship,andshesmeltaflowerwhichhad accidentallyfallenonthefloor.SeruthunaiNayanar,apiousVellalaofTanjore,whowasdoingtheservice inthetemple,wasannoyedbyheraction.Heatoncecutoffthenoseofthequeenthatsmelttheflower. Theking,hearingthepitiablecryofthequeen,rushedtothespot.Hewasterriblyangrywiththemanwho wasresponsibleforthebrutalact.SeruthunaiNayanarexplainedtohimthequeensactionwhichwasan insulttoLordSiva(SivaAparadham).Thekingatoncegaveanadditionalpunishmenttoher,bycutting offherhandwhichpickeduptheflower!BoththekingandSeruthunaiNayanarwereglorifiedbythe peopleandthecelestialsrainedflowersonthem.BothofthemattainedthegraceofLordSiva.
55. Idangazhi Nayanar

ThissaintwasthekingofVelasinKodumbalur.HewasastaunchdevoteeofLordSiva.Hehadmade
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arrangementswithalltheSivatemplestoperformworshipaccordingtotheSivaAgamas.Therewas anotherSivaBhaktainthesamelocalitydoingMaaheshwaraPuja.Hebecameverypoorandsohe couldnotcontinuehisPujaandfeedingofBhaktas.So,onedayheenteredIdangazhiNayanarsgranary atnightandbegantostealpaddy.Thewatchmancaughthimred-handedandtookhimtotheking.The kinglearntonenquirythattheSivaBhaktasmotiveforstealingwastofeedthedevoteesoftheLord. Thekinglethimgo. Thisincidentopenedtheeyesoftheking.Herealisedthatnothingbelongedtohimandthatthereal ownersofhispropertywereLordSivaandHisBhaktas.So,hegavepermissiontoallSivaBhaktasto enterhispalaceandgranaryandtakewhatevertheywanted.Thushedisplayedhiszealforthespreadof Saivism.ThusheearnedLordSivasgrace,too.
56. Pugazh Tunai Nayanar

ThissaintwasapiousAdiSaivaofSeruviliputhur.HewasanardentSivaBhakta.HewasaPujari (priest)inthetemple.Hisdailydutywastobathetheimage,utteringtheMantrasanddothePuja, accordingtotheSivaAgamas.Onceafaminesweptoverthelandandhehadnomoneytobuyfood.He lovedthedeityandhisdailydutysomuchthathedidnotliketoleavetheplaceinspiteofthestarvation. HestucktothatplaceandcontinuedthePuja.Hisbodywasemaciated.Oneday,inspiteofhis weakness,hefetchedwaterfortheLordsBath(Abhishekam)and,whenhewaspouringthewateron theLingam,thewater-potslippedfromhishandandfellonHim.Nayanarforgothimselfinsheer exhaustionandfaintedaway.TheLordappearedinhisdreamandsaidthatHewouldleaveonecoinin thetempleeverydaytillthefaminewasoversothathecouldprocurethenecessaryfoodwiththatmoney andappeasehishunger.Nayanarwokeupandfoundthatthedreamwastrue!TheLordthusenabled HisBhaktatogetoverthefamine.HecontinuedhisdailyPujainthetempleandfinallyreachedthe LordsAbode.
57. Kotpuli Nayanar

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ThissaintwasaVellalabycaste.HewastheCommander-in-ChiefofaCholaking.Hewashighly devotedtoLordSiva.Hewasverypiousandvirtuous.Itwashispracticetopurchasepaddyoutofhis incomeandgiveittoSivatemplesfortheLordsfood.Hewasdoingthisforalongtime. Oncehehadtogooutonmilitaryduty.So,hestockedasufficientquantityofpaddyforthetempleuse, handeditovertohisrelatives,withclearinstructionsthatitwasmeantonlyfortheLordandthatthey shouldnottouchitfortheirownuse.Duringhisabsence,therewasafamineandhisrelativeshadto sufferforwantoffood.So,theylaidtheirhandsonthepaddymeantfortheLordandappeasedtheir hunger.TheNayanarreturnedfromhisdutyandheardofhisrelativesaction.Hewasannoyedwiththem. Hecalledthemtohishouseandkilledthem,includinghisparents,forthiscrime.Hissupremelovefor theLordhadsocompletelyovershadowedhisloveforhisownnearanddearones!TheLordappeared atoncebeforehimandblessedhim,andalsoalltherelativeswhohaddiedathishand,andtookthem alltoHisAbode.
58. Pusalar Nayanar

PusalarwasaBrahminofTiruNinravurinThondaiMandalam.Heexcelledinthementalworshipofthe Lord.Mentalworshipisthousandsoftimesbetterthanexternalritualisticworship:mentalworshipsoon leadstoSamadhi(superconsciousstate)andSelf-realisation.Hestronglydesiredtobuildatemplefor LordSiva,buthedidnothavethemoneyforit.So,mentallyhegatheredthenecessarymaterialsforthe purpose.Helaidthefoundationstoneonanauspiciousday.Heraisedthetempleandhadevenfixedan auspiciousdayfortheinstallationofthedeityinit. TheKadavakingwhowasalsoagreatdevoteeofLordSivahadbuiltamagnificenttemplein Conjeevaram.BychancehehadalsofixedthedatewhichPusalarhadmentallychosen,forthe installationoftheLordinhistemple.TheLordwantedtoshowthekingthesuperiorityofPusalarsgreat devotion.So,theLordappearedinthekingsdreamandaskedhimtopostponetheinstallation ceremonyinhistemple,asHewouldbegoingtothetempleconstructedbyHisdevoteeatTiruNinravur. ThekingwokeupfromsleepandwasintenselyeagertohavetheDarshanofthedevoteementionedby
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theLordandalsohavealookatthegreattemplehehadbuilt,whichhethoughtwouldbefarsuperiorto histemple. ThekingcametoTiruninravurandsearchedallovertheplaceforthetemple:hecouldnotfindany.Then thekingenquiredaboutPusalar.HefoundoutPusalarshouseandapproachedhim.Pusalarwas stunnedwhenheheardofthekingsdream.Soon,herecoveredandwasfilledwithjoy.Hethought:How kindandmercifulistheLord.IamonlyawretchedcreatureandHehasacceptedmymentalshrineas HisAbode.Iamreallyblessed.Hetoldthekingthatthattemplewasonlyinhismind.Thekingwas greatlysurprisedtohearthis.AdmiringPulasarsdevotion,thekingfellathisfeetandworshippedhim. PulasarinstalledtheLordinhismentaltempleandcontinuedtoworshipHimtillheattainedHisAbode.
59. Nesa Nayanar

ThissaintwasthenativeofKampili.Hewasaweaver.HewashighlydevotedtotheLordandHis Bhaktas.HismindwaswellfixedonthelotusfeetoftheLord.HislipsalwaysutteredthePanchakshara Mantra.HishandswereeverbusyintheserviceofHisBhaktas.ThesethreevirtuesgainedtheLords graceforhim. HereisanotherinstanceofthegloryoftheNameofGod.WehavealreadyseenthegloryoftheLords Name(Vide page51)whilestudyingthelifeofSirapulliNayanar.ConstantrepetitionoftheMantra enablesyoutorememberHimalways,throughoutthedayandevenduringsleep!Thetechniqueisthis: assoonasyouwakeupinthemorning,sitdownforhalfanhourandmentallyrepeattheMantra.And keepupthecurrentduringyourwork,too,bywithdrawingyourselfforafewmomentseveryhourand mentallyvisualisingthepresenceoftheLordinyouandmentallyrepeatingtheMantra.Ifyouare establishedinthispractice,verysoonyouwillfindthatevenwhenyouaretalkingorareengagedinother activitiesnay,evenduringsleep,themindgoesonrepeatingtheMantra.YouwillgetGod-realisation. InadditiontothisgloriousJapaYoga,NesaNayanaralsopractisedtheYogaofSynthesis.Hethoughtof God,helivedforGod,heworkedforGod,hewashighlydevotedtoGodandlovedHim.
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60. Kochengat Chola Nayanar

InChandraTirthaintheCholakingdomtherewasathickgrove.InthatgroveunderaJambultreethere wasaSivaLingam.AwhiteelephantusedtocometheredailyandprostratebeforetheLingam.A spiderwhichwasalsodevotedtoHim,noticedthatdryleaveswerefallingonHimandtopreventthis woveawebabovetheLingam. Thenextdaywhentheelephantcametoworship,hefoundtheweb,and,thinkingthatsomeonehad pollutedtheplace,toretheweb,offeredhisworshipandwentaway.Thespidercameuponthescene, feltsorrythathiswebhadbeendestroyed,woveanotherwebandwentaway.Thenextday,asthe elephantwaspullingthewebaway,thespiderwhichwaspresentthere,gavehimasting:theelephant diedofthepoisononthespot.Thespider,too,wascaughtintheelephantstrunk,andperished. DuetoHisgrace,thisspiderwasbornasthesonofSubaDevan,theCholaking.Heandhisdutifulwife wenttoChidambaramandeagerlyprayedtotheLordNatarajaforason.TheLordgrantedtheirwish. SoonKamalavaticonceivedthechild.Thedayofdeliveryarrived.Astrologersforetoldthatifthechild couldbedeliveredafewminuteslater,itwouldrulethethreeworlds!Thequeenaskedthatsheshould betiedtotheroofoftheroomupsidedown,withatightbandagearoundherwaist.Whentheauspicious timecame,shewasreleasedandthechildwasborn.Thiswasthespiderreborn!Thechildhadredeyes ashehadremainedinhismotherswombalittlelonger.Themother,lookingintohiseyes,said: Kochekannano(thechildwithredeyes),andexpired.Hence,hewasnamedKochengatCholan.When hereachedtheproperage,hisfatherenthronedhimking,retiredfromtheworldand,aftersevere penance,reachedtheLordsAbode. KochengatCholanpromotedSaivism.InTiruAnaiKahebuiltabeautifultempleandinstalledtheSiva LingamunderthesameJambultree!InCholaNaduhebuiltmanyshrinesandmansionsfortheuseof thethreethousandBrahminsofTillai.HeprovidedforregularworshipatChidambaran.Finallyhe reachedtheLordsAbode.HisgloriesweresungbythepoetPoygayarinhisKalavazhiNarpathu.
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61. Tiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar

InTiruErukattanpuliyur,intheCholakingdom,therelivedanardentdevoteeofLordSivabynameTiru NeelakantaYazhpanar.HewasanexpertinplayingtheYazh(Veena,amusicalinstrument).Itwashis habittovisitmanysacredshrinesandsingHisgloriesontheYazh.HeoncewenttoMadura.Hewas standingattheentranceandsinging.TheLordwantedtohearhimatclosequartersandsoaskedthe devoteesintheirdream,tobringYazhpanarintotheinnershrinethenextday.WhentheBrahminstook himinsidetheshrine,Yazhpanarwassurprised,butunderstooditwasHisLilaandthatHewantedto hearhimplayontheYazh.Ashewassinging,avoicewasheardintheheaven:Iftheinstrumentrestson thewetfloor,itwillbespoilt:givehimagoldenseattooccupy.Atonceagoldenseatwasofferedto him.YazhpanarprostratedtotheLordandsangofHissupremecompassion,standingonthegolden seat. YazhpanarthenwenttoTiruvarurand,here,too,heremainedoutsidetheshrineandsang.Andhere,too, theLordwantedhimtosinginHisimmediatepresence.So,Hecreatedanotheropeningonthenorthern sideofthetemple.YazhpanarunderstoodtheLordswillandenteredthroughthegateandsanginHis Presence.HowhejoinedSambandarandgotLiberation,hasbeentoldinSambandarslife.
62. Sadaya Nayanar And 63. Isaijnaniyar

InTirunavalurinTirumuraipaditherelivedanAdiSaivitebynameSadayanar.Allhisancestorswere ardentdevoteesofLordSiva.Hewasalsopiousanddevoted.Isaijnaniyarwashisdutifulwife.Shewas alsodevotedtotheLord.Duetotheirvirtuousdeedsintheirpastlife,adivinechildwasborntothem.He wasnootherthanSundaramurthiNayanar.NarasingaMunaiyar,theking,wasattractedbythechilds beautyandwantedtobringituphimself.Thekingapproachedtheparentsandthey,withoutamoments hesitation,handedthechildovertohim.Bythisaction,theyshowedthattheyhadnoattachmentatallto anythinginthisworld.
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TheyledtheidealGrihastha(household)lifeandfinallyattainedHisgrace. WorldlyattachmentistheonlychainwithwhichmanbindshimselftothisSamsara.Whenthereis attachment,thereisSamsaraorbondage:ifyouarecompletelydetached,youareatoncefreed,you becomeaJivanmukta.YouenjoytheBlissofBrahmanhereandnow,thisverymoment.Thisisthe uniquegloryofHinduism:itpromisesimmediateLiberationhereinthisworld,whileyetembodied! ImmediatelytheentireworldistransformedintoamanifestationofDivineLight.Alltheparadoxesand mysteriesofCreationareunderstood.
Manickavachagar
InTiruvadavurinthePandyakingdomtherelivedapiousBrahmin.Heandhisdutifulwife,duetomerit earnedinpastlives,gotaworthysonwhomtheynamedVadavurar,afterthenativeplace. Asthechildgrew,hiswisdomincreasedaswell.Soonhehadmasteredallthescriptures.Healsoshone astheembodimentofallvirtuesandwontheloveandesteemofall.EvenlearnedPunditsandsaints wereattractedbyhispersonalityandwisdom.ThekingofMadura,ArimardanaPandyan,heardof Vadavurarsqualitiesanddiscoveredthathewasanall-rounderandwasproficientinadministration also.ThekingmadehimhisPrimeMinister.EvenhereVadavurarshonewithextraordinarybrilliance andwonthetitleofTennavanParamarayar. Asdayspassed,however,dispassiongrewinVadavurarsheart.Hehadrealisedtheunrealityofthe world.Tohimeverythingwaspainful:birth,disease,death,rebirth,etc.Hewantedtoenjoytheeternal blissofSivanandam.Evenwhilehewasadministeringtheaffairsofthestate,hismindwasfixedonthe LotusFeetoftheLord.Hewouldinvitelearnedmenanddiscusswiththemtheintricatepointsinthe Vedas.Soon,herealisedthataGuruwasnecessaryforrealspiritualprogress.Helongedtomeetthe realGuru.Wheneverhewentoutonduty,healsosearchedforhisGuru. Oneday,whilethekingwasholdinghisCourt,theheadofhiscavalryenteredandinformedhimthatthe cavalryneededimmediatereplenishment,asage,deathandsicknesshadgreatlydepleteditsstrength.
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cavalryneededimmediatereplenishment,asage,deathandsicknesshadgreatlydepleteditsstrength. Thekingimmediatelyorderedthepurchaseofgoodhorses.Thetaskofbuyinggoodhorsesfromthe rightplacewasentrustedtoVadavurar.Hewasextremelyhappy,ashewassurethathewouldfindhis realGuru,duringthattour.ItwasaGod-sentopportunityforhim.HeofferedsincereprayertoLord SomasundararinHistempleand,besmearingHisholyashonhisbodyandwithHisnameonhislips, Vadavurarstartedontheerrandofbuyinghorses,withenoughmoney.HereachedTiruPerunturai. LordSiva,WhoistheIndwellerofallheartsandsoknewVadavurarsmentalcondition,haddecidedto takehimtothedivinefold.IntheguiseofaBrahminandwithacopyofthebookSiva Jnana Bodam in hishand,theBrahminwasseatedundera Kurunta treenearthetempleatTiruPerunturai.Hewas surroundedbyothers(thecelestialservantsindisguise).Vadavurarenteredthetempleandstood motionlessbeforetheLord,inintenseprayer.HeshedtearsofGod-love.Thenhewentroundthetemple. NearthetreeheheardtheholyvibrationsoftheLordsName(Hara,Hara)whichmeltedhisheart.The Brahminsmagneticpersonalityattractedhim.Withoverflowingloveanddevotion,Vadavurarrantothe Brahmin,asacalftoitsmother,afteralongseparation:andhefellattheBrahminsfeet. ByHisgrace,VadavurarwasabletorecognisehimashisrealGuru.Holdinghisfeetwithhishands Vadavurarprayed:OhLord,kindlyacceptmeasyourslaveandblessme.TheLordwaswaitingfor this!HecastagracefulglanceonVadavurar.Thisatonceremovedallhissinsandpurifiedhisheart. ThentheLordinitiatedhimintothedivinemysteriesofSivaJnana.Thisveryinitiationentrancedhim.He tastedthedivineblissandwasself-forgetfullyabsorbedinit.ThenVadavurarregainedhis consciousnessandagainfellattheGurusfeet.Heprayed:OhLord,Whohascometoinitiatemeinto thedivinemysteries!OhLordWhohascaptivatedmebyamerelook!OhLordWhohasmeltedmy mind!OhLordWhohasmademesurrenderallwealth,body,mindandsoul!OhmyJewel!OhWealth Imperishable!OhOceanofBliss!OhNectarofImmortality!ProstrationsuntoYou!SingingHisglories thus,VadavurarremovedallhisbelongingsandofferedallattheFeetoftheGuru.Hehadbecomea Sanyasi.Smearinghisbodywithsacredashes,fixinghismindonthelotusfeetoftheGuru,Vadavurar plungedintodeepmeditation.Whenheawokefromthismeditation,hewasfilledwithaneagernessto singthegloriesoftheLord.Withloveasthestringandhisnectarinewordsasthegems,hemadea garlandandoffereditattheGurusfeet.TheLordwashighlypleasedwithit,andcalledhim Manickavachagar sincethehymnssungbyhimwerelikegemsinwisdom.TheLordaskedhimtostay
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onatthatplace,anddisappeared. SeparationfromtheLordandGuru,madeManickavachakarsufferintensepainandanguish.Soon,he consoledhimselfandlivedintheremembranceoftheLordandGuru.Thekingsservantswhohad accompaniedVadavurarthoughtthathehadforgottenthemission,and,so,afterwaitingforafewdays, gentlyremindedhim.Manickavachagarsentthembacktothekingwiththemessagethatthehorses wouldreachMadurawithinonemonth.WhenheheardofwhathadhappenedtoVadavurar,thekingwas angry:but,waitedpatientlyforamonth. AtTiruperunturai,ManickavachagarwasdevotedtotheLord,forgettingthekingandthemission:andhe spentthemoneyhehadbrought,intheconstructionofatemple.Afterwaitingforamonth,thekingsent himanangrynoteremindinghimthatoneshouldbeasalertindealingwiththekingasonewouldbe whendealingwithacobra,andaskinghimtoappearbeforethekingatonce.Manickavachagarwas upset.Hewenttothetemple.HeprayedfortheLordsprotection.Movedbyhissincereprayer,theLord appearedinhisdreamthatnightinthesameformoftheGuruwhoinitiatedhimandsaid:Ohnoblesoul, fearnot.ImyselfwillbringthebesthorsestoMadura.Youcangoinadvance.Tellthekingthatthehorses willarrivethereonAvaniMoolam.TheLorddisappearedafterplacingaverycostlydiamondinhis hands. Thenextmorning,ManickavachagartookleaveoftheLordofPerunturaianddonninghisministerial robesstartedforMadura.Hebowedbeforethekingandgavehimthediamond.Heexplained:Your Majesty,IhavealreadypurchasedthehorsesfortheentiremoneyIhadtaken.Iwaswaitingforan auspiciousdayonwhichtobringthehorseshere.AvaniMoolamisanauspiciousday.Inthemeantime, ascommandedbyYourMajesty,Ihavereturned.Thehorseswillreachhereontheauspiciousday.The kingapologisedtohimfortherashnotehehadsent.Manickavachagarbuiltabigstableforthehorses. Hisrelatives,apprehensiveoftherealstateofManickavachagarsmind,appealedtohimtolookafter themandnottorenouncetheworld.Helaughedandsaid:Ohfriends,thedaytheLordinitiatedme.I haveofferedeverythingatHisFeet.IhavenownorelativesexcepttheLordandHisdevotees.Ihaveno connectionwiththisbody,even.MyonlyattachmentiswiththeLordWhoistheremoverofalloursins
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andbestowerofImmortalBliss.Birthispainful.Deathispainful.Everythingthatisnotconnectedwiththe Lordispainful.Idonotworryaboutanythingintheworldnow.Iwillbeghappilywithmypalmasmy beggingbowlandappeasemyhungerwiththefoodthatisreceivedbychance.Whentheearthisready togivemeshelter,whyshouldIresorttoaspecialdwellingplace?TheperfumeIsmearmybodywithis thesacredash.MyonlybelongingisthegarlandofRudrakshawhichdestroysthesinsofmanybirths.Oh friends,whenIamunderHisprotection,whyshouldIfearanybody? WithhisthoughtfixedontheLord,Manickavachagarwasexpectingtheauspiciousday.Inthemeantime, oneoftheministershadtoldthekingthatintruthManickavachagarhadspentallthemoneyinthe constructionoftemplesandthatManickavachagarsstatementwasfalse.Thekingssuspicion increased.HesentsomemessengerstoPerunturaitoseewhetherthehorseswerereallythere.They returnedwithanegativereply.Onlytwodaysremainednow.Thekingdidnotgetanyinformationabout thehorses.So,heorderedhissoldierstotortureManickavachagarandgetthemoneyback.They informedManickavachagarofallthathadhappenedintheCourt.Hekeptquiet.Theytormentedhim, accordingtothekingsorders.Heboreeverything,fixinghismindontheLord.TheLordHimselfboreall thetorture,andtheBhaktawasrelieved.Thesoldierscouldnotunderstandthesecretofhisendurance. Theytorturedhimfurther!HeprayedtotheLord.TheLordheardHisBhaktasprayerandwantedtoplay HisLila.Hewilledthatallthejackalsoftheplaceshouldassumetheformofhorses.HealsosentHis celestialservantstoactashorsemen.HeHimselfassumedtheformofatraderinhorses.Hereached Madura.Thedustraisedbythegalloppinghorsesfilledthesky.Thepeoplewerewonderstrucktosee thefinehorses.ThatdaywasAvaniMoolam.Thethoughtthathehadunnecessarilytortured Manickavachagarpainedthekingsheart.Heatoncereleasedhimandapologisedtohim.Bothofthem wenttotheplacewherethehorseshadbeenstationed.Thekingwashappytoseethegoodqualityof thehorses.Themerchantwasalsoveryhandsome.ManickavachagarknewthatitwastheLordHimself andsomentallyprostratedtoHim.Thekingsservantsledthehorsestothestable. Daypassedintonight.InaccordancewiththeLordswill,thehorsesassumedtheiroriginalformof jackals,brokethereinsandfledfromthestable,howling.Someoftheminjuredeventherealhorses.A fewoldjackalsremainedinthestable.Thenextmorning,thehorsemendidnotfindanyofthehorsesand therewereonlyafewoldjackalsinthestable.Theyimmediatelyreportedthemattertotheking.Theking
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gotterriblyangrywithManickavachagarwho,hethought,haddeceivedhimbymagic.Thekings soldiersagainbegantotorturehimandManickavachagarprayedtotheLordforHishelp.Atoncethe LordcausedaheavyfloodintheriverVaigai.Therewaspaniceverywhereinthetown.Thepeoplecould notunderstandthecauseofthisuntimelyflood.ThesoldierswhowereguardingManickavachagaralso fled.Hewenttothetemple.HeworshippedLordSomasundararandwascompletelyabsorbedin meditation.Thekingwaspuzzled.Hewantedtosavethecityfromdestruction.So,heorderedeveryone inthecitytobringonebasketfulofmudandthrowitonthebankoftherivertostemtheflood.Everyone, exceptanoldwomanbynameVandi,didso.ShesoldPittu (asweetmeat)andekedoutherlivelihood. ShewassomuchdevotedtoLordSomasundararthatshewoulddailyofferittoHimfirstandthensellit. Shewasindistress. SheprayedtotheLordforhelp.LordSiva,outofHiscompassion,appearedasalabourerbeforethe oldwomanandofferedhisservicesinreturnforahandfulofPittu.Withadirtyclotharoundhiswaistand abasketonhishead,hewouldsinganddanceandthenputthemudonthebankoftheriver.Heateher kindofferingandthrewthemudwithsuchforcethatitcausednewbreaches!Forsometimehewouldsit idleandagainsinganddance.ThekingsservantsfoundthebreachnotclosedwheretheLordwas workingandreportedthemattertotheking.Thekingwhopersonallysupervisedthework,noticedthe idlenessofthelabourer,andhithimwithastick.TheLordthrewthemudonthebreachanditwas closed.Theblow,however,wasfeltbyallbeingsinthewholeuniverse.Thekingatonceunderstoodthat itwasalltheLordsLila.HerecognisedthegreatnessofManickavachagar.Atthattime,heheardan invisiblevoice:Ohking,yourentirewealthwasspentonMeandMyBhaktas.Bythisact Manickavachagarearnedforyougreatmerit.Insteadofbeinggratefultohim,youhavetorturedhim.The jackalsturningintohorses,andthissuddenflood,wereallLilasperformedbyMeforthesakeofMy devotee.Atleastnowopenyoureyesandlearnalessonforyourfuture. Inthemeantime,Manickavachagarhadreachedthetempleandwasabsorbedinmeditation.He,too, felttheblowthatthekinggavetheLord.Hegotupfrommeditation.Thekingwasinsearchofhim.On thewayhelearntthattheoldwomanhadbeentakentotheLordsAbodeinacelestialcar.Hecameto thetempleinTiruAlavaiandprostratedbeforeManickavachagar.HerequestedManickavachagarto accepttherulershipofthekingdom.Thesaintrefusedthisofferbutaskedtobepermittedtogoto
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Perunturai.BothofthemcametoMaduraandworshippedtheLord.Manickavachagarthenleftfor Perunturai.ThekingalsorenouncedeverythingsoonafterthisandreachedtheLordsAbode. AtPerunturai,ManickavachagarsanghighlyinspiringsongsandprayedthatheshouldseetheLordin theformoftheGuru,asHeappearedatfirst.TheLordfulfilledhiswish.Heaskedhimtogoto Chidambaram.Onthewayhevisitedmanyshrines.Ineveryshrine,unlesstheLordappearedinthe originalformoftheGuru,hewouldnotbesatisfied.AtTiruUttarakoshaMangai,heweptbitterlywhenhe didnotseeHimastheGuru.TheLordhadtoaccedetohiswish!BystageshereachedChidambaram androlledontheholyground.Hestayedinagardennearthetempleandsangthefamous Tiruvachagam.ThepeopleofTillaiheardthesongsandenjoyeditsbliss. InEzhaNadu(Ceylon)therewasanasceticwhowasconstantlyrepeatingLongLivePonnambalam. Thekingoftheplacecouldnotunderstandthis,ashewasaBuddhist,andhadcalledtheascetictohim. Theasceticwenttothepalaceandsatdowninfrontofthekingwiththesamewords!Uponbeingasked bythekingtoexplainthemeaning,theasceticsaid:Ohking,Ponnambalamisasacredplaceinthe Cholakingdom.ThisplaceisalsocalledChidambaram.HeretheFormlessGodtakesaForm,of Nataraja,thedivinedancer,forthewelfareoftheworld.TheobjectofHisdanceistofreethesoulsfrom thefettersofMaya.InsidethetemplethereisatankcalledSivaJnanaGangatank.Inthistank Hiranyavarman,thesonofManu,tookhisbathandgothisleprosycured.Thosewhotakeabathinthis sacredtankandthenworshipLordNatarajaarepurifiedofallsins.Forthemtherewillbenomorebirth. TheywillattainEternalBliss. TheBuddhistGuruwhoheardallthisquestioned:Ohking,howcantherebeaGodotherthanLord Buddha?IwillmyselfgotoChidambaramanddefeattheSaiviteinargumentandconvertthetempleinto aBuddhistshrine.SosayingheleftforTillai.Thekingalsoaccompaniedhim,withhisdumbdaughter. TheSaivitessentamessagetotheCholakingaskinghimtoarrangeadebatewiththeBuddhistswhen thelatterhadarrivedatChidambaram.Thedaypriortotheappointedday,theBrahminsprayedtoLord Natarajaforsuccessinthedebate.ThatnighttheLordappearedintheirdreamandsaid:Approach VadavurarandrequesthimtoopposetheBuddhistGuruinargument.Thenextmorning,theBrahmins
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approachedVadavurarwhoreadilyagreed.Hewenttothetemple,worshippedtheLord,andentered thehallofthedebate.HedidnotliketoseethefaceoftheBuddhists:so,hesatbehindacurtain.The Buddhistsopenedthedebate.ManickavachagarexplainedtheprinciplesofSaivism.TheBuddhists couldnotoffercounter-arguments.Theywentonrepeatingtheirarguments!Manickavachagarprayedto theLordforhelp.AtHisinstance,DeviSarasvathiwithdrewHergracefromtheBuddhists,andthey becamedumb.TheBuddhistsweredefeatedinargument. TheBuddhistkingunderstoodManickavachagarsgreatness.Hesaid:Youhavemademyteacherand allhisdisciplesdumb.Ifyoucanmakemydumbdaughterspeak,Iandmysubjectswillembrace Saivism.Manickavachagaraskedhimtobringhisdaughter.HeprayedtotheLordforHishelpandthen askedthegirltogiveproperanswertothequestionsputbytheBuddhistGuruonLordSiva.Thedumb daughternotonlybegantospeakbutgavefittinganswerstothosequestions.Theywereallwonderstruckatthismiracle.ThekingandtheBuddhistsrecognisedthesuperiorityofSaivismandembracedit. ManickavachagarrestoredspeechtotheBuddhistsalso. OnedayLordSivadesiredtohearTiruvachagamfromthelipsofManickavachagarandbestowMoksha onhim.HewenttoManickavachagarinthedisguiseofaBrahmin.Manickavachagarwelcomedthe guestwithrespectandenquiredofhisneeds.LordSivatoldManickavachagar:Iwanttohear Tiruvachagamfromyourownholylips.Ishallwriteitdown,sothatIcanlearnitandwithitshelpfree myselffromtheshacklesofSamsara.ManickavachagarrecitedtheTiruvachagam.TheBrahmin(Lord Siva)wroteitdownonpalmleaves.Thenhesuddenlydisappeared!AtonceManickavachagarknewthat theBrahminwastheLordHimself.HefeltterribleanguishfornothavingrecognisedHim. TheLordwantedtoimmortaliseManickavachagarandtospreadhisglory.So,Hekeptthesesongson thestepofPanchaksharaoftheChitSabha.TheBrahminsofTillaiweresurprisedtoseethemlying there.Theyopenedtheleavesandreadthecontents.IntheenditwaswrittenManickavachagar repeatedthis,TiruChitrambalamwrotethis.TheBrahminswantedtoknowthemeaningoftheseverses: sotheyshowedthistoManickavachagarwhotookthemtothetemple,and,pointingouttotheimageof LordSiva,said:ThisTillaiNatarajaisthepurportofthesestanzas.Heatoncemergedhimselfatthe FeetofLordNataraja.
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Selections From The Utterances Of Nayanar Saints

Appar Or Tirunavukkarasar
TherarejeweloftheBrahminsistheVedawithitssixangas (parts).TherarejeweloftheSaiviteisthe Panchakshara. EverythingisthemanifestationofLordSiva.SivaisNarayana,Brahma,thefourVedas,theHoliest,the mostAncient,thePerfect.ThoughSivaisallthese,Heisnoneofthese.Heiswithoutname,withoutbirth, deathordisease.Heisatoncethetranscendentandtheimmanent. LoveofLordSivamustbefeltandmanifested.Sing.Pray.Worship.Weep.Dance.LordSivaisthe musicormelodyinthesong,thesweetnessinthefruit,thethoughtinthemind,thelustreintheeyes.He isneithermale,norfemale.Heiswithoutdimensions. Subduethesenses.Practiseregularmeditation.Practisethefour-foldSaivitediscipline.Develop dispassion(Vairagya).Transcendthethreebodies.Unitetheindividualsoulwiththesupremesoulor LordSiva.Youwillattaineternalblissandimmortality.YoucanbeholdLordSivaifyoulookforHimwith thelightofwisdomissuingforthfromthewickoflife,fedwiththeghee ofmeditationinthelampofthe mindwithinthehouseofyourbody. Ploughwithtruth.PlanttheseedsofdesireforSelf-knowledge.Irrigatethemindwiththewaterof patience.Superviseyourworkbylookingwithinorintrospecting.BuildthefenceofYama,Niyama,or rightconductorrightliving.YouwillsoonattainSivanandamoreternalblissofSiva. RegardyourbodyasthetempleofLordSiva,yourmindastheworshipper,Truthaspuritywhichis necessaryforworship,thejewelofthemindastheLingam,loveastheghee,milk,etc.PerformPujato LordSivathus.LordSivacannotbeobtainedwithoutmakingthemindone-pointedandmeditatingon thePanchakshara.
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Tirumular
TirumandiramdealswiththepracticalandtheoreticalaspectsofSaivitereligionandphilosophy.The treatmentofPathi(LordSiva),Pasu(individualsoul),andPasam(attachment)intheoldmethodisfound inthisbook. BythepracticeoftheeightlimbsofRajaYoga,theYogiobtainstheblessingofUmaandattains Amarapadavi(Godhood)bythepracticeofYama(self-restraint).HeattainsSivaPadamthe(Abodeof Siva)bythepracticeofNiyama(religiouscanons).HehearsNadam(mysticsound)bythepracticeof Asana(Yogaposture).Heattainsthestage,bythepracticeofPranayama(restraintofbreath)inwhich allthegodseulogisehim.HeattainstheformofSivabythepracticeofPratyahara(abstractionofthe senses)andthegodsbecomeconfusedastheycannotdifferentiatehimfromSiva.Hecangoanywhere includingtheworldsofBrahmaandVishnubythepracticeofDharana(concentration).Hecanwalkinto anyplacejustasonecanwalkonearth.HeattainstheAbodeofBrahma,Vishnu,RudraandIndra,by thepracticeofDhyana(meditation).HefreeshimselffromalltheUpadhis(limitingadjuncts)orfetters anduniteswithLordSivabythepracticeofSamadhi(superconsciousstate). GodaloneistheGuruorthespiritualteacher.HerevealsSiva.SatGuruisAmbalamorChidakasa(the divineplaneofConsciousness).YouwillhavetosearchfortheGuruinyourownheart.Knowledge, devotion,purity,Siddhis(psychicpowers)areobtainedthroughthegraceoftheGuru.Thegrace descendsonthevirtuousaspirantwhohaspurity,dispassion,etc. ThethirstingaspirantsshouldgethelpfromtheParamGuru.Heimpartsspiritualinstructionstothe aspirants.ThenSuddhaGuruconfersuponthemdivinegrace.Whentheaspirantobtainsthedivine grace,hegetsseveralpowers:purity,thepowertoknowtheMantra,higherpsychicpowers,etc.Then theSadGururevealshimintheChidakasa(theseatofConsciousnessintheetheroftheheart),breaks thethreebonds,viz.,Anava(egoism),Karma(action)andMaya(illusion),andhelpshimtoenterthe illimitabledomainofMokshaorsupremeabodeofeternalbliss.SivaGurupresentshimselflateronand manifestsSat(Reality),Asat(unreality)andSat-asat(thatwhichisindescribableaseither).Whenthe
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Jiva(individualsoul)attainsthefinalknowledgehebecomesSivamHimself.TheGuruwhopresents himselfintheearlierstages,too,isSivaHimself. ThedevoteeattainsthegraceoftheLordwhenhemeditatesonHiminthechambersofhisheart;inthe spacebetweenthetwoeye-browsandinthehead.TheholyFeetoftheLordarehighlyeulogised.The holyFeetoftheLordareMantra,beautyandtruth. JneyaorthatwhichistobeknownisSivaAnandawhichisaproductofSivaandHisgrace,Shakti.The Jnata(knower)istheindividualsoulorJiva.HeknowsSivabyabidinginSivaAnandaandobtains JnanamorKnowledge. MokshaistheattainmentofSivaAnanda.HewhoattainsMokshawillattainsupremeknowledgeofSiva. HewhogetsestablishedinSivaAnandawillattainknowledgeandMoksha(finalemancipation). TheJivawhoknowsSivaAnandadwellsforeverinit.HeattainsSivaandShaktiinSivaAnanda.Heis endowedwithtrueknowledgewhichisreallyunionofSivaandShakti.LordSivashowsthepathwhich leadstoMoksha,totheaspirantwhoisendowedwithdispassion,non-attachment,andrenunciation,and whopraisesHimalwaysandperformsregularworship. ThedevoteeofLordSivagetsstrengthtoresistthetemptationsoftheworldandIndra,throughhisTapas orausterity.HedoesnotcareatallforthecelestialpleasuresofferedbyIndra.Heisquitecontentedwith theSupremeBlissattainedthroughunionwithLordSiva.
Glory Of Lord Siva

OMIbowwithfoldedpalmstoLordSivaWhoistheLordoftheuniverse,WorldTeacher,Whoisthe DestroyerofTripuras(threecitiesoflust,angerandegoism),WhoistheLordofUma,Gauri,Ganga, Whoisfulloflight,knowledgeandbliss,WhoistheLordofYogis,whoisthestorehouseofknowledge andWhoisknownbythevariousnamesasMahadeva,Sankara,Hara,Sambhu,Sadashiva,Rudra, Soolapani,Bhairava,Uma-Maheshwara,Neelakantha,Trilochana,Tryambaka,Viswanatha,
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Chandrasekhara,Ardhanaareesvara,Maheshwara,Neelalohita,ParamaSiva,Digambara, Dakshinamurthi,etc. HowmercifulHeis!HowlovingandkindHeis!HeevenwearstheskullsofHisdevoteesasagarland aroundHisneck.Heisanembodimentofrenunciation,mercy,loveandwisdom.Itisamistaketosay thatHeisthedestroyer.LordSivainrealityistheregenerator.Wheneveronesphysicalbodybecomes unfitforfurtherevolutioninthisbirth,eitherbydisease,oldageorothercauses,Heatonceremovesthis rottenphysicalsheathandgivesanew,healthy,vigorousbodyforfurtherquickevolution.Hewantsto takeallHischildrentoHisLotusFeetquickly.HedesirestogivethemHisgloriousSiva-Padam.Itis easiertopleaseSivathantopleaseHari.AlittlePremanddevotion,alittlechantingofHis Panchakshara(theMantraOM NAMAH SIVAYA whichhasfiveletters)isquitesufficienttoinfuse delightinSiva.HegivesboonstoHisdevoteesquitereadily.HowlargeisHisheart!Hegave PasupathaAstra(aweapon)toArjuna,withoutanydifficulty,forhislittlepenance.Hegaveaprecious boontoBhasmasura.InKalahasthi,nearTirupathi,HegaveDarshantoKannapaNayanar,thedevoted hunter.InChidambaram,eventheuntouchablesaintNandanhadtheDarshanofLordSiva.Heranwith tremendousspeedtomaketheboyMarkandeyaimmortal,whenhewasintheclutchesoftheGodof DeathYama.RavanaofLankapleasedLordSiva,withhisSama-chantings(Samaisoneofthethree Vedas).HeinitiatedtheFourDivineYouths(Sanaka,Sanandana,Sanathana,Sanatkumara)intothe mysteriesofJnana,intheformofDakshinamurthy.InMaduraHeassumedtheformofaboyandcarried earthonHisheadforadevotedlady.LookatHisunboundedmercyforHisdevotees!WhenBrahmaand VishnuwenttofindouttheHeadandFeetofLordSiva,Heassumedtheformofaninfinite,expansive blazeoflight.Theywerebaffled.Howmagnificentandself-effulgentHeis!Helivedforseveralyearsin thehouseofPattinathuSwamiofSouthIndia,ashisadoptedson,anddisappeared,aftergivinghimthe smallnote:Eventhebrokenneedleswillnotfollowyouafterdeath.Thereadingofthisnotewasthe startingpointforattainmentofJnanafortheSwami.Whydoyouallnotattemptthisverysecond,with sincerity,torealiseGod? HathaYogisawakentheKundaliniShaktithatislyingdormantintheMuladharaChakra,byAsana, Pranayama,Kumbhaka,MudraandBandha,takingitupthroughdifferentChakras(centresofspiritual energy)viz.,Swadhisthana,Manipura,Anahata,VishuddhaandAjna,andjoinitwithLordSivaatthe
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Sahasrara,thethousand-petalledlotusatthecrownofthehead.TheydrinkthenectarofImmortality.This istermedAmrita-Srava.WhentheShaktiisunitedwithSiva,fullilluminationcomestotheYogi. LordSivarepresentsthedestructiveaspectofBrahman.ThatportionofBrahmanthatisenvelopedby Tamo-guna-pradhana-MayaisLordSivaWhoistheall-pervadingIswara,andWhoalsodwellsin Kailasa.Heisthestorehouseofwisdom.Sivaminus ParvathyispureInfiniteBeing.WithMaya,He becomesSagunaBrahman(personalGod)forthepurposeofpiousdevotionofHisdevotees.Devotees ofLordRamamustworshipSivaalso.RamaHimselfworshippedLordSivaatthefamous Rameshvaram.LordSivaistheLordofasceticsandLordofYoginsrobedinspace(nakedDigambaras). HisTrisul(trident)thatisheldinHisrighthandrepresentsthethreeGunasSatva,RajasandTamas. Thatistheemblemofsovereignty.HewieldstheworldthroughtheseGunas.TheDamaru(drum)inHis lefthandrepresentstheSabdaBrahman(OM)fromwhichalllanguageshavebeenformed.ItisHeWho formedtheSanskritlanguageoutofthesoundoftheDamaru.ThewearingofthecrescentmoononHis headindicatesthatHehascontrolledthemindperfectly.TheflowoftheGangarepresentsthenectarof immortality.Elephantrepresents,symbolically,theVritti(mentalmodification)ofpride.Wearingtheskin ofanelephantdenotesthatHehascontrolledpride.Thetigerrepresentslustandhissittingontheskin indicatesthatHehasconqueredlust.HisholdingadeerinonehandindicatesthatHehasremovedthe tossingorwanderingnatureofthemind.Deerjumpsfromoneobjecttoanother.Hiswearingofserpents aroundHisneckdenoteswisdomandeternity.Serpentsliveforalargenumberofyears,andrepresent Timewhichglidesawaysmoothly!HeisTrilochana(Three-eyed),inthecentreofwhoseforeheadisthe thirdeye,theeyeofwisdom.Nandi,thebullthatsitsinfrontoftheSivaLingamrepresentsPranava (OM).TheLingamrepresentsAdwaita(monism).ItpointsoutIamonewithoutasecondjustasaman raiseshisrighthandabovehisheadpointingouthisrightindexfingeronly. KailashillsinTibetareahugerangewithacentral,beautiful,naturallycarvedanddecoratedshining peak,eternallycladwithsilverysnow,22,980feetabovesea-level.Sometaketheheighttobe22,028 feet.Thisparticularpeakisinthefromofanatural,hugeSivaLingam.Thisisworshippedastheformof LordSivafromadistance.Thereisneitheratemplenorapriest,nordailyworshiphere.Ihadthefortune
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tohaveDarshanofKailasthroughthegraceofLordSivaonJuly22nd,1931.Ievenclimbedwithpanting breathtothefootofKailaspeakwheretheriverIndustakesitsorigin.Itisapicturesqueandsoul-stirring scene.YouwillhavetoascendfromDidiphaGuha,thefirsthaltingplaceintheParikrama (circumambulation)ofKailaswhichcovers30miles.Ittakesthreedays.Onthewaycomesthefamous andsacredGauriKundwhichiseternallycoveredwithsnow.Youwillhavetobreakthesnowwhenyou takeabath. ThefollowingarethetwelveJyotirLingasofLordSiva: 1.SomnathinGujerat. 2.MallikarjuninSriSailaParvatnearTirupati. 3.MahakalaminUjjaininGwaliorState. 4.OmkareshwaronthebanksoftheriverNarmadainAmaleshwaram. 5.BhaijnathnearGaya. 6.NaganathinSouthernIndia. 7.KedarnathintheHimalayas. 8.Tryambak,nearthesourceoftheGodavari,intheNasikdistrict,Bombay. 9.RameswaraminSouthIndia. 10.BhimaSankar,nearPoona. 11.ViswanathinBanares. 12.Grineshwar(Gokarna)inKharwardistrict. Evenifpeoplerememberthese12placesbothmorningandevening,thesinsofsevenbirthswillbe destroyed.
The Siva Lingam

YouwillfindintheLingaPurana: Pradhanam Prakritir YadahurlingamuttamamGandhavarnarasairheenam sabda sparshaadi varjitam
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The foremost Lingam which is primary, and is devoid of smell, colour, taste, hearing, etc., is spoken of as PrakritiNature. Lingameansmark in Sanskrit.Itisasymbolwhichpointstoaninference.Whenyouseeabigfloodina river,youinferthatthereshouldhavebeenheavyrainsthepreviousday.Whenyouseesmoke,youinfer thatthereisfire.ThisworldofcountlessformsisaLingamoftheOmnipotentLord.TheSivaLingamisa symbolofLordSiva.WhenyoulookattheLingam,yourmindisatonceelevatedandyoubegintothink oftheLord. LordSivaisreallyformless.HehasnoformofHisown;and,yet,allformsareHisforms.Allformsare pervadedbyLordSiva.EveryformistheformorLingamofLordSiva. ThereisamysteriouspowerorindescribableShaktiintheLingam,toinduceconcentrationofthemind. Justasthemindisfocussedeasilyincrystalgazing,themindofadevoteeiseasilyconcentratedwhen helooksattheLingam.ThatisthereasonwhytheancientRishisofIndiaandtheseershaveprescribed LingamforbeinginstalledinthetemplesofSiva. SivaLingamspeakstoyouintheunmistakablelanguageofsilence:Iamonewithoutasecond.Iam formless.Pure,pioussoulsonlycanunderstandthislanguage.Acurious,passionate,impureforeigner oflittleunderstandingorintelligencesays:Oh,theHindusworshipthephallus.Theyareignorantpeople. Theyhavenophilosophy.WhenaforeignertriestolearnTamilorHindustanilanguage,hefirsttriesto pickupsomevulgarwords.Thisishiscuriositynature.Evenso,thecuriousforeignertriestofindout somedefectsintheworshipofthesymbol.LingamisonlytheoutwardsymboloftheformlessBeing, LordSiva,Whoistheindivisible,all-pervading,eternal,auspicious,ever-pure,immortalessenceofthis vastuniverse,Whoistheundyingsoulseatedinthechambersofyourheart,WhoisyourIndweller, innermostSelforAtman,onewithBrahman. SphatikalingamisalsoasymbolofLordSiva.ThisisprescribedforAradhanaorworshipofLordSiva.It ismadeofquartz.Ithasnocolourofitsown,buttakesonthecolourofthesubstancewhichcomesin contactwithit.ItrepresentstheNirgunaBrahmanortheattributelessSupremeSelf.
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Forasinceredevotee,theLingamisnotablockofstone.ItisallradiantTejasorChaitanya(Lightor Consciousness).TheLingamtalkstohim,makeshimshedprofusetears,produceshorripilationand meltingofheart,raiseshimabovebody-consciousness,andhelpshimtocommunewiththeLordand attainNirvikalpaSamadhi.LordRamaworshippedtheSivaLingamatRameshwaram.Whatagreat mysticShaktithereshouldbeintheLingam!
Puja And Ishta Devata

Pujaisthecommontermforritualworship,ofwhichtherearenumeroussynonymssuchasArchana, Vandana,Bhajana,etc.,thoughsomeofthesestresscertainaspectsofit.Theobjectofworshipisthe IshtaDevataortheguardiandeityortheparticularformoftheDeitywhomthedevoteeworships. Whilstallthingsmaybetheobjectsofworship,choiceisnaturallymadeofthoseobjectswhich,by reasonoftheireffectonthemind,aremorefittedforit.Animageoroneoftheusefulemblemsislikelyto raiseinthemindoftheworshipperthethoughtofGod. InPuja,animageorpicturerepresentingsomedivineformisusedastheobjectofworship.Theimage isadored.ALingamrepresentsSiva.Allformsareone.AllareadoringthesameIswara.The differencesareonlydifferencesofnamesduetodifferenceinthetemperamentoftheworshippers,but notintheobjectofadoration.Itisonlyoutofignorancethatdifferentreligionistsanddifferentsectsfight andquarrelamongstthemselves. Regularworship,PujaorothermodesofdemonstratingourinnerfeelingofrecognitionofDivinityinthe idolunveiltheDivinitylatentinit.Thisistrulyawonderandamiracle.Thepicturecomestolife.Theidol speaks.Itwillansweryourquestionsandsolveyourproblems.TheGodinyouhasthepowertoawaken thelatentDivinityintheidol.Itislikeapowerfullensthatfocussesthesunsraysontoabundleofcotton. Thelensisnotfireandthecottonisnotfireeither,norcanthesunsrays,bythemselves,burncotton. Whenthethreearebroughttogetherinaparticularmanner,fireisgeneratedandthecottonisburnt. Similaristhecasewiththeidol,thepowerofthedevoteesconcentrationandfaithmakestheidolshine
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withresplendence.Godisthenenshrinedintheidol.Fromhere,Hewillprotectyouinaspecialmanner. Theidolwillperformmiracles.Theplacewhereitisinstalledisatoncetransformedintoatemple,nay,a Vaikuntha(abodeofLordVishnu)orKailasa(abodeofLordSiva).Thosewholiveinsuchaplaceare freedfrommiseries,fromdiseases,fromfailuresandfromSamsaraitself.TheawakenedDivinityinthe idolactsasaguardianangel,blessingall,conferringthehighestgoodonthedevotees. AlltheNayanarsattainedGod-realisationthroughtheworshipoftheLingam,theimageofLordSiva.A pseudo-Vedantinfeelsashamedtobowdownorprostratebeforeanidol.Appar,Sundarar,Sambandar etc.,hadthehighestAdwaiticrealisation.TheysawLordSivaeverywhereandyettheyvisitedalltemples ofSiva,prostratedbeforetheidolandsanghymnswhichareonrecordnow.TheNayanarsaints practisedChariyaiandKriyaionlyandattainedGod-realisation.Theysweptthefloorofthetemple, collectedflowers,madegarlandsfortheLord,andputonlightsinthetemple.Theywereilliterate,but attainedthehighestrealisation.TheywerepracticalYogisandtheirheartsweresaturatedwithpure devotion.TheywereembodimentsofKarmaYoga.AllofthempractisedtheYogaofSynthesis.Theidol inthetemplewasamassofConsciousnessforthem. LordKrishnagivesadescriptionofworshiptoUddhavaintheeleventhchapterofSrimadBhagavatam: Thesun,fire,earth,orclay,water,aBrahmin,anyimageofMineintheconcrete,clearlythoughtofas seatedintheheart,maybeworshippedinMyNamesincerelywithsucharticlesascouldbeobtainedby him.Theworshipshouldbesincereandwhole-heartedandthedevoteeshouldimagineMeashis preceptor.ThedevoteeshouldbeginMyworshipforobtainingMygraceandnotforanyotherdesire.In ordinaryimagesIshouldbeinvokedateverytimeofworship.Icanbepicturedinthemind.Theworship ofMyimageintheheartshouldbewithaccessoriespicturedinthemind. Theimageshouldbewashedorbathed,cleanedandadornedwithornamentsandmarks.Thedevotee shouldnotriseinthemidstofworshiptogetsomearticles.Onceseated,hemustfinishitbeforeherises foranything.HeshouldbeseatedonDarbha grassorothercleanseat.HemustputMyimagefacing northoreastormusthimselfsitfacingnorthoreast.HemustsitfacingMeorsideways.Heshould repeatthemantrasforpurifyinghimself.Heshouldcleanhisbodybycontrolofbreath.Heshouldsitquiet
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andmeditateonMeforsometime. HeshouldfancyMeasinalotuswitheightpetals,overflowingwithfragranceandradiantwithlight. Sandal-wood,saffron,camphor,Kumkum andfragranceshouldbeused.PurushaSukta(aVedic prayer)andothersacredliteratureshouldberecited.MydevoteemayadornMewithcloth,gems,sacred thread,sandal,flowers,saffron,andointments,etc.ThedevoteeshouldofferwaterforwashingtheFeet, Achamanam(forsipping),sandal,wordsofgreeting,invitation,andhospitality.Heshouldalsowave incense,lightandcamphoratMyaltar.HecansingaloudhymnsinMypraise.Hecansingsongsand danceinMyaltarrecitingMyvariousdeedsandachievements.HeshouldseekMygrace,prostrating himselfdulybeforeMe.PuttinghisheadonMyFeet,heshouldaskforMygracetoprotecthimandsave himfromthewheelofbirthsanddeaths. Heshouldadornhimselfwiththeflowersandsandalusedinsuchworship.ThedevoteemayworshipMe inanyforminallobjectsorinhimselfinthemannerthatappealsmosttohismind,andinclinations,asI amimmanentinallthings.Mydevotee,worshippingMethuswithrituals,Mantrasorboth,attainsnotonly blissandSelf-realisation,butalsoallthingshedesires.Bybuildingtemples,altars,etc.devoteesattain poweroveralltheworlds.ByworshipofMetheyattainBrahmaLoka.Byalltheacts,theyattainMy powerandimmanence. Bellsarerunginthetemples,andwhiledoingPuja,toshutouttheexternalsoundsandtomakethemind inwardandconcentrated. LightsarewavedbeforetheDeity.ThisdenotesthattheLordissupremeLight.Thedevoteesays:Oh Lord,Thouartself-effulgent,Lightoftheuniverse.Thouartthelightinthesun,moon,andfire.Remove thedarknessinmebybestowingyourdivineLightonme.Maymyintellectbeillumined.Thisisthe significanceofwavinglights. IncenseisburntbeforetheDeity.Thesmokespreadsthroughthewholeroom.Itactsasadisinfectant.It denotesthattheLordisall-pervadingandfillsthewholeuniversebyHislivingpresence.Thedevotee prays:OhLord,lettheVasanasandSamskarasdormantinmevanishlikethesmokeofthisincense
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andbecomeashes.Letmebecomestainless. BurningofcamphordenotesthattheindividualegomeltslikethecamphorandtheJivabecomesone withtheSupremeLightoflights. Thepastingofsandalremindsthedevoteethatheshould,inhisdifficulties,beaspatientasthesandal. Sandalemanatessweetodourwhenitisground.Soalso,thedevoteeshouldnotmurmurwhen difficultiesarise,but,ontheotherhand,remaincheerfulandhappyandemanatesweetnessand gentlenesslikethesandal.Heshouldnothateevenhisenemy.Thisisanotherpreceptwelearnfrom this.Thoughthesandalwoodiscrushedandground,itsilentlywearsitselfout,emanatingonlyverysweet odour.Oneshouldreturngoodforevil. ItistheunderstandingofthisinnermeaningofPujathatbringsinthehigherformofdevotion. Bhaktiisoftwokinds,viz.,higherBhaktiorParaBhakti,andlowerBhaktiorritualisticBhakti.Ritualistic BhaktiisformalBhakti.Themindbecomespurerandpurer.Theaspirantgraduallydevelopslovefor Godthroughritualisticworship. Hinduismleadstheaspirantsgraduallyfrommaterialimagestomentalimages,andfromthediverse mentalimagestotheonePersonalGod,andfromthePersonalGodtotheImpersonalAbsolute. DoJapaofthePanchaksharaOm Namah Sivaya. YoucanevensingthePanchaksharanicely: Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namah Sivaya. Peopleusedtodance,duringmytours,wheneverIsangtheSivaTandavaKirtan: Agad Bhum, Agad Bhum Baje Damaru, Nache Sadasiva Jajad Guru Nache Brahma, Nache Vishnu, Nache Mahadev
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Kappar Lekey Kali Nache Nache Adidev. DoPujaregularlywithfaithanddevotion.Alwaysandattheendofyourprayers,Puja,meditationor Japa,repeattheMahamrityunjayaMantra Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan- Mrityor Muksheeya Maamritaat. forthehealth,longlife,peaceandhappinessofall.ThisgreatMantrainpraiseofLordSivaworks wonders,avertsaccidents,healsdiseasesandbestowslonglife.ItwillalsoliberateyoufromSamsara.
Glossary
Abhishekam BathingtheimageofGod. Aiswarya Wealth. Agama Scripturedealingwithritualisticworship. Archana Worshippingtheimagewithflowers. Bhasma Theholyash. Bhav Attitude,faith. Deva Celestialbeing. Jivanmukta Thesage,liberatedwhilelivinghere. Jnana Wisdom,relatingtoGod. Karma Effectofpastaction(inpastbirths). Khanda Similartochapter,intheVedas. Kowpeenam Loincloth. Mutt Amonastery. Nitya Karmas Dailyobligatoryduties. Pralaya Cosmicdissolution.
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Rishabha Bull,thevehicleofLordSiva. Rudraksham Akindofbeadusedbydevotees. SamsaraTransmigration,roundofbirth-death. Samskaras Subtlementalimpressions. Tapas (Tapaswin)Austerity(onewhodoes). Vairagya Dispassion. Vaisya Abusinessman. Yajna (Yaga)Ceremonialsacrifice. NOTE: Inthecaseofsomepropernames,theTamiltraditionofusingthemindifferentformshasbeen adopted:viz.,EnadinathaNayanarisreferredtoasEnadinatharorEnadiar.Thesewillbeobvious.The namesofsomefestivals,viz.,PanguniUttaram,VasantaUtsavam,MahaNavami,havebeenretained. Thereareanumberofotherpropernames,too,withwhichthereaderwillbecomefamiliar.
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SIXTY-THREE NAYANAR SAINTS

SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION

This WWW reprint is for free distribution TheDivineLifeTrustSociety

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The Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy

The Nayanars Message For Us

2. Tiru Neelakanta Nayanar

4. Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar

10. Kannappa Nayanar

11. Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar

12. Manakanchara Nayanar

13. Arivattaya Nayanar

14. Anaya Nayanar

15. Murthi Nayanar

16. Muruga Nayanar

17. Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar

18. Tiru Nalai Povar Nayanar

19. Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar

20. Chandesvara Nayanar

21. Tiru-Navukkarasar Nayanar

22. Kulacchirai Nayanar

23. Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar

24. Karaikal Ammaiyar

25. Appuddi Nayanar

26. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar

27. Nami Nandi Adigal

28. Tiru Jnana Sambandar

29. Eyarkon Kalikama Nayanar

30. Tiru Mula Nayanar

31. Dandi Adigal Nayanar

32. Murkha Nayanar

33. Somasira Nayanar

desirelessly,showsthathehadalreadyreachedahighstageofJnanaorspiritualinsight.Hewasatrue JnaniandKarmaYogi. Overandaboveallthese,hewashighlydevotedtotheGuru,SundaramurthiNayanar.WhatcannotGuru Bhaktiachieve?And,yet,foolishandarrogantmanspeakslightlyofitandridiculesGuruBhakti!

34. Sakkiya Nayanar

35. Sirappuli Nayanar

36. Siruthonda Nayanar

37. Cheraman Perumal Nayanar

38. Gananatha Nayanar

39. Kootruva Nayanar

40. Pugal Chola Nayanar

41. Narasinga Muniyaraiyar

42. Adipattha Nayanar

43. Kalikamba Nayanar

44. Kalia Nayanar

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45. Satti Nayanar

46. Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar

47. Kanampulla Nayanar

48. Kari Nayanar

49. Ninra Seer Nedumara Nayanar And 50. Mangayarkarasiyar

51. Vayilar Nayanar

52. Munaiyaduvar Nayanar

53. Kazharsinga Nayanar And 54. Seruthunai Nayanar

55. Idangazhi Nayanar

56. Pugazh Tunai Nayanar

57. Kotpuli Nayanar

58. Pusalar Nayanar

59. Nesa Nayanar

60. Kochengat Chola Nayanar

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61. Tiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar

62. Sadaya Nayanar And 63. Isaijnaniyar