62

Legends of the Nayanmars

Unable to bear this tragic news, he collected her ashes in a

bowl and kept it near him while he meditated on Sambandar
every day. On learning of the arrival of Sambandar in
Thiruvotriyur, he raised an elaborate pavilion between Mylapore
and Thiruvotriyur. He met Sambandar and told of his daughter.
Sambandar, hearing the woes of this pious devotee, prayed to
Lord Shiva to restore the life of the girl. He sang a hymn on
Lord Shiva and on reaching the tenth stanza of the hymn the
girl came back to her form and life! Everyone present rejoiced
on seeing this miracle and praised Sambandar.
Sivanesar then offered his revived daughter to Sambandar.
However, Sambandar refused his offer citing the reason that
now he has a father- daughter relationship with Poompavai.
Sivanesar consequently built an ashram for his daughter, where
she spent her life meditating on Lord Shiva.
Sambandar later reached Seergali and by then, he had
reached his sixteenth year. His father, Sivapaada Hrudayaar
decided to marry him to the daughter of Nambandar Nambi of
Nallur Perumanam. On the day of marriage, Sundarar and his
family with other Shiva devotees travelled to Nallur Perumanam
and the marriage took place with all gaiety and happiness. Many
Nayanar Saints including Thiruneelakanta Yalappanar and
Muruga Nayanar were present. After the marriage, the newly
married couple went into the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva,
completely surrendering their body and soul. Sambandar prayed
to Lord Shiva seeking salvation and liberation from the mortal
world. He sang the beautiful hymn, Panchakshara Pathigam.
Lord Shiva granted his wish and so, Sambandar, his wife and
everyone who had witnessed this beautiful wedding reached
the holy feet of Lord Shiva.