Sixty three Nayanar Saints by Swamy Sivanananda -2

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Sixty three Nayanar Saints

by Swamy Sivanananda

22. KULACCHIRAI NAYANAR

In devotion to Siva Bhaktas, Kulacchirai Nayanar excelled. He was born in Manamerkudi,

in the Pandyan kingdom. This place was frequently graced by Siva Bhaktas. Kulacchirai Nayanar

was the leader as well as the supporter of the people. To him adoration of Siva Bhaktas was equal to

adoration of Lord Siva Himself. He saw no difference between Siva Bhaktas and Siva.

He was the Prime Minister of the Pandyan king. Yet, he regarded himself as the slave of

Siva Bhaktas. He was the richest man in the place: yet, to him wealth was only dust. Nothing

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belonged to him: it was the property of Siva Bhaktas. Even Sambandar extolled his virtuous

qualities in a song.

Nayanar was an able soldier and administrator. Yet, his mind was ever absorbed in the Lord.

He helped the queen in stemming the tide of the evil influence of Jainism. Nayanar invited

Sambandar to Madurai to fight this evil influence. The Jains set fire to Sambandar.s camp.

Sambandar sang a song. The fire was extinguished. The Pandyan king had high fever, which the

Jains could not cure, but which was cured by the sacred ash which Sambandar applied on him.

Sambandar argued with the Jains and defeated them. Kulacchirai sent the defeated Jains to the

gallows. He served the Siva Bhaktas and finally attained Siva.s Abode.

23. PERUMIZHALAI KURUMBA NAYANAR

Guru is God. The same Lord Who is never separate from us, Who is our sustainer and

support appears to us as the visible form of the Guru. He who adores the Guru with faith and

devotion will attain all Siddhis (psychic powers) and eternal bliss. Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar

excelled in Guru Bhakti. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva and Siva Bhaktas, too. He heard of

Sundaramurthi Nayanar.s greatness and mentally accepted him as his Guru. To him, Sundarar was

the sole refuge. He adored the Guru in thought, word and deed. By the Guru.s grace, he attained all

the Siddhis. He was immersed in Siva Bhakti and Guru Bhakti.

In the meantime, Sundarar came to Tiruvanchaikalam from where he was taken to the

Lord.s Abode. Kurumba Nayanar, through his Yogic powers, came to know that this would happen.

He did not like to remain in this world after the Guru: and, therefore, through the method of Siva

Yoga, Nayanar cast off his mortal coil and reached the Abode of Siva, a day before Sundarar.s

departure.

24. KARAIKAL AMMAIYAR

Punithavathiar as Karaikal Ammaiyar was called, was born in a Vaisya family. Her father

was Danadathan. He was a wealthy merchant. He was very virtuous, too. He and his dutiful wife

prayed to the Lord for a child, and the child the Lord blessed them with they called Punithavathy.

From her childhood, Punithavathy had an intense love for Lord Siva and His Bhaktas. She was

married to Paramadattan, a wealthy Vaisya. Both of them were leading an ideal householder.s life.

One day Paramadattan sent two mangoes to his house. Punithavathy kept them safely so that

she could serve her husband with them at meal-time. In the meantime, a Siva Yogi appeared before

her. He was hungry and completely exhausted. Punithavathy worshipped him and offered him

Bhiksha. She had nothing to give him, except the mangoes. She gave one to the guest. At midday

Paramadattan came to the house. The wife served him with one mango. He liked it, and asked for

the other. She was upset. She appealed to the Lord for help. When she finished her prayer,

mysteriously a mango fell on the palm of her hand. She gave it her husband. He tasted it. It was

exceptionally sweet. He asked her to tell him from where she got it, as he was quite sure it was not

the mango he had sent. Punithavathy told him the whole truth. Paramadattan, however, would not

believe this and challenged her to produce another. She prayed again to the Lord. Another mango

appeared on her palm. She gave it to him. But, at once it disappeared from his hand. He was

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astounded. He understood the greatness of his wife. He felt that it was a great sin to live with her as

her husband. On the pretext of going to a foreign country for trade, he sailed with a ship load of

goods. On return, he established himself in a big city in the Pandyan kingdom. He married a Vaisya

girl and lived happily. He had a daughter by her and he named her Punithavathy, after his first wife.

Punithavathiyar.s relatives came to know of her husband.s whereabouts and took her also

there in a palanquin. When Paramadattan heard that Punithavathy was coming to him, he, with his

second wife and child, went forward, and fell at Punithavathy.s feet. When the people demanded an

explanation, he revealed that he regarded her, not as his wife, but as a Goddess. Punithavathy

understood his mental condition, and prayed to the Lord: .In that case, Oh Lord, deprive me of the

present physical charm and let me have a demonaical form.. Her prayer was immediately granted

and her charming body was transformed into a skeleton.

Then she went on a pilgrimage to the holy Kailasa. Feeling that it would be a great sin to

place her foot on those sacred grounds, she made the last part of the journey on her head. Mother

Parvathy was surprised to see Punithavathy.s strange form and her wonderful devotion. Lord Siva

told her of Ammaiyar.s greatness. When she went near Him, Lord Siva welcomed her with extreme

love and granted a boon to her. She fell at His Feet, and prayed: .Oh Lord of Mercy, give me sincere,

pure, unalloyed, eternal and overflowing devotion unto You. I want no more birth. If, however, I

have to take birth here, grant me that I should never forget You. Whenever You dance, I must be at

Your feet singing Your praise. This is my only wish.. Lord Siva granted the boon and asked her to

proceed to Tiruvalangadu to witness His dance. She went to that place and spent her life singing the

praise of Lord Siva.

25. APPUDDI NAYANAR

In devotion to the Guru, Appudi Nayanar excelled. He was an ardent Siva Bhakta. He was

leading the ideal householder.s life. He belonged to a Brahmin family in Tingalur in the Chola

kingdom.

Appudi had heard of the glories of Tirunavukkarasar or Appar. He had heard of how God.s

grace made the stone float and how Appar rode on it and floated on the sea and went to a place of

safety. Even though he had not seen Appar, he had taken him as his Guru, and literally worshipped

Appar. He knew that Lord Siva Himself, out of compassion for the spiritual aspirants, appeared as

the Guru. He meditated on the lotus feet of the Guru. He had named all his children

.Tirunavukkarasu.: and all the household articles had also been named after the Guru. He had

erected a number of water-sheds, for the service of pilgrims, and had named all of them after the

Guru. Thus had he ensured that he would constantly remember the Guru, and experience his grace.

Appar himself passed through Tingalur one day. He went into one of the water-sheds. He

was surprised to see his own name everywhere. He found out from some other pilgrims that the shed

had been erected by Appudi and went to meet him. Appudi received the Siva Bhakta (though he did

not know who it was) with great devotion. Appar said: .Oh noble soul, I have heard a lot about your

greatness and glory. I wanted to pay my respects personally to you. Please tell me, why have you

named the water-shed after somebody, and not yourself.. Appudi was upset at this casual reference

to the blessed name of his Guru. He said: .Oh friend, though you appear to be a Siva Bhakta, you do

KARAIKAL AMMAIYAR

not seem to know Tirunavukkarasu Swamigal, who through the grace of the Lord withstood

successfully all the persecutions of the Pallava king and re-established Saivism. Have you not heard

how the king tied him to a stone and threw him into the sea, and how he floated back to the shore?

Who are you?.

Appar was very much moved by Appudi.s devotion and replied: .I am that humble soul who

fell a victim to severe colic and then took shelter under the Lord.s Feet. I am that humble soul who,

due to the grace of Lord Siva, got cured of that disease and returned to Saivism.. Look at the

difference between the two descriptions! Appudi remembers the glory of Appar: whereas Appar

chooses to recall his own failing (to preserve his humility) and the Lord.s supreme saving grace.

As soon as he heard this, Appudi understood that the Siva Bhakta was none other than

Appar and was overjoyed. He worshipped Appar, along with his wife and prayed to Appar to accept

his Bhiksha (food). While their son had gone to the garden to bring a banana leaf, for Appar to use as

his plate, the boy was bitten by a cobra. The son of a Nayanar: he was also a great devotee of the

Lord! He ran to the mother eager to fulfil his duty. He handed the leaf to his mother and

immediately fell down dead. Appudi did not want to let this disturb his worship of Appar Swamigal:

and, therefore, hid the corpse. He invited Appar to have his meal. Appar sat down and blessed

Appudi and his wife with Bhasma, and then called for their son. Appudi tactfully replied: .He is not

in a position to come.. Appar sensed that there was something wrong and asked Appudi to tell him

the truth. Appudi informed him what had happened. Immediately Appar got up and asked Appudi

to lay the corpse in front of the temple: and he himself sang a song. A miracle took place. The boy

got up, as if from sleep. All were happy, except the parents of the boy. They regretted that this

incident had caused some delay in Appar having his meals! Such is the nature of true devotion.

Appar immediately took his meals and blessed the family.

Appar lived in Appudi Adigal.s house for some time. Appudi gained the grace of the Lord,

by his wonderful devotion to his Guru, Appar Swamigal.

26. TIRUNEELANAKKA NAYANAR

Tirusattamangai was an important city in the Chola kingdom. It was a place full of spiritual

vibrations and Siva Bhakti. The Brahmins were devoted to the study and recitation of the Vedas and

worship of the Lord. And, the women were devoted to their lord (the husband) and served them as

they would serve God Himself. It is situated seven miles east of Nannilam. There is a temple in this

place called Ayavanthi. The Lord presiding over this is Ayavanthi-Nathar. His Consort is

Malarkanni Ammai.

In this city there lived the glorious Brahmin, Tiruneelanakka Nayanar. He was well versed

in the Agamas and was regular in his ritualistic worship of the Lord. On a Tiruvathirai day he was

devoutly worshipping the Lord in the temple. His wife was also with him. A spider fell upon the

Siva Lingam, when the worship was in progress. The saint.s wife, without a moment.s hesitation,

blew it away, and spat on the spot where it had fallen, on the Siva Lingam.this is what they do

when a spider falls on the body of a child or other human being. But, the husband was enraged at the

wife.s sacrilegious action: she had spoilt the worship and polluted the temple by spitting on the

Lingam. Without a second thought, he abandoned her and returned home.

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The lady appealed to Lord Ayavanthinathar for his mercy. He appeared in the saint.s dream

that night and showed him His body.all the parts of His body except that on which his wife had

spat, had been affected by the spider poison. He realised that Bhakti was superior to ritualistic

worship. He recalled the glimpse of the Lord he had, in his dream and rejoiced, rolled on the ground,

wept out of sheer joy and danced. The next morning he went to the temple and worshipped the Lord,

and returned home with his wife, the noble devotee to whom the Siva Lingam was not a stone, but a

Living Presence.

Once Tiru Jnana Sambandar visited his place with Tiruneelakanta Perumbanar and Virali.

Tiruneelanakka Nayanar was very eager to meet the great saint Sambandar. He welcomed the saint

with due honours. That night, Sambandar asked Tiruneelanakkar to give some accommodation to

the other two who were with him. They were not of the .high. (Brahmin) caste! Tiruneelanakka

Nayanar hesitated to let them sleep inside the house. He asked them to sleep near the sacrificial pit.

As soon as they went near the pit, the Nayanar was astounded to see that the sacrificial fire began to

burn of its own accord. He understood that, through the fire of their devotion they had attained to a

stage which was far higher than what mere ritual could lead to. The mist of caste distinction also

vanished from the eyes of Nayanar. Next morning, Sambandar went to the temple and sang a song

in which he glorified Tiruneelanakka Nayanar also. When Sambandar wanted to leave the place,

Tiruneelanakkar also wanted to accompany him: but Sambandar instructed him to stay there itself

and serve the Siva Bhaktas. He obeyed.

He was, however, longing to be always at the feet of Sambandar. Soon his wish was

fulfilled. He heard of Sambandar.s marriage, and went to Nallur Perumanam to witness it. When

Sambandar got merged in the Light of Lord Siva, Tiruneelanakka Nayanar also got merged in it.

27. NAMI NANDI ADIGAL

In Emaperur in the Chola kingdom there lived a Brahmin called Nami Nandi Adigal. Daily

he used to go to Tiruvarur and worship Lord Siva, his sole refuge. One day, he felt an intense desire

to light many lamps in the temple, which is an act highly extolled in the Siva Agamas. So, Nandi

Adigal went to a near-by house and asked for ghee to light the lamps with. It was a Jain.s house: and

the Jain said scornfully: .I have no ghee: if you are so eager, you may as well use water, instead..

Nandi Adigal was filled with anguish to hear this. He went to the temple and prayed to the Lord. He

heard a voice: .Don.t grieve. Bring water from the near-by tank and light the lamps with it.. With

great joy Nandi Adigal did so. Through the supreme grace of the Lord, all the lamps burned

brightly! All the Jains were amazed to witness this miracle. Nandi Adigal did so on several days

continuously. By that time, people.s faith in Jainism was lost through the miracles of Nandi Adigal

of Tiruvarur. People embraced Saivism.

The Chola king, hearing of Nandi Adigal.s greatness, appointed him as the head of the

temple. He used to celebrate the Panguni Uttaram festival on a grand scale. The Lord would be

taken to a place called Tirumanali where people of all castes would flock around and worship Him.

On one such occasion, after finishing his duties, Nandi returned home. Feeling that the touch of

people of all castes had polluted him, he did not enter the house and do the usual worship before he

went to bed. He asked his wife to bring some water so that he could bathe and then enter the house.

But, before the water came, he was overpowered by sleep. In a dream, Lord Siva said: .Oh Nandi!

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All those who are born in Tiruvarur are my Ganas (servants). They cannot be regarded as impure.

You yourself will see this with your own eyes.. Nandi Adigal woke up from sleep and told all this to

his wife. He repented for his wrong notion. He at once performed the worship. In the morning he

went to Tiruvarur. There he saw that all the people who were born there had the same form as Lord

Siva Himself. Nandi Adigal prostrated before them all. They resumed their original forms: Nandi

Adigal understood it was the Lila of the Lord.

Then, Nandi Adigal settled down in Tiruvarur. He served the Lord and His Bhaktas so

nicely that Appar praises him as .Anipon. (pure gold). Ultimately he attained the glorious realm of

the Lord.

28. TIRU JNANA SAMBANDAR

In sacred Sirkali (which, according to a legend was the Noah.s Arc during a cosmic

dissolution) there lived a pious Brahmin by name Sivapada Hridayar with his virtuous wife

Bhagavathiar. Both of them were ardent devotees of Lord Siva. They refused to embrace Jainism

and give up Saivism, even though the forces of Jainism were powerful and devastating. Sivapada

Hridayar prayed to the Lord for the boon of a worthy son to him who would reestablish the glory of

Saivism. The Lord granted this boon, and Bhagavathiar soon brought into this world a radiant male

child. They brought up this child with great love and devotion, knowing fully well that it was a

purposeful gift from the Lord. The child, too, would weep for his separation from his divine parents

Lord Siva and Parvathy, though ordinary people mistook it for a baby.s crying habit.

One day Sivapada Hridayar and his wife took the child with them to the temple tank in

which they wanted to bathe. The child had insisted on being taken with them. They left the child on

the bank and went in to bathe. The child looked at the tower of the temple and began to cry for his

parents. This outwardly appears to be a mere childish action, but the Lord knew its inner meaning.

Lord Thoniappar wanted to bless the child. So, He appeared with Mother Parvathy and asked Her to

feed the child with the milk of divine wisdom. To obtain His grace and divine knowledge, the grace

of the Mother is necessary, Mother Parvathy fondled with the child and suckled him with the Milk

of Wisdom. From that moment he was known as Aludaiya Pillayar or one who enjoys the

protection of the Lord: and also as Tiru Jnana Sambandar as he attained divine wisdom through the

grace of Lord Siva and Parvathy. From the moment he drank the Milk of Wisdom, he began to sing

soul-stirring songs in praise of Lord Siva. The collection of these songs is called Thevaram.

After finishing their bath, the parents came to the child, and found a golden cup in his hands

(the cup in which Parvathy gave him the milk) and milk overflowing from his mouth. Sivapada

Hridayar thought that somebody had given milk to the child: he did not like that his child should

accept milk from all sorts of people. So, he brandished a cane before the child and asked him who

gave the milk. The child, shedding profuse tears, pointed to the Lord Who appeared in the sky along

with Mother Parvathy. He also sang a song in praise of the Lord. Sivapada Hridayar could not see

the Lord, but guessed from the child.s behaviour that he must have had a vision of the Lord. He

followed the child into the temple, as he went towards it. Many devotees had also come to the

temple. They had come to know of what had happened to Pillaiyar and glorified him. The parents

were very happy. They took the child on their shoulders and went round the town in a procession.

The people had decorated the town nicely and received Sambandar with great devotion.

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The next day Pillaiyar went to Tirukkolakka and sang a song, clapping his hands to keep

time. Lord Siva, pleased with this, presented him with a pair of golden cymbals. Sambandar began

to sing, with the help of the golden cymbals. Even Narada and the celestials were charmed by this.

Sambandar then went on pilgrimages. Once Tiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar, an ardent devotee

of the Lord and an expert musician on the Yazh (Veena) met Sambandar. They all went to the

temple. Sambandar requested Yazhpanar to play the Yazh. The music melted the heart of

Sambandar. Yazhpanar wanted to be always with Sambandar, to play on his instrument the songs

that Sambandar sang in praise of the Lord. Sambandar granted this wish.

Sambandar went on a pilgrimage to Chidambaran. The very sight of the Lord entranced

him. He had heard about the greatness of the Brahmins of Tillai (Chidambaram). To him, they

actually appeared as Siva Ganas (celestial servants of Lord Siva). He showed this to Yazhpanar and

they were thrilled. The Brahmins fell at his feet. Before they did so, Sambandar had fallen at their

feet!

After visiting the birth-place of Yazhpanar, Sambandar wanted to go to Tiru Arathurai. He

would sometimes walk and at other times sit on his father.s shoulders. In this manner they

approached Maranpadi. They were all tired due to the heat of the sun and the arduousness of the

journey. They rested at Maranpadi for the night.

The Lord wanted to alleviate His child.s suffering by presenting him with a palanquin. He

appeared in the dream of the Brahmins of Tiru Arathurai and told them that they would find a pearl

palanquin and a pearl umbrella, and asked them to take them to Sambandar who was then

proceeding towards Tiru Arathurai. At the same time, the Lord appeared in Sambandar.s dream and

informed him of the gift! The next morning, the Bhaktas handed over to Sambandar the Lord.s gifts

to him. Sambandar worshipped the gifts and ascended the palanquin.

Sambandar returned to Sirkali, after visiting a number of shrines on the way, and singing

Padigams in praise of the Lord everywhere. His parents performed the sacred thread ceremony. The

Brahmins then began to teach him the Vedas. But, even before hearing the Vedas from the teacher,

Sambandar could recite them, on account of previous Samskaras and divine grace. Then

Sambandar taught them the essence of the Panchakshara and also sang a Padigam. It was at this time

that Tirunavukkarasar also met Sambandar.

During the course of his pilgrimage, Sambandar came to Tiru Pachilasramam. The daughter

of the Mazhava King there, who was a great devotee of Lord Siva, was suffering from an incurable

disease. The king had, in despair, taken her to the temple and placed her in front of the Lord. At the

same time, Sambandar had come into the temple. He saw the pitiable condition of the girl, who was

lying unconscious. He sang a Padigam praying for His grace upon the girl. She at once got up to the

surprise of all. All were amazed at this miracle.

At Senkunrur, during his pilgrimage, Sambandar found that the cold was very severe and

that many people suffered on account of it. They entreated him to alleviate their sufferings.

Sambandar sang a song, and immediately, they were relieved of their suffering.

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After some more pilgrimages, Sambandar came to Tiruvavaduthurai. His father wanted to

perform a big Yajna. He wanted a lot of money for that. Sambandar went to the temple and sang a

song. At once a Siva Gana appeared before him, handed him a purse containing one thousand gold

coins and said. .This purse has been given to you by Lord Siva.. Sambandar glorified the Lord.s

grace, handed over the purse to his father (who went away to Sirkali) with the assurance that it

would give inexhaustible wealth.

At Dharmapuram, which was the home of the Yazhpanar.s mother, the people glorified

Yazhpanar for his proficiency in music. Yazhpanar felt that it was due to Sambandar.s grace that he

was allowed to accompany Sambandar and that he could really not reproduce on the Yazh the

divine melody of the saint.s Padigams. To prove this Sambandar sang a song in praise of Lord

Ganesa which Yazhpanar was unable to play on his instrument. He tried to break the instrument in

desperation. But, Sambandar prevented him from doing so, and asked him to be content with what

he could achieve with it, assuring him that that was a lot.

Sambandar went to Sattamangai where he was received by Tiruneelakanta Nayanar with

great love and devotion. Sambandar sang a Padigam in which he glorified the Nayanar. At Tiru

Keizhvelur, similarly, he met Siruthondar and glorified him in a Padigam. Such is the nature of the

truly great ones: they adore even devotees of the Lord as the Lord Himself and sing their glories, not

regarding that as worship or adoration of a human being, but of manifest divinity.

During his stay there, Sambandar would daily go to Tiru Marugal to worship the Lord. One

day amerchant had come there with his wife. When they were asleep, a poisonous snake bit the man

and he died. Doctors failed to revive him. The wife prayed to the Lord for His mercy. At that time

Sambandar entered the temple and heard the woman.s wailing. Sambandar consoled her, and she

narrated to him her story and her pitiable condition. Sambandar sang a song, and the merchant at

once came back to life! All of them worshipped the saint.s holy feet.

At the request of Siruthondar, Sambandar wanted to have the Darshan of the Lord at

Chenkattankudi. When he was taking leave of the Lord, He gave him Darshan in the form as He is in

Chenkattankudi. On the way, Sambandar stayed at Tiru Pukalur as the guest of Muruga Nayanar,

and sang his glories.

At the suggestion of Appar Swamigal, Sambandar visited Tiruvarur and had Darshan of

Lord Thiageesa. Then both the saints stayed with Muruga Nayanar for some time. They then went

to Tiru Kadavur, met Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar and sang his glories.

They then came to Tiruveezhimizhalai. During their stay there, the Brahmins of Sirkali met

Sambandar there, and pleaded that he should go to Sirkali and have the Darshan of Lord

Thoniappar. The Lord Himself, however, did not want His child to undertake this journey. The next

morning, Sambandar went to the local temple for worship. There he saw Lord Thoniappar seated in

front of him. He sang His glories. He informed the Bhaktas of this and sent them back to Sirkali.

Appar and Sambandar stayed at Tiruveezhimizhalai for some more time. There was a

severe famine there. Appar and Sambandar were moved by the sufferings of the Bhaktas. They

offered prayers to the Lord Who promised to give them some gold coins daily, with the help of

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which they could serve the people. Both of them found a gold coin, at different entrances to the

temple. Appar was immediately able to get provisions for his gold coin, whereas Sambandar could

not. He had to exchange his coins for pure gold coins, before he could obtain the provisions.

Sambandar understood that it was because of Appar.s sincere service to the Lord, and sang a

Padigam praising the Lord. The Lord then gave him also pure gold coins and he had no difficulty in

getting the foodstuffs.

The miracle that they performed at Tirumaraikadu or Vedaranyam, has already been

described, while dealing with the life of Appar Swamigal.

As has already been stated, Jain influence was growing in Madura, and even the king had

succumbed to it. There were only two persons who were free from the influence, and they were the

queen Mangayarkarasiar and the minister Kulacchirai Nayanar. They were Saivites by inner

conviction, though they did not wear the external Saivite marks, for fear of the king.s wrath. They

had heard the glory of Sambandar. So, without the knowledge of the king they sent some wise men

to Tirumaraikadu to persuade Sambandar to rescue Saivism from the Jain influence. Sambandar

informed Appar of his desire to leave for Madura immediately. Appar, out of sheer love for the

young Boy, pleaded that he should not go, but, realising his divine nature, let him go!

The Jains living all over the Pandyan kingdom saw many evil omens. They reported to the

king. At the same time, Mangayarkarasiar and Kulacchirai saw many good omens and were happy.

By this time, the news of the arrival of Sambandar reached the queen who sent the minister

to welcome him. She herself went to the temple and offered special prayers to the Lord. The

minister who proceeded to the border, heard the sound of trumpets and chanting of Vedas. He went

towards that direction. The very sight of the Bhaktas who were coming in advance, thrilled him. He

fell at their feet and did not get up at all. The devotees carried this news to Sambandar. Sambandar

got down from his palanquin and went to Kulacchirai. He lifted the minister up and embraced him.

Sambandar worshipped the Lord the moment he beheld the temple tower from a great distance. He

sang the glories of the minister and the queen. They went to the temple. The queen, standing on one

side, offered mental prostrations to Sambandar. Then, she fell at his feet. Sambandar blessed her.

The news of Sambandar.s arrival had reached the Jains. The holy vibrations of the

Panchakshara pierced their ears. They decided to bring the wrath of the king on those who

welcomed the saint. They told him that they had all been polluted by the sight of the Saivites who

had entered the city, following the arrival of .one young Brahmin alleged to have been blessed with

Divine Knowledge by Lord Siva directly and who wants to defeat us in a religious debate..

The king took counsel. The Jains sought his permission to burn Sambandar.s camp with the

help of black magic. He gave them permission. But, it did not succeed. In the meantime, seeing the

king worried, the queen ascertained the cause, and suggested that both the rival parties should be

invited to argue their case and prove the superiority of their own religion. The king agreed.

The Jains failed to set fire to Sambandar.s camp. So, they set fire to the camp in which the

devotees were lodged. They got up, ran to Sambandar and told him what had happened. He sang a

Padigam expressing the wish that (in accordance of the law of Karma) the fire for which the king

TIRU JNANA SAMBANDAR

was responsible should proceed towards him. Next morning, the news reached the queen and the

minister. They were grieved. They wanted to put an end to their lives, but changed their mind when

they heard that nothing had happened to Sambandar or the devotees. As soon as Sambandar sang

the Padigam, the fire in the camp died out and proceeded towards the king, in the form of a dreadful

disease. The king experienced burning sensation all over the body. All the endeavours of the

doctors and the Jain priests to alleviate the king.s suffering proved futile. The queen and the

ministers understood the real cause of the king.s ailment and were worried. They informed the king

of their feeling and requested him to call Sambandar immediately so that his grace might relieve

him of the distress. The king acceeded to their request and decided to embrace Sambandar.s faith, if

he could cure the disease.

The queen at once went out, surrounded by her maid-servants, to invite Sambandar.

Kulacchiraiar also went ahead of her. They reached the Mutt in which Sambandar was staying.

They fell at his feet and informed him of the king.s condition: .The atrocity of the Jains had recoiled

on the king who is suffering from intense agony which the Jains have failed to relieve. With folded

palms we entreat you to relieve him of the distress, and then defeat the Jains in argument and

convince the king of the superiority of Saivism.. Sambandar assured them that he would fulfil their

wishes. He went to the temple to get the Lord.s blessings for defeating the Jains in debate and

establishing Saivism in the land.

Followed by the queen and the minister, Sambandar went to the palace. The king had him

received with all the honours. The Jains were worried and suggested knavishly that, even if he was

cured by Sambandar, he should give the credit to them only, for the preservation of Jainism! The

king refused to be unjust and partial. Sambandar came into the king.s apartments. The king had him

seated on a nicely decorated throne, which greatly annoyed the Jains. They challenged him to a

debate. The queen was afraid that they might behave in an unruly manner towards Sambandar who

was but a boy in age. She suggested that the king.s disease should first be cured. The king agreed to

this. Sambandar also assured her that he was not afraid of anything.

The king asked the two parties to demonstrate their powers by curing his disease. The Jains

volunteered to cure the disease on the left side, leaving the right to be dealt with by Sambandar. The

king agreed. The Jains touched various parts of the king.s body with peacock feathers, chanting

their Mantras. The pain only increased! The king looked pleadingly at Sambandar. Sambandar sang

a Padigam in praise of the sacred Ash (Bhasma) and with his own hand smeared the Ash on the right

side of the king.s body. At once the burning sensation stopped and the king experienced a cooling

sensation. The king told the Jains that they had already been defeated and turned to Sambandar and

entreated him to cure the disease on the left side also. Sambandar applied the holy Ash on the left

side also and the disease vanished completely. The queen and the minister fell at Sambandar.s feet.

The king followed suit and praised him. The Jains, however, attributed the cure to Sambandar.s

poetical talents, and were quite sure that he could not defeat them in philosophical arguments. They

began to think of some other means of defeating Sambandar. When Sambandar invited them to

open the debate, they said that they preferred practical demonstration to theoretical discussions.

They wanted to challenge Sambandar to a fire test. They said that both the parties should write the

essence of their respective religions on palm leaves and put them into fire: that religion should be

considered as the real one whose inscriptions survived this test. Sambandar agreed to the condition.

The fire was lit. Sambandar, offering his prayers to the Lord, opened the bundle of palm leaves

NAYANAR SAINTS

which contained his soul-stirring hymns on Lord Siva and removed the Padigam which he had

composed at Tiru Nallaru. To Sambandar, Lord Siva was the Absolute Truth, and so, the song sung

in praise of Him, should also be eternal. With the firm conviction that no harm would come to the

palm leaf, he put it into the fire. The Jains also put their writings into the fire. The latter was at once

burnt: Sambandar.s leaf was quite safe. The Jains, ashamed to face the king, dropped their gaze.

The king declared that the Jains had been defeated a second time.

The Jains, however, would not agree, and wanted a third test. This time both the parties

should throw their palm leaves in the river Vaigai and the palm leaf which swam against the current

contained the Truth. Sambandar agreed to this, too. This time

Kulacchiraiyar intervened and asked: .What should be the punishment to be meted out to

the party that fails in this test?. The Jains, in their anger, said that the party which fails in the test

should be hanged. The Jains threw their palm leaf into the river: the current was swift and the leaf

was washed away. Sambandar threw his leaf which swam beautifully against the current, without

sinking or getting lost. In the Padigam which won this test, Sambandar invoked the Lord.s grace on

the king. On account of this, the king.s birth-deformity, viz., a hunchback was also cured. The leaf

reached the place known as Tiruvedagam. The minister wanted to take possession of the leaf and

followed it. Knowing this, Sambandar sang another song, which stopped the leaf. The minister took

the leaf, went to the temple and worshipped the Lord. Sambandar, accompanied by the royal

couple, went to the temple and worshipped the Lord. The king was convinced of the superiority of

Saivism. The Jains, according to their own contract, were hanged. The people followed the example

of the king and became Saivites. Thus was Saivism re-established in Madura.

In Sirkali, Sambandar.s father was waiting for the illustrious son.s arrival. One day, the

desire was strong and Sivapada Hridayar came to Madura and was received by Sambandar with

great reverence.

After staying at Madura for some time, Sambandar proceeded on a pilgrimage,

accompanied by the royal couple and the minister. From Rameswaram, they offered mental

prostrations at the Feet of the Lord of Tirukonamalai and Tiruketheesvaram (in Ceylon). They also

visited the birthplace of the minister. Sambandar took leave of the Pandyan king and went into the

Chola kingdom.

He came to Mullivaikarai. There the river was in flood. The boatmen had abandoned their

boats and had left them tied to the tree on the bank. Sambandar wanted to cross the river and

worship the Lord at Tiru Kollampoothur. Sambandar asked the devotees to unfasten the boat and

get into it. He sang a Padigam. This itself proved to be the oar. They reached the other side safely

and worshipped the Lord.

The party then reached the place called Bodhimangai. It was a Buddhist centre.

Sambandar.s devotees were blowing the trumpets and singing their Guru.s glories as they entered

the place. This annoyed the Buddhist who asked them to stop blowing their trumpets. The devotees

informed Sambandar. A disciple of Sambandar, by name Samba Saranalayar, who used to record

all of Sambandar.s songs, himself sang a Padigam and said that a thunder should fall on the head of

Buddhanandi, the leader of the Buddhists. group. Buddhanandi was at once destroyed by a thunder.

TIRU JNANA SAMBANDAR

The others fled. But, soon they reappeared under the leadership of Sari Buddhan and challenged the

Saivites to a debate. With the blessings of Sambandar, the disciple Samba Saranalayar himself

defeated the Buddhists in debate. Sari Buddhan himself embraced Saivism and his followers

followed suit. Sambandar blessed them all. Sambandar then went to Tirukadavur. When he heard

that Appar Swamigal was at Tirupoonthurithi, Sambandar went forward to meet him. At the same

time, Appar came half-way to welcome Sambandar. Quietly, he got mixed with the crowd and

joined the group of devotees who were carrying Sambandar.s palanquin, without anybody.s

knowledge. When Sambandar enquired about Appar, Appar responded from below: .Here I am,

carrying the palanquin, due to the virtuous deeds of many past lives.. Sambandar was surprised. He

jumped down and embraced the great saint Appar.

After somemore pilgrimage, Sambandar returned to Sirkali. Tiruneelakanta Yazhpanar and

his wife took leave of Sambandar and returned home.

Sambandar wanted to visit Thondai Nadu. Taking leave of Lord Thoniappar, he left Sirkali,

and after visiting many shrines on the way, reached Tiru Annamalai. The very sight of the hill sent

him into a trance. He rolled on the ground and shed tears of God-love. Then he reached Thondai

Nadu and came to Tiruvothur. During his stay there, a Bhakta came to him and said: .I have planted

many palmirah trees in my garden, but all of them are male trees and they do not yield any fruits.

The Jains are mocking at me for this. Please protect me from their scorn.. Sambandar went to the

temple and sang a song mentioning the devotee.s plight: and the male trees were at once changed

into female trees and they yielded good fruits. Due to this miracle, some more Jains embraced

Saivism. Because Sambandar had specifically mentioned the palmirah trees, they, too, were helped

in their evolution.

By stages, Sambandar reached Tiru Alankadu, the holy place where Karaikkal Ammayar

.walked. on her head, not wishing to pollute the place. He, too, did not enter the place, but had the

Darshan of the Lord in his dream. Sambandar then went to Kalahasthi and had the vision of

Kannappa Nayanar and also of Kailasa, Ketharam, Gokarnam, Tirupatham, Indraneela Parvatham,

etc. Sambandar then came to Tiru-Votriyur.

In Mylapore there lived a merchant by name Sivanesar. He was a staunch Siva Bhakta. He

had all wealth but had no children. In answer to his sincere prayer, Lord Siva blessed him with a

female child. They named her Poompavai. She was very beautiful. Sivanesar heard of Sambandar.s

greatness and felt that he was the only suitable match for his daughter. Mentally, he had offered her

to Sambandar.

One day when Poompavai was gathering flowers in the garden, she was bitten by a

poisonous snake and she died. Sivanesanar even announced that he would give any amount of

money to anyone who would revive her: but it was of no use. Then he recollected that he had

mentally offered her to Sambandar: this put great courage into him. He at once cremated the body of

the girl, collected the ashes and preserved them in a pot. Daily he would decorate the pot with

flowers, etc., and sit near it meditating on Sambandar. The news that Sambandar was staying at

Tiruvotriyur reached the merchant. At once he erected a big pandal from Mylapore to Tiruvotriyur

and followed by Bhaktas began to proceed towards Tiruvotriyur to meet Sambandar. The latter also

was coming towards Mylapore. They met on the way. Sambandar had heard about Sivanesar and

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his worship of the pot which contained the ashes of his daughter. He wanted to please Sivanesar by

bringing the girl back to life. They reached Mylapore, worshipped the Lord, sang hymns and,

coming out of the temple, asked Sivanesanar to bring the pot of ashes. Sambandar addressed the

pot: .Oh Poompavai, the very purpose of human birth in this world is to serve the Lord and His

devotees, and to feast the eyes by seeing the festivals of Lord Siva. If this is true, arise in the

presence of all. Are you going away without seeing the festival?. Then he sang a Padigam. When he

finished the first stanza, Poompavai got her form. When he finished eight stanzas, she got her life

and became a twelve year old girl. When he finished the tenth stanza, she came out of the pot, even

as Lakshmi came out of the Lotus. All were amazed at this miracle. Sivanesanar and Poompavai

worshipped Sambandar.s feet. Sivanesanar entreated Sambandar to accept the girl as his wife.

Sambandar, however, explained that the original Poompavai whom Sivanesanar had mentally

offered to Sambandar was dead and that the present girl had the relationship of daughter to him.

Sivanesanar had to bow to the wishes of Sambandar: he built an Ashram for his daughter where she

spent her days in worship of the Lord and attained Him.

After visting a number of shrines, Sambandar returned to Sirkali. He had reached his

sixteenth year. His father wanted to get him married. He argued that it was necessary for him to

engage himself in the performance of Vedic rites. Sivapada Hridayar selected the daughter of

Nambandar Nambi of Nallur Perumanam. He, too, welcomed the alliance. The wedding was to take

place at Nallur Perumanam. On the appointed day, Sambandar took leave of Thoniappar and

reached Nallur Perumanam. Sambandar went to the temple, worshipped the Lord and got His

blessings. Then he went to aMutt nearby. The bride.s party came there to receive him. Sambandar,

in his wedding dress, took his seat in the pearl palanquin. People accompanied him, singing .Long

Live Sambandar.. Sambandar came to the place where the wedding was to take place. Sambandar

holding his wife.s hand, went round the fire, the manifestation of the Lord. Accompanied by the

devotees, the couple went into the temple and worshipped Him, with total self-surrender.

Sambandar sang a Padigam praying for Liberation. The Lord granted his wish and said: .Oh

Sambandar, you, your wife, and all those who witnessed your marriage will merge in the Siva Jyoti

and come toMe.. At once, an effulgent Light emerged from the Lord. Before merging in that Light,

Sambandar sang a Padigam known as the Panchakshara Padigam. Then all those who were there

merged in the Light of Siva. Tiruneelakanta Nayanar, Muruga Nayanar and Tiruneelakanta

Yazhpanar were also there!

29. EYARKON KALIKAMA NAYANAR

In Tiruperumangalam in Ponni Nadu, there was a Vellala by name Eyarkon Kalikama

Nayanar. He belonged to the family called .Eyarkudi. which produced Commanders-in-Chief to

Chola kings. He was a great devotee of Lord Siva.

The news that Sundaramurthi Nayanar had used Lord Siva Himself as a messenger to settle

the domestic dispute between him and his wife Paravayar, so greatly annoyed devout Kalikamanar

that he said to himself: .Is this man who behaved like this a devotee? I am a great sinner, too,

otherwise my life-breath would have departed on hearing the news.. Sundarar came to know of

Kalikamar.s attitude. He realised his own fault and entreated the Lord to appease Kalikamar.s

anger. The Lord caused Kalikamar to suffer from colic and told him in a dream that only Sundarar

could cure it. Kalikamar preferred death to being cured by Sundarar! In the meantime, the Lord

TIRU JNANA SAMBANDAR

appeared in Sundarar.s dream and asked him to go to Kalikamar and cure him of the colic. Sundarar

at once went to meet Kalikamar. As soon as he heard that Sundarar was coming to cure him,

Kalikamar gave up his life by cutting his bowel open.

Sundarar was greeted by Kalikamar.s wife. When he asked for Nayanar, she made her

people say that there was nothing wrong with him and that he was asleep. After much persuasion,

they showed him the Nayanar.s body. In desperation, Sundarar also wanted to cut his throat. By the

grace of Lord Siva, Kalikamar at once came back to life. They embraced each other. Kalikamar

spent the rest of his life in the service of the Lord and His devotees and finally reached His Abode.

30. TIRU MULA NAYANAR

Tirumula Nayanar was a Saiva Siddha. He was one of the eight students of Tirunandi Devar

Who showered His grace on them. They were all Yogis. He was called Tirumular because he

entered into the mortal frame of Mulan.

Tirumular desired to see Agastya Rishi in Pothia hills. So he left Kailasa and went

southwards. On the way, he visited many Saivite shrines. When he came to Tiruvavaduthurai, he

took bath in the river Kaveri and went to the temple. He went round the temple twice and offered

prayer to the Lord. When he was walking along the bank of Kaveri, he saw a herd of cows shedding

tears. He found out the cause: the cow-herd lay dead. Tirumular wanted to pacify the cows. He

entered the body of the cowherd after safely depositing his own body in the trunk of a tree. The

cows rejoiced again. This cowherd was known as Mulan, a resident of Sattanur. In the evening, he

drove the cows back into the village. Mulan.s wife was eagerly expecting the return of her husband.

But, when she approached him that day, he would not allow her to touch him, but said: .Oh lady, I

am not your husband. Adore Lord Siva and attain Liberation.. He left her and went away to a

near-by Math.

The lady complained to the leaders of the place, about the conduct of her husband. They

examined him and came to the conclusion that he had attained great spiritual evolution. So, they

asked her to leave him alone. The next day, Tirumular followed the cows, but could not find his

body where he had left it. It was the Lord.s Lila. Lord Siva wanted Tirumular to write a book on

Saiva Philosophy, containing the essence of all Siva Agamas, in Tamil. Tirumular understood His

wish and returned to Tiruvavaduthurai. He worshipped the Lord and sat under the near-by peepul

tree in deep meditation. He was in Samadhi for three thousand years. But, every year, he would

come down from Samadhi and compose a stanza: thus, in three thousand years he wrote three

thousand stanzas. This book is called Tirumandiram.

The Lord.s mission had thus been fulfilled. Then, Tirumular went back to Kailasa.

31. DANDI ADIGAL NAYANAR

In Tiruvarur, in the Chola kingdom, there was a pious Bhakta by name Dandi Adigal. He

was born blind. But, he always repeated the Panchaksharam and visualised the Lord with his inner

eyes. He would daily go to the temple, do circumambulation, and worship the Lord.

NAYANAR SAINTS

There was a tank on the western side of the temple which was surrounded by Jain dwellings.

Dandi Adigal wanted to extend the area of the tank. But, how could he, aman born blind, do it? But,

with a determination and complete faith in the Lord, he decided to do it. He erected a post inside the

tank where it was to be dug and tied a rope to it. The other end of the rope was tied to the other post

which was fixed on the bank. Then guided by the rope he would go to where the digging had to be

done. He would dig with a spade, collect the earth in a basket and again with the help of the rope, he

would go to the bank and throw the earth away.

The Jains were watching the blind man.s miracle. They were jealous of his achievement,

too. So, they wanted to disturb his faith. They put forward a cunning argument. .You are blind and

you cannot see. While digging, you are killing many insects which is a great sin. So, give up this

foolish act.. Nayanar explained to them the sacredness of the work, which was highly pleasing to

the Lord, and also that by His grace, he was sure no insect would be injured. He went on with work.

The Jains were insulting in their behaviour now. They said: .You were born blind: but now you are

deaf, too. Even though we are giving you good counsel, you are not listening.. Nayanar replied: .Oh

ignorant people, what do you know of the Lord.s glories? To me He is the sole refuge. I live only to

serve Him. Do not mock at His grace. By His grace, if I regained my eye-sight and you lost yours,

what will you do?. This reply greatly annoyed them: they snatched the spade and the basket from

his hands.

With a broken heart, Dandi Adigal went to the temple and expressed his grievances to the

Lord. The Lord appeared in his dream that night and assured him of His help. He also appeared

before the king in his dream and asked him to redress the grievances of Nayanar. The king

summoned the Jains. Dandi Adigal was also there. The king addressed Dandi: .Oh devotee, you

said that by God.s grace you could get your eye-sight back and the Jains would lose theirs. Prove

this.. Dandi Adigal said: .Lord Siva is the real God. He is my sole refuge and prop. I am only His

slave. If this is true, let me regain my eye-sight and let the Jains lose theirs.. He then uttered the

Panchaksharam and went into the tank. When he came out, his eye-sight had been restored and at

the same time, the Jains lost their eye-sight. All were amazed at this. The king banished the Jains

from his kingdom and restored people.s faith in the Lord. Dandi Adigal attained God-realisation.

32. MURKHA NAYANAR

This saint was a Vellala by caste and he belonged to Tiruverkat in Thondai Nadu. He was a

great devotee of Lord Siva and was doing Maahesvara Puja by regularly feeding His Bhaktas at any

cost. He had spent all his wealth in such feeding.

So, he resorted to a strange way. He used to gamble and use the money for feeding Siva

Bhaktas. He went away from his village in search of gamblers! He would not spare anybody: if

someone refused to gamble with him, he would resort to violence! (So the name Murkha Nayanar

which means wicked Nayanar!) But, he would never utilise the money for his own expenses. It was

all for His Bhaktas. So, the Lord, the Indweller, showered His blessings on him.

This is an extraordinary illustration of the nature of supreme devotion or Para Bhakti. It is its

own law. The devotee knows nothing but God and is actually oblivious of the world and its

DANDI ADIGAL NAYANAR

manners. He lives in God, for God and he is of God. At such a stage, God Himself takes charge of

him! The completeness of the surrender is severely tested before this.

It is the extreme difficulty of this path that made Sage Narada exclaim that even a saint

should not violate the canons of morality. Hence, so long as you are aware of your own

individuality, stick to the code of right conduct: do not foolishly imitate the sages who dwell in a

plane of consciousness, to which you are a complete stranger.

33. SOMASIRA NAYANAR

Somasira Nayanar was a Brahmin by caste. He lived in Tiruvambur. He was a great devotee

of the Lord and served His Bhaktas, irrespective of their caste. He did Yagas and worshipped the

Lord, without expecting any reward. He went to Tiruvarur and lived with Sundaramurthi Nayanar

to whom he had totally surrendered himself. Thus he got His grace.

Here is a simple life of saintliness. On the face of it there does not seem to be anything

spectacular about this Nayanar. But, we have to bear in mind the conditions that prevailed in South

India in the Nayanar.s days. It was almost impossible for a Brahmin in those days to mix with

people of other castes, however devoted they might be to God. For a Brahmin to serve them was

unthinkably difficult. It required very great will power, determination and devotion to God and His

Bhaktas.

Again, in those days no one would even think of performing a Yaga without expectation of a

reward. Yagas were performed only with a specific selfish desire. That Nayanar performed them

selflessly and desirelessly, shows that he had already reached a high stage of Jnana or spiritual

insight. He was a true Jnani and Karma Yogi.

Over and above all these, he was highly devoted to the Guru, Sundaramurthi Nayanar. What

cannot Guru Bhakti achieve? And, yet, foolish and arrogant man speaks lightly of it and ridicules

Guru Bhakti!

34. SAKKIYA NAYANAR

This saint was a Vellala born in Tirucchangamangai. He was totally disgusted with worldly

life and wanted to attain Liberation. He sought the best way to get this. Due to false propaganda, he

fell a victim to Buddhistic influence. He became a Buddhist, but it did not satisfy him for long. He

was immediately attracted to Saivism and was convinced that, whatever be the external appearance

or conduct of one, if he had intense devotion to the Lord, he would attain Liberation. Though he did

not give up his external appearance of a Buddhist, he adored Lord Siva.

One day, as he was sitting in an open Siva temple and meditating on the Lingam, completely

absorbed in the divine bliss, he self-forgetfully threw a stone at the Lingam. On the next day, he

went to the temple again and recollected the previous day.s action. He felt that it was the Lord s

Will, to reveal the profound truth that He would accept anything offered by His Bhakta in devotion.

He threw a stone that day too. That was his daily worship, without which he would not take his

food! One day, when he was about to take his meal, he remembered that he had not done his usual

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Puja: and unmindful of the hunger, went to the temple and threw a stone with great devotion. The

Lord appeared before him, blessed him and took him to Kailasa.

35. SIRAPPULI NAYANAR

Sirappuli Nayanar was a pious Brahmin. He lived in Tiruvakur in the Chola kingdom. He

was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva and His Bhaktas. He used to worship them and serve them

sincerely. He would repeat the Panchakshara Mantra, with Bhav and sincerity, throughout the day

and night. He also performed the Vedic sacrifices in honour of Lord Siva. All these earned for him

the supreme grace of Siva.

A special spiritual practice of this Nayanar seems to have been the ceaseless repetition of

the Panchakshara Mantra (Om Namah Sivaya). This extremely simple practice is capable of

bestowing incalculable benefit on man: and yet, ignorant man, full of delusion, refuses to resort to

it. The continuous repetition of the Mantra will change the very mind-substance. It contains a divine

vibration. Modern science has reached a stage when it no longer believes in mass and quantity.

Even the gross and impure intellect of a scientist has come to recognise the superior power in the

subtle atom or cell. Great indeed is the foolishness of man if he still refuses to believe that the

sound-vibrations (even the subtler thought-vibrations) can bring about a radical change within

himself and heal him physically, vitally, mentally, psychically and spiritually.

This is the highest Yoga: to remember God always and constantly to repeat His Name.

36. SIRUTHONDA NAYANAR

In Tiruchenkattangudi in the Chola kingdom, there lived a Siva Bhakta by name Paranjyoti.

His was a family of army commanders. He himself was the Commander-in-Chief of the Chola king.

He realised that devotion to the Feet of Lord Siva was the best means of obtaining Liberation from

Samsara and so, he clung to Them.

Once, at the instance of his king, he waged war with a North Indian king, defeated him and

returned with a big booty. The king was highly pleased. The minister informed the king that

Paranjyotiar was able to achieve the victory because of his intense devotion to Lord Siva. This

shocked the king, who was a Siva Bhakta himself: he regretted having compelled a Siva Bhakta to

wage a bloody war. He called Paranjyotiar, apologised for having sent him, a Siva Bhakta to war,

and, after giving him rich presents, sent him back to his village, with the request that he should

henceforth engage himself in His Puja. Paranjyotiar returned to his village and from that time was

engaged in the worship of the Lord and His Bhaktas. He would not eat without first feeding a Siva

Bhakta. He regarded himself as the lowly servant of the Lord and His Bhaktas: hence the name

Siruthondar (small servant).

Lord Siva wanted to bring out the glory of this noble saint. So, one day He appeared in front

of Siruthondar.s house, in the guise of a Vairavar (a special class of Siva Yogis). He enquired of

Siruthondar.s maid-servant, Sandana Nangaiyar, whether her master was at home. She said: .No,

he has gone in search of a Siva Bhakta, without feeding whom he would not take his food.. But,

afraid lest this Siva Yogi should go away, she entreated him to come into the house. The mendicant

SAKKIYA NAYANAR

would not: .I shall not enter the house in which a woman is alone.. Siruthondar.s wife Tiruvengattu

Nangaiyar heard these words and came out hurriedly and prayed to the Vairavar to stay in the house

till the husband returned. The Vairavar repeated his objection and said: .When he comes back tell

him I am under the tree near the temple.. The Vairavar went away.

Immediately afterwards, Siruthondar returned. His wife told him all that had happened in

his absence. Siruthondar was overjoyed because he was unable to find any other Bhakta that day. At

once he ran to the temple and fell at the feet of the Vairavar and invited him to the house for

Bhiksha. The Vairavar, however, hesitated and remarked: .I doubt whether you will be able to fulfil

the exacting conditions I shall demand for accepting your Bhiksha: so, better leave me alone..

Siruthondar was greatly grieved. He had thought that this mendicant had been specially sent by God

to enable him to adhere to his vow and feed a Bhakta every day. He was prepared to meet any

demand from the Bhakta, if only he agreed to take the Bhiksha. Now, the mendicant revealed his

condition: .Oh devotee, it is my habit to eat once in six months the fresh meat of a Pasu. That time

has now come. I doubt whether you will satisfy me.. This word Pasu has two meanings: an animal

and a human being. Siruthondar thought that the mendicant only meant animal meat: and readily

agreed! To his surprise, however, the mendicant revealed that meant human flesh! He also added:

.Oh friend, it should be the meat of a child. The child should be five years of age. He must be

healthy. He should be the only son of his parents. Such a boy must be held by the mother and cut

into pieces by his father. This meat must be cooked nicely and offered to me.. Without the least

hesitation, Siruthondar accepted conditions and took the mendicant home.

How to find a boy of the mendicant.s description? Siruthondar thought of his own son who

fitted the description. The noble wife agreed, too, and asked him to get the child from school. As

soon as he came the mother held him on her lap. The innocent child was laughing when

Siruthondar, with one stroke cut his throat. The head is generally unfit for cooking, and is not fit for

being offered to the Lord. So, they gave it away to the maid-servant and began to cook, the rest of

the meat. After worshipping the mendicant, Siruthondar was preparing to offer him Bhiksha. The

mendicant ascertained the method adopted by them in cooking the meat and Nayanar explained

everything (except the fact that it was their own son that they had sacrificed). The mendicant said he

would eat the head, too. The maid-servant had anticipated this and had the head cooked and ready.

Once again, Siruthondar requested the Yogi to have his meal. Now, the Yogi wanted

another Siva Bhakta to eat with him: and there was no one except the Nayanar himself. So, he sat

with the Yogi, ready to eat the flesh of his son, to please the Yogi. Yet, one more condition had to be

fulfilled! The Yogi said that unless the host.s son ate with him, he would not eat! Nayanar tactfully

explained that his son was not in the house and so could not join with them. But, the Yogi insisted:

.Go out and call for him: he will come.. Nayanar wanted to obey the Yogi and did as the Yogi had

asked to do. Wonder of wonders: the young boy came running to the father as soon as the father had

cried aloud: .Sirala, come here: the Yogi wants you to eat with him.. The parents were astonished to

see their child, Siralan come back to life. They entered the kitchen, but could not find the Yogi

there. The meat had also disappeared! As they were searching for the Yogi, the Lord appeared

before them, blessed them and took them to His Abode.

NAYANAR SAINTS

37. CHERAMAN PERUMAL NAYANAR

Cheraman Perumal Nayanar was born in Kodunkolur. It was the capital city of Malai Nadu

or the present Kerala. He was born in the royal family of Kothayars, otherwise known as the

Uthiyan family. The name Cheraman was the common name for all Cheras. Perumal was the title

adopted by him after his coronation. His original name was Perum-Ma-Kothayar. He was endowed

with good Samskaras. He had great devotion to the Lord even as a child. As he grew, his devotion

also grew. He had a remarkable degree of dispassion and discrimination. He did not like to rule the

country: and so, when he came of age, he renounced the world and went to Tiru Anchaikalam and

engaged himself in the worship of the Lord there. The country was ruled by Sengol Porayan. He,

too, soon realised the evanescence of worldly life and renounced the world! He had no issues and

the throne was vacant. They went to Tiru Anchaikalam and requested Perum-Ma-Kothayar to

ascend the throne. Though he was reluctant, lest it should interfere with his daily worship, he bowed

to the divine will. He went to the temple and offered a prayer. The Lord permitted him to accept the

rulership. By the Lord.s grace he ascended the throne and ruled the country justly and wisely. He

could understand all languages, even the language of the birds. The Lord had bestowed upon him all

the Aiswaryas, great strength, royal vehicles, etc.

After the coronation, he went to the temple and after worshipping the Lord he was returning

to the palace. On the way, he saw a washerman whose body had been smeared with white sand and

mud. The very sight enraptured Cheraman who saw in him the image of Lord Siva with the sacred

ash smeared all over the body. He was raised to God-consciousness. He descended from the

elephant and fell at the feet of the washerman, in spite of the latter.s protest. All were wonderstruck

to witness the supreme devotion of Cheraman.

By his many acts of devotion and piety, he earned the grace of Lord Siva. The Lord sent to

him a renowned musician and devotee, Banapatirar, with a palm leaf on which was the Lord.s own

song in praise of Cheraman! It read: .Oh king who honours great poets with rich presents, who rules

his subjects with love! Glory to you! I am very highly pleased with your devotion and charitable

nature. The bearer of this message is Banapatirar who is a great devotee like you. He is a great

musician and always sings My glories on his favourite instrument, Yazh. He has come to see you.

Welcome him with due respect and honour him with plenty of riches.. Cheraman welcomed the

musician with great love and devotion. When he read the song of the Lord, he was overjoyed and

rolled on the ground. He said to Banapatirar: .Oh noble soul, kindly take possession of all these and

accept my kingdom also.. Banapatirar was astounded to witness the king.s devotion and said: .Oh

king, I am highly pleased with your Darshan. I shall accept only what is absolutely necessary for

me, for that has been the command of the Lord.. He took what he needed and left Kodunkolur on an

elephant. Cheraman escorted him up to the border.

Cheraman was greatly devoted to Lord Nataraja. He had surrendered his body, mind and

soul to Him. He would daily worship the Lord: and, by His grace, at the time of his prayer, he would

hear the musical sound produced by the Lord.s anklets during His dance. One day, however, at the

time of the prayer, he did not hear the usual divine sound. Cheraman was greatly afflicted at heart.

He thought that he must have been guilty of a great crime and decided to end his life, with his sword.

At once he heard the divine sound and a voice in the sky explained: .Oh noble soul, My friend

Nambi Arurar has come to Tillai and he was singing sweet Tamil songs. I was completely absorbed

CHERAMAN PERUMAL NAYANAR

in that and hence the delay in blessing you with the musical sound of My anklet.. The Lord wanted

to create a friendship between Sundarar and Cheraman and so spoke highly of Sundarar to

Cheraman. Cheraman, desirous of worshipping Lord Nataraja and also of meeting Sundarar, at

once started for Tillai. The very sight of the Lord in Tillai entranced him. He sang .Pon Vannathu

Anthadi. on Lord Nataraja. In appreciation, the Lord blessed him with the musical sound of His

anklets. Cheraman was swimming in divine bliss.

Before Cheraman reached Tillai, Sundarar had already left the place. Cheraman proceeded

to Tiruvarur where he met Sundarar. They embraced each other and fell at each other.s feet. They

became fast friends. At Tiruvarur Cheraman composed the famous .Tiru Mummanikovai. on Lord

Thiagaraja.

Then they went to Vedaranyam. There Cheraman sang his .Tiru Anthati. on the Lord. After

visiting many shrines on the way they came to Madura. The Pandyan king welcomed them. The

Chola prince who was staying with the Pandyan king also welcomed them. In their company the

great saints visited many shrines. Taking leave of the kings, Cheraman and Sundarar returned to

Tiruvarur. From there, at the request of Cheraman, Sundarar accompanied him to Kodunkolur.

There Cheraman took Sundarar on an elephant and went round the city in procession.

When Sundarar returned to Tiruvarur, he had instructed Cheraman to rule the country justly

and wisely. Cheraman obeyed the saint.s commands. On the next occasion when Sundarar visited

Kodunkolur one day Sundarar suddenly left the place and went to the sacred shrine at Tiru

Anchaikalam where he sought the Lord.s grace and attained Liberation. By intuition, Cheraman

learnt of Sundarar.s release and he also attained the Lotus Feet of the Lord, as we have already seen,

while dealing with Sundaramurthi Nayanar.s life. In Kailasa, Cheraman became the chief of Lord

Siva.s Ganas (servants).

38. GANANATHA NAYANAR

Gananathar was a pious Brahmin of Sirkali. He was a great Bhakta of Lord Siva. People

admired his virtue and devotion and came to him for advice. He invariably gave them some work

connected with the temple, according to their ability. They would clean the temple, make garlands,

work in the gardens, burn lamps in the temples, etc. Thus he infused devotion in them for the Lord

and transformed them into Siva Bhaktas. He was greatly devoted to Jnana Sambandar. All these

earned Siva.s grace for him.

Here is another great but simple spiritual practice. Talk to other people about God and the

glory of devotion, etc. You will be building up a powerful spiritual fortress around you. You will be

able to avoid people wasting your time: you will not indulge in nor allow others to lead you into,

gossip which is the spiritual aspirant.s arch-enemy. People who may in the beginning, think that

you are strange in your behaviour, will soon understand you and they will, of their own accord,

avoid useless talk in your very presence. At the same time, you will be rendering a very great

service to humanity, by directing everyone.s mind towards God and Dharma. Here is a wonderful

Yoga which helps you and others, too, at the same time. Put it into practice and realise its

miraculous effect.

NAYANAR SAINTS

39. KOOTRUVA NAYANAR

This saint was a chieftain of Kalandai. He was extremely devoted to Lord Siva. Daily he

would repeat the Panchakshara Mantra, and serve the Bhaktas. The Lord made him more powerful,

and bestowed on him all wealth and strength. Nayanar captured many places in the Chola and

Pandyan kingdoms. He wanted that the three thousand Brahmins of Tillai should crown him king:

they refused, because they owed allegiance to the Chola king. All of them even left Tillai fearing his

wrath. Only one was left to do the Puja. Even he refused to accede to Nayanar.s request. One day

Nayanar prayed to the Lord: and, in answer, the Lord Himself appeared before him and crowned

him by placing His Feet on his head. Nayanar continued to worship the Lord and finally attained

Him.

The Lord, the Indweller of our hearts knew that, when the Nayanar asked the three thousand

Brahmins to crown him, it was only to spiritualise the coronation and to enable him to feel that the

crown was but a symbol of the Feet of the Lord. When the Brahmins feared political repercussions,

the Lord Himself fulfilled the devotee.s wish.

40. PUGAL CHOLA NAYANAR

Pugal Chola Nayanar was a king. He was living in Uraiyur in the Chola kingdom. He was

greatly devoted to Lord Siva and His Bhaktas. He was an ideal king and people loved him and

followed in his footsteps.

Once he went to Karur to collect tributes due to him from the kings of Kuda Nadu. All of

them paid at once: but the ministers reported that a petty king named Adigan had not. He ordered his

troops to invade Adigan.s fort. In the meantime, the king.s elephant was killed by Eripatha Nayanar

for a Siva Aparadham (as we have already seen in Eripatha Nayanar.s life). Ultimately, both

Eripathar and the king had the Lord.s Darshan. As this drama was being enacted, elsewhere, the

king.s troops had demolished Adigan.s fort, killing many of his men, and Adigan himself had run

away. Pugal Cholar.s troops returned with a lot of wealth and the heads of men killed. They placed

all these at the king.s feet. Among the heads, the king noticed a head with the braid of hair on

top.it belonged to a Siva Bhakta. Stricken with terrible remorse the king had a big fire made, went

round it having the head on a golden plate in his hand and entered the fire chanting the

Panchakshara Mantra. Thus he entered the Lord.s Abode.

41. NARASINGA MUNIYARAIYAR

This saint was a petty chieftain. He lived in Tiru Munaipadi. He was highly devoted to Lord

Siva. He was a champion of Saivism. On every Tiruvathirai day he would conduct special Puja,

feed Siva Bhaktas in whatever form they appeared and offer the gift of a hundred gold coins to each.

On one such occasion, one Bhakta came with sacred ashes on his stark naked body: this evoked

disgust in the hearts of the other Bhaktas. Nayanar understood this and fell at the naked devotee.s

feet and welcomed him with more respect. He fed him nicely and gave him 200 gold coins. This

earned the Lord.s supreme grace for the Nayanar.

KOOTRUVA NAYANAR

Here is an illustration of the subtle way in which saints manifest their cosmic vision, and

also the subtle way in which they bring about the necessary change in the outlook of others. To the

Nayanar, all the devotees are the manifestations of Lord Siva. The naked man does not evoke the

least trace of disgust or contempt. When he finds this unhealthy attitude in others, he does not

violently correct them. In his own subtle, mysterious but very effective way, he demonstrates the

truth: and brings about a change in the attitude of the ignorant. Both these lessons are important.

42. ADIPATTHA NAYANAR

This saint was a fisherman born in Nulaipadi near Nagapattinam. It was his practice to let go

one fish from his catch daily, as an offering unto the Lord. The Lord wanted to reveal his greatness

to the world. Once it so happened that for many consecutive days he could catch only one fish. He

let it go, in the name of Lord Siva, and went without food. One day he caught a golden fish, again

only one for the day. And, he stuck to his vow and let it go, in the name of Lord Siva. The Lord

appeared before him and blessed this illiterate, fisherman saint!

Not indeed by vast erudition, nor by breath-taking austerities, nor by hearing and talking a

lot, but by unflinching devotion alone can God be realised. This humble, simple, fisherman saint

has proved that beyond the least trace of doubt. But, look at his steadfastness, Nishta! It is not easy

to acquire, unless you have living faith in God. Otherwise, the mind will bring up all sorts of reasons

(lame excuses!) for breaking the vow. This supreme faith and devotion is itself the highest Jnana.

Only an ignorant man studies books: what need is there for a great scholar to study an elementary

book on grammar? What need is there for one to whom God is a living presence, to stuff himself

with words? Intellect is a help, if it serves faith: it is a hindrance if it shakes it. Devotion is

indispensable for attaining Him.

43. KALIKAMBA NAYANAR

This saint was a Vaisya by caste and he lived in Pennagadam in the Chola kingdom. He was

doing some service in the temple. He was very devoted to Siva Bhaktas in whom he saw the Lord

Himself. His wife, too, helped him in all this.

One day, his former servant came to his house in the guise of a Bhakta. Nayanar, as usual,

welcomed him, washed his feet and worshipped him. But, his wife who recognised the former

servant did not join. Nayanar understood her lack of devotion, cut off her hand and continued his

worship of the Bhakta. Practising this form of Yoga Sadhana, he attained Him.

This saint has dramatically proved the great truth which Sage Narada has emphasised in his

immortal work .Bhakti Sutras.: there is no distinction of caste, creed or status, among the devotees

of God. They do not recognise such distinctions among themselves: and others, too, shall not

entertain such distinctions. It is blasphemy against God. The great devotees have become one with

Him. They are all manifest divinity. Whatever might have been their past life, caste or faith, they

have now become divine and hence such distinctions have no meaning.

NAYANAR SAINTS

44. KALIA NAYANAR

Kalia Nayanar was an oil monger of Tiruvotriyur. His adoration of the Lord, to Whom he

was highly devoted, took the form of lighting the temple lamps daily. He was rich. But, in order to

reveal his greatness the Lord made him poor. His family people also refused help. He began to work

as a labourer to earn the oil. Even this became impossible. He wanted to sell his wife: but no one

would buy. At last, in despair, he wanted to cut his own throat and use the blood instead of oil, to

burn the lamps. In that attempt, Lord Siva caught hold of his hand and blessed him.

What greatness, and what intensity of devotion is portrayed in this simple life!

Self-forgetfulness is the key-note in devotion. Remembering God always, the devotee is so

thoroughly absorbed in Him, that nothing but God and His worship matters to him. By all means

His worship must go on: no obstacle shall stand in the way. The devotee.s heart and mind are

always positive, never letting a negative thought enter them. He sees opportunities in difficulties

and is never beaten by any obstacles which serve him as steps to God!

45. SATTI NAYANAR

Satti Nayanar was a Vellala by caste. He was born in Varinjiyur in the Chola kingdom. He

was a sincere devotee of Lord Siva and honoured His devotees. He could not tolerate anyone

speaking ill of them. If anyone did so, he would cut off the slanderer.s tongue. Lord Siva understood

his pure inner Bhav and showered His grace on him.

Besides revealing the glory of the Nayanar.s devotion, this simple life also holds for us a

great object lesson.never speak ill of the saints or devotees of God. They have attained union with

God: and, so, if you vilify them, you are vilifying God Himself. It is the greatest sin, the greatest,

Himalayan blunder. You cannot judge them: they live on a different plane of consciousness from

yours. Our scriptures contain numerous illustrations of the strange behaviour of saints, sages and

Yogis. Sometimes they behave as little children: sometimes as mad-men; sometimes as fools.

Mysterious is the nature of saints. Always worship and adore them: you will be benefited. Do not

criticise them or speak ill of them or find fault with their conduct. Our scriptures say that he who

blames the conduct of the sages, gets their bad Karma, and suffers doubly in consequence. Beware!

If anyone speaks ill of a saint or devotee of God, in your presence, leave that place at once.

Otherwise, your own moral and spiritual structure will be dangerously undermined. Beware!

46. AIYADIGAL KADAVARKON NAYANAR

Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar was a Pallava king who ruled over Kanchi. He infused the

spirit of Saivism into his people, too.

Soon he got disgusted with worldly life, renounced the world, after installing his son in his

place, and undertook a continuous pilgrimage of the various shrines singing hymns in His praise,

wherever he went. Lord Siva was highly pleased with his devotion and blessed him with His

Darshan.

KALIA NAYANAR

This king has set an example for all kings and social leaders to follow. Leaders should be the

best example for their followers. They should encourage the masses to walk the path of virtue and

Godlines. Otherwise, they live in vain: and, what is more, they take upon their shoulders a good part

of the sins of their followers, for they are responsible for those sins.

This Nayanar lives in our hearts even today because he served his subjects both by precept

and by his own personal example. He taught them; he encouraged them; and, finally, by his own life

of renunciation and wholehearted devotion of the Lord, set a glorious example for them to emulate.

Such is the life of an ideal leader.

47. KANAMPULLA NAYANAR

Kanampulla Nayanar was a wealthy man in Irukkuvelur. He was a great Siva Bhakta. He

wanted to utilise all his wealth in His service only. So, with unswerving devotion he would light the

lamps in Siva shrines and sing His praise. Lord Siva wanted to reveal his devotion. He withdrew his

wealth. He went over to Chidambaran. There also he continued his service, with the money got by

selling his possessions. There was nothing left in the house. He had to cut grass, sell it and purchase

ghee with the money and burn the lamps. Because he cut grass known as Kanampul, he was known

as Kanampulla Nayanar. One day he could not sell the grass. He did not want to swerve from his

duty, however. He went to the temple and made a wick out of the grass and burnt it. The quantity of

grass was not enough. So, he brought his own head near the lamp, spread his hair on the lamp, and

began burning it. At once Lord Siva appeared before him, and blessed him.

48. KARI NAYANAR

This ardent devotee of Lord Siva was a native of Tirukadavur. He was a scholar in Tamil.

He used to go to the three Tamil kings, and get money by singing Tamil Kovais (anthology). He

earned a lot and built temples. Thus he spread the cause of Saivism. He also served Siva Bhaktas

and earned His grace.

Atrue devotee of the Lord lives for His sake only. All that he has is offered to the Lord as the

devotee.s worship. God is your creator, your father and mother, friend and Guru. He has given you

the various talents and skill. They belong to Him.He dwells in all, and expects you to utilise them in

the service of all. This is the simple logic by which the saints arrive at the conclusion that they

should see God in all, serve the Lord in all, and love Him in and through cosmic love, expressed as

selfless service and charity.

By leading such a selfless and divine life, you will conquer your worst spiritual enemy, viz.,

egoism, and realise God in this very birth, nay, this very second.

49. NINRA SEER NEDUMARA NAYANAR AND

50. MANGAYARKARASIYAR

Koon Pandyan, the Pandyan king, was ruling in Madura. He was called Koon Pandyan

because of his hunchback. He was himself a poet and he patronised the Tamil poets and established

a Tamil Sangam. His wife was Mangayarkarasiyar. She was the daughter of a Chola king. She was

NAYANAR SAINTS

an ardent devotee of Lord Siva. Kulacchirai Nayanar was his minister: and he was also a staunch

devotee of Lord Siva. Tiru Jnana Sambandar has sung Padigams in praise of both.

Koon Pandyan had fallen a victim to the influence of Jainism. The queen and the minister

feared that unless something was done, Saivism would be wiped out. When Sambandar came to

Madura and was staying outside the city, Kulacchirai Nayanar invited him into the city. The Jains

tried in vain to destroy Sambandar. When Sambandar sang a song, the king.s hunchback was cured,

as also his burning pain. He came back to Saivism. Since then he was known as Ninra Seer

Nadumara Nayanar, as his hunchback had disappeared and he stood erect and tall.

The Pandyan king then defeated the northern kings at Tirunelvely and spread Saivism there.

Mangayarkarasiyar helped her husband a lot in this. Both the husband and the wife worshipped

Sambandar with great faith and devotion. Their devotion to the Guru and love of Saivism earned

His grace for them.

51. VAYILAR NAYANAR

He was a Vellala by caste. He belonged to Mylapore. He was a Siva Bhakta. He constructed

temples mentally and did Manasic (mental) worship. He built the temple of non-forgetfulness, lit

the shining lamp of Self-illumination, bathed the Lord in the waters of immortal Ananda (bliss) and

worshipped Him with the elixir of supreme love. Thus he obtained salvation.

Here is the life of a Para Bhakta, a supreme devotee. He had transcended the stage of idol

worship. He had attained great purity of heart and clarity of inner psychic vision so that, without the

aid of a symbol and without the help of rituals, he could raise his mind to the sublime heights of the

Abstract.

The inclusion of this wonderfully simple life of Vayilar Nayanar is to point out that

devotion is of many types, to suit the taste and temperament of different individuals. Whatever be

the path the choose, ultimately they reach the same goal, union with the Lord, Siva. The Hindu

sages have always declared that the spiritual path is not a stereotyped one, the same drug for all

diseases, the same food for all people at all ages (from infancy to old age!), but that the spiritual life

is adapted (within broad limits) to the needs of each individual. Everyone pursues the path or the

combination of paths suited to him, and ultimately reaches the same goal.

52. MUNAIYADUVAR NAYANAR

This saint was a Vellala by caste. He belonged to Tiru Nidur in the Chola kingdom. He was a

great Bhakta of Lord Siva and His devotees. He was always the hope of the desperate, the weak and

the vanquished. They would call upon him to turn their defeat into a victory. He would hire himself

out as a professional fighter. He fixed a wage for this service and with that money he would feed the

Siva Bhaktas and look after them. He earned money in this way and hence he was called

.Munaiyaduvar.. Lord Siva was highly pleased with him and blessed him.

Two vital lessons that this Nayanar.s life hold should not be ignored. The first and foremost,

even in the exercise of the God-given talent of fencing, the Nayanar took care to see, that it was used

NINRA SEER NEDUMARA NAYANAR AND MANGAYARKARASIYAR

to defend the weak, the oppressed and the downtrodden. Strength, too, is a manifestation of the

Lord, according to Him: but it should be used in His service in a righteous way. The second one is

that the fruits of such service were always dedicated to the Lord. This is the very core of the

teaching of the Bhagavad Gita, and the teachings of all saints and sages. Righteousness rests on this

pedestal of dedication to God and unselfishness. Selfishness is the root cause of all sins and

consequent miseries.

53. KAZHARSINGA NAYANAR AND

54. SERUTHUNAI NAYANAR

Kazharsinga Nayanar was an ardent devotee of the Lord. He was a Pallava monarch,

belonging to the family of Kadavar. Due to God.s grace he defeated the kings of the northern

country and established Saivism there. He went on many pilgrimages.

Once he came to Tiruvarur with his queen and visited the temple. The queen, coming round

the temple, came to the place where flowers had been kept for Siva.s worship, and she smelt a

flower which had accidentally fallen on the floor. Seruthunai Nayanar, a pious Vellala of Tanjore,

who was doing the service in the temple, was annoyed by her action. He at once cut off the nose of

the queen that smelt the flower.

The king, hearing the pitiable cry of the queen, rushed to the spot. He was terribly angry

with the man who was responsible for the brutal act. Seruthunai Nayanar explained to him the

queen.s action which was an insult to Lord Siva (Siva Aparadham). The king at once gave an

additional punishment to her, by cutting off her hand which picked up the flower! Both the king and

Seruthunai Nayanar were glorified by the people and the celestials rained flowers on them. Both of

them attained the grace of Lord Siva.

55. IDANGAZHI NAYANAR

This saint was the king of Velas in Kodumbalur. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Siva. He

had made arrangements with all the Siva temples to perform worship according to the Siva Agamas.

There was another Siva Bhakta in the same locality doing Maaheshwara Puja. He became very poor

and so he could not continue his Puja and feeding of Bhaktas. So, one day he entered Idangazhi

Nayanar.s granary at night and began to steal paddy. The watchman caught him red-handed and

took him to the king. The king learnt on enquiry that the Siva Bhakta.s motive for stealing was to

feed the devotees of the Lord. The king let him go.

This incident opened the eyes of the king. He realised that nothing belonged to him and that

the real owners of his property were Lord Siva and His Bhaktas. So, he gave permission to all Siva

Bhaktas to enter his palace and granary and take whatever they wanted. Thus he displayed his zeal

for the spread of Saivism. Thus he earned Lord Siva.s grace, too.

56. PUGAZH TUNAI NAYANAR

This saint was a pious Adi Saiva of Seruviliputhur. He was an ardent Siva Bhakta. He was a

Pujari (priest) in the temple. His daily duty was to bathe the image, uttering the Mantras and do the

NAYANAR SAINTS

Puja, according to the Siva Agamas. Once a famine swept over the land and he had no money to buy

food. He loved the deity and his daily duty so much that he did not like to leave the place in spite of

the starvation. He stuck to that place and continued the Puja. His body was emaciated. One day, in

spite of his weakness, he fetched water for the Lord.s Bath (Abhishekam) and, when he was

pouring the water on the Lingam, the water-pot slipped from his hand and fell on Him. Nayanar

forgot himself in sheer exhaustion and fainted away. The Lord appeared in his dream and said that

He would leave one coin in the temple every day till the famine was over so that he could procure

the necessary food with that money and appease his hunger. Nayanar woke up and found that the

dream was true! The Lord thus enabled His Bhakta to get over the famine. He continued his daily

Puja in the temple and finally reached the Lord.s Abode.

57. KOTPULI NAYANAR

This saint was a Vellala by caste. He was the Commander-in-Chief of a Chola king. He was

highly devoted to Lord Siva. He was very pious and virtuous. It was his practice to purchase paddy

out of his income and give it to Siva temples for the Lord.s food. He was doing this for a long time.

Once he had to go out on military duty. So, he stocked a sufficient quantity of paddy for the

temple use, handed it over to his relatives, with clear instructions that it was meant only for the Lord

and that they should not touch it for their own use. During his absence, there was a famine and his

relatives had to suffer for want of food. So, they laid their hands on the paddy meant for the Lord

and appeased their hunger. The Nayanar returned from his duty and heard of his relatives. action.

He was annoyed with them. He called them to his house and killed them, including his parents, for

this crime. His supreme love for the Lord had so completely overshadowed his love for his own near

and dear ones! The Lord appeared at once before him and blessed him, and also all the relatives who

had died at his hand, and took them all to His Abode.

58. PUSALAR NAYANAR

Pusalar was a Brahmin of Tiru Ninravur in Thondai Mandalam. He excelled in the mental

worship of the Lord. Mental worship is thousands of times better than external ritualistic worship:

mental worship soon leads to Samadhi (superconscious state) and Self-realisation. He strongly

desired to build a temple for Lord Siva, but he did not have the money for it. So, mentally he

gathered the necessary materials for the purpose. He laid the foundation stone on an auspicious day.

He raised the temple and had even fixed an auspicious day for the installation of the deity in it.

The Kadava king who was also a great devotee of Lord Siva had built a magnificent temple

in Conjeevaram. By chance he had also fixed the date which Pusalar had mentally chosen, for the

installation of the Lord in his temple. The Lord wanted to show the king the superiority of Pusalar.s

great devotion. So, the Lord appeared in the king.s dream and asked him to postpone the installation

ceremony in his temple, as He would be going to the temple constructed by His devotee at Tiru

Ninravur. The king woke up from sleep and was intensely eager to have the Darshan of the devotee

mentioned by the Lord and also have a look at the great temple he had built, which he thought would

be far superior to his temple.

PUGAZH TUNAI NAYANAR

The king came to Tiruninravur and searched all over the place for the temple: he could not

find any. Then the king enquired about Pusalar. He found out Pusalar.s house and approached him.

Pusalar was stunned when he heard of the king.s dream. Soon, he recovered and was filled with joy.

He thought: .How kind and merciful is the Lord. I amonly a wretched creature and He has accepted

my mental shrine as His Abode. I am really blessed.. He told the king that that temple was only in

his mind. The king was greatly surprised to hear this. Admiring Pulasar.s devotion, the king fell at

his feet and worshipped him. Pulasar installed the Lord in his mental temple and continued to

worship Him till he attained His Abode.

59. NESA NAYANAR

This saint was the native of Kampili. He was a weaver. He was highly devoted to the Lord

and His Bhaktas. His mind was well fixed on the lotus feet of the Lord. His lips always uttered the

Panchakshara Mantra. His hands were ever busy in the service of His Bhaktas. These three virtues

gained the Lord.s grace for him.

Here is another instance of the glory of the Name of God. We have already seen the glory of

the Lord.s Name (Vide page 51) while studying the life of Sirapulli Nayanar. Constant repetition of

the Mantra enables you to remember Him always, throughout the day and even during sleep! The

technique is this: as soon as you wake up in the morning, sit down for half an hour and mentally

repeat the Mantra. And keep up the current during your work, too, by withdrawing yourself for a

few moments every hour and mentally visualising the presence of the Lord in you and mentally

repeating the Mantra. If you are established in this practice, very soon you will find that even when

you are talking or are engaged in other activities.nay, even during sleep, the mind goes on

repeating the Mantra. You will get God-realisation. In addition to this glorious Japa Yoga, Nesa

Nayanar also practised the Yoga of Synthesis. He thought of God, he lived for God, he worked for

God, he was highly devoted to God and loved Him.

60. KOCHENGAT CHOLA NAYANAR

In Chandra Tirtha in the Chola kingdom there was a thick grove. In that grove under a

Jambul tree there was a Siva Lingam. A white elephant used to come there daily and prostrate

before the Lingam. A spider which was also devoted to Him, noticed that dry leaves were falling on

Him and to prevent this wove a web above the Lingam.

The next day when the elephant came to worship, he found the web, and, thinking that

someone had polluted the place, tore the web, offered his worship and went away. The spider came

upon the scene, felt sorry that his web had been destroyed, wove another web and went away. The

next day, as the elephant was pulling the web away, the spider which was present there, gave him a

sting: the elephant died of the poison on the spot. The spider, too, was caught in the elephant.s

trunk, and perished.

Due to His grace, this spider was born as the son of Suba Devan, the Chola king. He and his

dutiful wife went to Chidambaram and eagerly prayed to the Lord Nataraja for a son. The Lord

granted their wish. Soon Kamalavati conceived the child. The day of delivery arrived. Astrologers

foretold that if the child could be delivered a few minutes later, it would rule the three worlds! The

NAYANAR SAINTS

queen asked that she should be tied to the roof of the room upside down, with a tight bandage

around her waist. When the auspicious time came, she was released and the child was born. This

was the spider reborn! The child had red eyes as he had remained in his mother.s womb a little

longer. The mother, looking into his eyes, said: .Kochekannano. (the child with red eyes), and

expired. Hence, he was named Kochengat Cholan. When he reached the proper age, his father

enthroned him king, retired from the world and, after severe penance, reached the Lord.s Abode.

Kochengat Cholan promoted Saivism. In Tiru Anai Ka he built a beautiful temple and

installed the Siva Lingam under the same Jambul tree! In Chola Nadu he built many shrines and

mansions for the use of the three thousand Brahmins of Tillai. He provided for regular worship at

Chidambaran. Finally he reached the Lord.s Abode. His glories were sung by the poet Poygayar in

his .Kalavazhi Narpathu..

61. TIRU NEELAKANTA YAZHPANAR

In Tiru Erukattanpuliyur, in the Chola kingdom, there lived an ardent devotee of Lord Siva

by name Tiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar. He was an expert in playing the Yazh (Veena, a musical

instrument). It was his habit to visit many sacred shrines and sing His glories on the Yazh. He once

went to Madura. He was standing at the entrance and singing. The Lord wanted to hear him at close

quarters and so asked the devotees in their dream, to bring Yazhpanar into the inner shrine the next

day. When the Brahmins took him inside the shrine, Yazhpanar was surprised, but understood it

was His Lila and that He wanted to hear him play on the Yazh. As he was singing, a voice was heard

in the heaven: .If the instrument rests on the wet floor, it will be spoilt: give him a golden seat to

occupy.. At once a golden seat was offered to him. Yazhpanar prostrated to the Lord and sang of

His supreme compassion, standing on the golden seat.

Yazhpanar then went to Tiruvarur and, here, too, he remained outside the shrine and sang.

And here, too, the Lord wanted him to sing in His immediate presence. So, He created another

opening on the northern side of the temple. Yazhpanar understood the Lord.s will and entered

through the gate and sang in His Presence. How he joined Sambandar and got Liberation, has been

told in Sambandar.s life.

62. SADAYA NAYANAR AND

63. ISAIJNANIYAR

In Tirunavalur in Tirumuraipadi there lived an Adi Saivite by name Sadayanar. All his

ancestors were ardent devotees of Lord Siva. He was also pious and devoted. Isaijnaniyar was his

dutiful wife. She was also devoted to the Lord. Due to their virtuous deeds in their past life, a divine

child was born to them. He was no other than Sundaramurthi Nayanar. Narasinga Munaiyar, the

king, was attracted by the child.s beauty and wanted to bring it up himself. The king approached the

parents and they, without a moment.s hesitation, handed the child over to him. By this action, they

showed that they had no attachment at all to anything in this world.

They led the ideal Grihastha (household) life and finally attained His grace.

KOCHENGAT CHOLA NAYANAR

Worldly attachment is the only chain with which man binds himself to this Samsara. When

there is attachment, there is Samsara or bondage: if you are completely detached, you are at once

freed, you become a Jivanmukta. You enjoy the Bliss of Brahman here and now, this very moment.

This is the unique glory of Hinduism: it promises immediate Liberation here in this world, while yet

embodied! Immediately the entire world is transformed into a manifestation of Divine Light. All

the paradoxes and mysteries of Creation are understood.

MANICKAVACHAGAR

In Tiruvadavur in the Pandya kingdom there lived a pious Brahmin. He and his dutiful wife,

due to merit earned in past lives, got a worthy son whom they named Vadavurar, after the native

place.

As the child grew, his wisdom increased as well. Soon he had mastered all the scriptures. He

also shone as the embodiment of all virtues and won the love and esteem of all. Even learned

Pundits and saints were attracted by his personality and wisdom. The king of Madura, Arimardana

Pandyan, heard of Vadavurar.s qualities and discovered that he was an all-rounder and was

proficient in administration also. The king made him his Prime Minister. Even here Vadavurar

shone with extraordinary brilliance and won the title of Tennavan Paramarayar.

As days passed, however, dispassion grew in Vadavurar.s heart. He had realised the

unreality of the world. To him everything was painful: birth, disease, death, rebirth, etc. He wanted

to enjoy the eternal bliss of Sivanandam. Even while he was administering the affairs of the state,

his mind was fixed on the Lotus Feet of the Lord. He would invite learned men and discuss with

them the intricate points in the Vedas. Soon, he realised that a Guru was necessary for real spiritual

progress. He longed to meet the real Guru. Whenever he went out on duty, he also searched for his

Guru.

One day, while the king was holding his Court, the head of his cavalry entered and informed

him that the cavalry needed immediate replenishment, as age, death and sickness had greatly

depleted its strength. The king immediately ordered the purchase of good horses. The task of

buying good horses from the right place was entrusted to Vadavurar. He was extremely happy, as he

was sure that he would find his real Guru, during that tour. It was a God-sent opportunity for him.

He offered sincere prayer to Lord Somasundarar in His temple and, besmearing His holy ash on his

body and with His name on his lips, Vadavurar started on the errand of buying horses, with enough

money. He reached Tiru Perunturai.

Lord Siva, Who is the Indweller of all hearts and so knew Vadavurar.s mental condition,

had decided to take him to the divine fold. In the guise of a Brahmin and with a copy of the book

Siva Jnana Bodam in his hand, the Brahmin was seated under a Kurunta tree near the temple at Tiru

Perunturai. He was surrounded by others (the celestial servants in disguise). Vadavurar entered the

temple and stood motionless before the Lord, in intense prayer. He shed tears of God-love. Then he

went round the temple. Near the tree he heard the holy vibrations of the Lord.s Name (Hara, Hara)

which melted his heart. The Brahmin.s magnetic personality attracted him.With overflowing love

and devotion, Vadavurar ran to the Brahmin, as a calf to its mother, after a long separation: and he

fell at the Brahmin.s feet.

NAYANAR SAINTS

By His grace, Vadavurar was able to recognise him as his real Guru. Holding his feet with

his hands Vadavurar prayed: .Oh Lord, kindly accept me as your slave and bless me.. The Lord was

waiting for this! He cast a graceful glance on Vadavurar. This at once removed all his sins and

purified his heart. Then the Lord initiated him into the divine mysteries of Siva Jnana. This very

initiation entranced him. He tasted the divine bliss and was self-forgetfully absorbed in it. Then

Vadavurar regained his consciousness and again fell at the Guru.s feet. He prayed: .Oh Lord, Who

has come to initiate me into the divine mysteries! Oh Lord Who has captivated me by a mere look!

Oh Lord Who has melted my mind! Oh Lord Who has made me surrender all wealth, body, mind

and soul! Oh my Jewel! Oh Wealth Imperishable! Oh Ocean of Bliss! Oh Nectar of Immortality!

Prostrations unto You!. Singing His glories thus, Vadavurar removed all his belongings and offered

all at the Feet of the Guru. He had become a Sanyasi. Smearing his body with sacred ashes, fixing

his mind on the lotus feet of the Guru, Vadavurar plunged into deep meditation. When he awoke

from this meditation, he was filled with an eagerness to sing the glories of the Lord. With love as the

string and his nectarine words as the gems, he made a garland and offered it at the Guru.s feet. The

Lord was highly pleased with it, and called him .Manickavachagar. since the hymns sung by him

were like gems in wisdom. The Lord asked him to stay on at that place, and disappeared.

Separation from the Lord and Guru, made Manickavachakar suffer intense pain and

anguish. Soon, he consoled himself and lived in the remembrance of the Lord and Guru. The king.s

servants who had accompanied Vadavurar thought that he had forgotten the mission, and, so, after

waiting for a few days, gently reminded him.Manickavachagar sent them back to the king with the

message that the horses would reach Madura within one month. When he heard of what had

happened to Vadavurar, the king was angry: but, waited patiently for a month.

At Tiruperunturai, Manickavachagar was devoted to the Lord, forgetting the king and the

mission: and he spent the money he had brought, in the construction of a temple. After waiting for a

month, the king sent him an angry note reminding him that one should be as alert in dealing with the

king as one would be when dealing with a cobra, and asking him to appear before the king at once.

Manickavachagar was upset. He went to the temple. He prayed for the Lord.s protection. Moved by

his sincere prayer, the Lord appeared in his dream that night in the same form of the Guru who

initiated him and said: .Oh noble soul, fear not. I myself will bring the best horses to Madura. You

can go in advance. Tell the king that the horses will arrive there on Avani Moolam.. The Lord

disappeared after placing a very costly diamond in his hands.

The next morning, Manickavachagar took leave of the Lord of Perunturai and donning his

ministerial robes started for Madura. He bowed before the king and gave him the diamond. He

explained: .Your Majesty, I have already purchased the horses for the entire money I had taken. I

was waiting for an auspicious day on which to bring the horses here. Avani Moolam is an

auspicious day. In the meantime, as commanded by Your Majesty, I have returned. The horses will

reach here on the auspicious day.. The king apologised to him for the rash note he had sent.

Manickavachagar built a big stable for the horses.

His relatives, apprehensive of the real state of Manickavachagar.s mind, appealed to him to

look after them and not to renounce the world. He laughed and said: .Oh friends, the day the Lord

initiated me. I have offered everything at His Feet. I have now no relatives except the Lord and His

devotees. I have no connection with this body, even. My only attachment is with the Lord Who is

MANICKAVACHAGAR

the remover of all our sins and bestower of Immortal Bliss. Birth is painful. Death is painful.

Everything that is not connected with the Lord is painful. I do not worry about anything in the world

now. I will beg happily with my palm as my begging bowl and appease my hunger with the food

that is received by chance. When the earth is ready to give me shelter, why should I resort to a

special dwelling place? The perfume I smear my body with is the sacred ash. My only belonging is

the garland of Rudraksha which destroys the sins of many births. Oh friends, when I am under His

protection, why should I fear anybody?.

With his thought fixed on the Lord, Manickavachagar was expecting the auspicious day. In

the meantime, one of the ministers had told the king that in truth Manickavachagar had spent all the

money in the construction of temples and that Manickavachagar.s statement was false. The king.s

suspicion increased. He sent some messengers to Perunturai to see whether the horses were really

there. They returned with a negative reply. Only two days remained now. The king did not get any

information about the horses. So, he ordered his soldiers to torture Manickavachagar and get the

money back. They informed Manickavachagar of all that had happened in the Court. He kept quiet.

They tormented him, according to the king.s orders. He bore everything, fixing his mind on the

Lord. The Lord Himself bore all the torture, and the Bhakta was relieved. The soldiers could not

understand the secret of his endurance. They tortured him further! He prayed to the Lord. The Lord

heard His Bhakta.s prayer and wanted to play His Lila. He willed that all the jackals of the place

should assume the form of horses. He also sent His celestial servants to act as horsemen. He

Himself assumed the form of a trader in horses. He reached Madura. The dust raised by the

gallopping horses filled the sky. The people were wonderstruck to see the fine horses. That day was

Avani Moolam. The thought that he had unnecessarily tortured Manickavachagar pained the king.s

heart. He at once released him and apologised to him. Both of them went to the place where the

horses had been stationed. The king was happy to see the good quality of the horses. The merchant

was also very handsome. Manickavachagar knew that it was the Lord Himself and so mentally

prostrated to Him. The king.s servants led the horses to the stable.

Day passed into night. In accordance with the Lord.s will, the horses assumed their original

form of jackals, broke the reins and fled from the stable, howling. Some of them injured even the

real horses. A few old jackals remained in the stable. The next morning, the horsemen did not find

any of the horses and there were only a few old jackals in the stable. They immediately reported the

matter to the king. The king got terribly angry with Manickavachagar who, he thought, had

deceived him by magic. The king.s soldiers again began to torture him and Manickavachagar

prayed to the Lord for His help. At once the Lord caused a heavy flood in the river Vaigai. There

was panic everywhere in the town. The people could not understand the cause of this untimely

flood. The soldiers who were guarding Manickavachagar also fled. He went to the temple. He

worshipped Lord Somasundarar and was completely absorbed in meditation. The king was

puzzled. He wanted to save the city from destruction. So, he ordered everyone in the city to bring

one basketful of mud and throw it on the bank of the river to stem the flood. Everyone, except an old

woman by name Vandi, did so. She sold Pittu (a sweetmeat) and eked out her livelihood. She was so

much devoted to Lord Somasundarar that she would daily offer it to Him first and then sell it. She

was in distress.

She prayed to the Lord for help. Lord Siva, out of His compassion, appeared as a labourer

before the old woman and offered his services in return for a handful of Pittu. With a dirty cloth

NAYANAR SAINTS

around his waist and a basket on his head, he would sing and dance and then put the mud on the bank

of the river. He ate her kind offering and threw the mud with such force that it caused new breaches!

For some time he would sit idle and again sing and dance. The king.s servants found the breach not

closed where the Lord was working and reported the matter to the king. The king who personally

supervised the work, noticed the idleness of the labourer, and hit him with a stick. The Lord threw

the mud on the breach and it was closed. The blow, however, was felt by all beings in the whole

universe. The king at once understood that it was all the Lord.s Lila. He recognised the greatness of

Manickavachagar. At that time, he heard an invisible voice: .Oh king, your entire wealth was spent

on Me and My Bhaktas. By this act Manickavachagar earned for you great merit. Instead of being

grateful to him, you have tortured him. The jackals turning into horses, and this sudden flood, were

all Lilas performed by Me for the sake of My devotee. At least now open your eyes and learn a

lesson for your future..

In the meantime, Manickavachagar had reached the temple and was absorbed in meditation.

He, too, felt the blow that the king gave the Lord. He got up from meditation. The king was in search

of him. On the way he learnt that the old woman had been taken to the Lord.s Abode in a celestial

car. He came to the temple in Tiru Alavai and prostrated before Manickavachagar. He requested

Manickavachagar to accept the rulership of the kingdom. The saint refused this offer but asked to be

permitted to go to Perunturai. Both of them came to Madura and worshipped the Lord.

Manickavachagar then left for Perunturai. The king also renounced everything soon after this and

reached the Lord.s Abode.

At Perunturai, Manickavachagar sang highly inspiring songs and prayed that he should see

the Lord in the form of the Guru, as He appeared at first. The Lord fulfilled his wish. He asked him

to go to Chidambaram. On the way he visited many shrines. In every shrine, unless the Lord

appeared in the original form of the Guru, he would not be satisfied. At Tiru Uttarakosha Mangai,

he wept bitterly when he did not see Him as the Guru. The Lord had to accede to his wish! By stages

he reached Chidambaram and rolled on the holy ground. He stayed in a garden near the temple and

sang the famous Tiruvachagam. The people of Tillai heard the songs and enjoyed its bliss.

In Ezha Nadu (Ceylon) there was an ascetic who was constantly repeating .Long Live

Ponnambalam.. The king of the place could not understand this, as he was a Buddhist, and had

called the ascetic to him. The ascetic went to the palace and sat down in front of the king with the

same words! Upon being asked by the king to explain the meaning, the ascetic said: .Oh king,

Ponnambalam is a sacred place in the Chola kingdom. This place is also called Chidambaram. Here

the Formless God takes a Form, of Nataraja, the divine dancer, for the welfare of the world. The

object of His dance is to free the souls from the fetters of Maya. Inside the temple there is a tank

called Siva Jnana Ganga tank. In this tank Hiranyavarman, the son of Manu, took his bath and got

his leprosy cured. Those who take a bath in this sacred tank and then worship Lord Nataraja are

purified of all sins. For them there will be no more birth. They will attain Eternal Bliss..

The Buddhist Guru who heard all this questioned: .Oh king, how can there be a God other

than Lord Buddha? I will myself go to Chidambaram and defeat the Saivite in argument and convert

the temple into a Buddhist shrine.. So saying he left for Tillai. The king also accompanied him, with

his dumb daughter.

MANICKAVACHAGAR

The Saivites sent a message to the Chola king asking him to arrange a debate with the

Buddhists when the latter had arrived at Chidambaram. The day prior to the appointed day, the

Brahmins prayed to Lord Nataraja for success in the debate. That night the Lord appeared in their

dream and said: .Approach Vadavurar and request him to oppose the Buddhist Guru in argument..

The next morning, the Brahmins approached Vadavurar who readily agreed. He went to the temple,

worshipped the Lord, and entered the hall of the debate. He did not like to see the face of the

Buddhists: so, he sat behind a curtain. The Buddhists opened the debate. Manickavachagar

explained the principles of Saivism. The Buddhists could not offer counter-arguments. They went

on repeating their arguments! Manickavachagar prayed to the Lord for help. At His instance, Devi

Sarasvathi withdrew Her grace from the Buddhists, and they became dumb. The Buddhists were

defeated in argument.

The Buddhist king understood Manickavachagar.s greatness. He said: .You have made my

teacher and all his disciples dumb. If you can make my dumb daughter speak, I and my subjects will

embrace Saivism.. Manickavachagar asked him to bring his daughter. He prayed to the Lord for His

help and then asked the girl to give proper answer to the questions put by the Buddhist Guru on Lord

Siva. The dumb daughter not only began to speak but gave fitting answers to those questions. They

were all wonder-struck at this miracle. The king and the Buddhists recognised the superiority of

Saivism and embraced it. Manickavachagar restored speech to the Buddhists also.

One day Lord Siva desired to hear Tiruvachagam from the lips of Manickavachagar and

bestow Moksha on him. He went to Manickavachagar in the disguise of a Brahmin.

Manickavachagar welcomed the guest with respect and enquired of his needs. Lord Siva told

Manickavachagar: .I want to hear Tiruvachagam from your own holy lips. I shall write it down, so

that I can learn it and with its help free myself from the shackles of Samsara.. Manickavachagar

recited the Tiruvachagam. The Brahmin (Lord Siva) wrote it down on palm leaves. Then he

suddenly disappeared! At once Manickavachagar knew that the Brahmin was the Lord Himself. He

felt terrible anguish for not having recognised Him.

The Lord wanted to immortalise Manickavachagar and to spread his glory. So, He kept

these songs on the step of Panchakshara of the Chit Sabha. The Brahmins of Tillai were surprised to

see them lying there. They opened the leaves and read the contents. In the end it was written

.Manickavachagar repeated this, Tiru Chitrambalam wrote this.. The Brahmins wanted to know the

meaning of these verses: so they showed this to Manickavachagar who took them to the temple,

and, pointing out to the image of Lord Siva, said: .This Tillai Nataraja is the purport of these

stanzas.. He at once merged himself at the Feet of Lord Nataraja.

NAYANAR SAINTS

SELECTIONS FROM THE UTTERANCES OF NAYANAR

SAINTS

Appar Or Tirunavukkarasar

The rare jewel of the Brahmins is the Veda with its six angas (parts). The rare jewel of the

Saivite is the Panchakshara.

Everything is the manifestation of Lord Siva. Siva is Narayana, Brahma, the four Vedas, the

Holiest, the most Ancient, the Perfect. Though Siva is all these, He is none of these. He is without

name, without birth, death or disease. He is at once the transcendent and the immanent.

Love of Lord Siva must be felt and manifested. Sing. Pray. Worship. Weep. Dance. Lord

Siva is the music or melody in the song, the sweetness in the fruit, the thought in the mind, the lustre

in the eyes. He is neither male, nor female. He is without dimensions.

Subdue the senses. Practise regular meditation. Practise the four-fold Saivite discipline.

Develop dispassion (Vairagya). Transcend the three bodies. Unite the individual soul with the

supreme soul or Lord Siva. You will attain eternal bliss and immortality. You can behold Lord Siva

if you look for Him with the light of wisdom issuing forth from the wick of life, fed with the ghee of

meditation in the lamp of the mind within the house of your body.

Plough with truth. Plant the seeds of desire for Self-knowledge. Irrigate the mind with the

water of patience. Supervise your work by looking within or introspecting. Build the fence of

Yama, Niyama, or right conduct or right living. You will soon attain Sivanandam or eternal bliss of

Siva.

Regard your body as the temple of Lord Siva, your mind as the worshipper, Truth as purity

which is necessary for worship, the jewel of the mind as the Lingam, love as the ghee, milk, etc.

Perform Puja to Lord Siva thus. Lord Siva cannot be obtained without making the mind one-pointed

and meditating on the Panchakshara.

Tirumular

Tirumandiram deals with the practical and theoretical aspects of Saivite religion and

philosophy. The treatment of Pathi (Lord Siva), Pasu (individual soul), and Pasam (attachment) in

the old method is found in this book.

By the practice of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga, the Yogi obtains the blessing of Uma and

attains Amarapadavi (Godhood) by the practice of Yama (self-restraint). He attains Siva Padam the

(Abode of Siva) by the practice of Niyama (religious canons). He hears Nadam (mystic sound) by

the practice of Asana (Yoga posture). He attains the stage, by the practice of Pranayama (restraint of

breath) in which all the gods eulogise him. He attains the form of Siva by the practice of Pratyahara

(abstraction of the senses) and the gods become confused as they cannot differentiate him from

Siva. He can go anywhere including the worlds of Brahma and Vishnu by the practice of Dharana

(concentration). He can walk into any place just as one can walk on earth. He attains the Abode of

SELECTIONS FROM THE UTTERANCES OF NAYANAR SAINTS

Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and Indra, by the practice of Dhyana (meditation). He frees himself from

all the Upadhis (limiting adjuncts) or fetters and unites with Lord Siva by the practice of Samadhi

(superconscious state).

God alone is the Guru or the spiritual teacher. He reveals Siva. Sat Guru is Ambalam or

Chidakasa (the divine plane of Consciousness). You will have to search for the Guru in your own

heart. Knowledge, devotion, purity, Siddhis (psychic powers) are obtained through the grace of the

Guru. The grace descends on the virtuous aspirant who has purity, dispassion, etc.

The thirsting aspirants should get help from the Param Guru. He imparts spiritual

instructions to the aspirants. Then Suddha Guru confers upon them divine grace. When the aspirant

obtains the divine grace, he gets several powers: purity, the power to know the Mantra, higher

psychic powers, etc. Then the Sad Guru reveals him in the Chidakasa (the seat of Consciousness in

the ether of the heart), breaks the three bonds, viz., Anava (egoism), Karma (action) and Maya

(illusion), and helps him to enter the illimitable domain of Moksha or supreme abode of eternal

bliss. Siva Guru presents himself later on and manifests Sat (Reality), Asat (unreality) and Sat-asat

(that which is indescribable as either). When the Jiva (individual soul) attains the final knowledge

he becomes Sivam Himself. The Guru who presents himself in the earlier stages, too, is Siva

Himself.

The devotee attains the grace of the Lord when he meditates on Him in the chambers of his

heart; in the space between the two eye-brows and in the head. The holy Feet of the Lord are highly

eulogised. The holy Feet of the Lord are Mantra, beauty and truth.

Jneya or that which is to be known is Siva Ananda which is a product of Siva and His grace,

Shakti. The Jnata (knower) is the individual soul or Jiva. He knows Siva by abiding in Siva Ananda

and obtains Jnanam or Knowledge.

Moksha is the attainment of Siva Ananda. He who attains Moksha will attain supreme

knowledge of Siva. He who gets established in Siva Ananda will attain knowledge and Moksha

(final emancipation).

The Jiva who knows Siva Ananda dwells for ever in it. He attains Siva and Shakti in Siva

Ananda. He is endowed with true knowledge which is really union of Siva and Shakti. Lord Siva

shows the path which leads to Moksha, to the aspirant who is endowed with dispassion,

non-attachment, and renunciation, and who praises Him always and performs regular worship.

The devotee of Lord Siva gets strength to resist the temptations of the world and Indra,

through his Tapas or austerity. He does not care at all for the celestial pleasures offered by Indra. He

is quite contented with the Supreme Bliss attained through union with Lord Siva.

NAYANAR SAINTS

GLORY OF LORD SIVA

OM I bow with folded palms to Lord Siva Who is the Lord of the universe, World Teacher,

Who is the Destroyer of Tripuras (three cities of lust, anger and egoism), Who is the Lord of Uma,

Gauri, Ganga, Who is full of light, knowledge and bliss, Who is the Lord of Yogis, who is the

storehouse of knowledge and Who is known by the various names as Mahadeva, Sankara, Hara,

Sambhu, Sadashiva, Rudra, Soolapani, Bhairava, Uma-Maheshwara, Neelakantha, Trilochana,

Tryambaka, Viswanatha, Chandrasekhara, Ardhanaareesvara, Maheshwara, Neelalohita, Parama

Siva, Digambara, Dakshinamurthi, etc.

How merciful He is! How loving and kind He is! He even wears the skulls of His devotees

as a garland around His neck. He is an embodiment of renunciation, mercy, love and wisdom. It is a

mistake to say that He is the destroyer. Lord Siva in reality is the regenerator. Whenever one.s

physical body becomes unfit for further evolution in this birth, either by disease, old age or other

causes, He at once removes this rotten physical sheath and gives a new, healthy, vigorous body for

further quick evolution. He wants to take all His children to His Lotus Feet quickly. He desires to

give them His glorious .Siva-Padam.. It is easier to please Siva than to please Hari. A little Prem

and devotion, a little chanting of His Panchakshara (the Mantra OM NAMAH SIVAYA which has

five letters) is quite sufficient to infuse delight in Siva. He gives boons to His devotees quite readily.

How large is His heart! He gave Pasupatha Astra (a weapon) to Arjuna, without any difficulty, for

his little penance. He gave a precious boon to Bhasmasura. In Kalahasthi, near Tirupathi, He gave

Darshan to Kannapa Nayanar, the devoted hunter. In Chidambaram, even the untouchable saint

Nandan had the Darshan of Lord Siva. He ran with tremendous speed to make the boy Markandeya

immortal, when he was in the clutches of the God of Death.Yama. Ravana of Lanka pleased Lord

Siva, with his Sama-chantings (Sama is one of the three Vedas). He initiated the Four Divine

Youths (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathana, Sanatkumara) into the mysteries of Jnana, in the form of

Dakshinamurthy. In Madura He assumed the form of a boy and carried earth on His head for a

devoted lady. Look at His unbounded mercy for His devotees! When Brahma and Vishnu went to

find out the Head and Feet of Lord Siva, He assumed the form of an infinite, expansive blaze of

light. They were baffled. How magnificent and self-effulgent He is! He lived for several years in the

house of Pattinathu Swami of South India, as his adopted son, and disappeared, after giving him the

small note: .Even the broken needles will not follow you after death.. The reading of this note was

the starting point for attainment of Jnana for the Swami. Why do you all not attempt this very

second, with sincerity, to realise God?

Hatha Yogis awaken the Kundalini Shakti that is lying dormant in the Muladhara Chakra,

by Asana, Pranayama, Kumbhaka, Mudra and Bandha, taking it up through different Chakras

(centres of spiritual energy) viz., Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha and Ajna, and join

it with Lord Siva at the Sahasrara, the thousand-petalled lotus at the crown of the head. They drink

the nectar of Immortality. This is termed Amrita-Srava. When the Shakti is united with Siva, full

illumination comes to the Yogi.

Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of Brahman. That portion of Brahman that is

enveloped by Tamo-guna-pradhana-Maya is Lord Siva Who is the all-pervading Iswara, and Who

also dwells in Kailasa. He is the storehouse of wisdom. Siva minus Parvathy is pure Infinite Being.

With Maya, He becomes Saguna Brahman (personal God) for the purpose of pious devotion of His

GLORY OF LORD SIVA

devotees. Devotees of Lord Rama must worship Siva also. Rama Himself worshipped Lord Siva at

the famous Rameshvaram. Lord Siva is the Lord of ascetics and Lord of Yogins robed in space

(naked - Digambaras).

His Trisul (trident) that is held in His right hand represents the three Gunas.Satva, Rajas

and Tamas. That is the emblem of sovereignty. He wields the world through these Gunas. The

Damaru (drum) in His left hand represents the Sabda Brahman (OM) from which all languages

have been formed. It is He Who formed the Sanskrit language out of the sound of the Damaru. The

wearing of the crescent moon on His head indicates that He has controlled the mind perfectly. The

flow of the Ganga represents the nectar of immortality. Elephant represents, symbolically, the Vritti

(mental modification) of pride. Wearing the skin of an elephant denotes that He has controlled

pride. The tiger represents lust and his sitting on the skin indicates that He has conquered lust. His

holding a deer in one hand indicates that He has removed the tossing or wandering nature of the

mind. Deer jumps from one object to another. His wearing of serpents around His neck denotes

wisdom and eternity. Serpents live for a large number of years, and represent Time which glides

away smoothly! He is Trilochana (Three-eyed), in the centre of whose forehead is the third eye, the

eye of wisdom. Nandi, the bull that sits in front of the Siva Lingam represents Pranava (OM). The

Lingam represents Adwaita (monism). It points out .I am one without a second. just as a man raises

his right hand above his head pointing out his right index finger only.

Kailas hills in Tibet are a huge range with a central, beautiful, naturally carved and

decorated shining peak, eternally clad with silvery snow, 22,980 feet above sea-level. Some take

the height to be 22,028 feet. This particular peak is in the from of a natural, huge Siva Lingam. This

is worshipped as the form of Lord Siva from a distance. There is neither a temple nor a priest, nor

daily worship here. I had the fortune to have Darshan of Kailas through the grace of Lord Siva on

July 22nd, 1931. I even climbed with panting breath to the foot of Kailas peak where the river Indus

takes its origin. It is a picturesque and soul-stirring scene. You will have to ascend from Didipha

Guha, the first halting place in the Parikrama (circumambulation) of Kailas which covers 30 miles.

It takes three days. On the way comes the famous and sacred Gauri Kund which is eternally covered

with snow. You will have to break the snow when you take a bath.

The following are the twelve Jyotir Lingas of Lord Siva:

1. Somnath in Gujerat.

2. Mallikarjun in Sri Saila Parvat near Tirupati.

3. Mahakalam in Ujjain in Gwalior State.

4. Omkareshwar on the banks of the river Narmada in Amaleshwaram.

5. Bhaijnath near Gaya.

6. Naganath in Southern India.

7. Kedarnath in the Himalayas.

8. Tryambak, near the source of the Godavari, in the Nasik district, Bombay.

9. Rameswaram in South India.

10. Bhima Sankar, near Poona.

11. Viswanath in Banares.

12. Grineshwar (Gokarna) in Kharwar district.

NAYANAR SAINTS

Even if people remember these 12 places both morning and evening, the sins of seven births

will be destroyed.

THE SIVA LINGAM

You will find in the Linga Purana:

Pradhanam Prakritir Yadahurlingamuttamam Gandhavarnarasairheenam sabda

sparshaadi varjitam The foremost Lingam which is primary, and is devoid of smell, colour, taste,

hearing, etc., is spoken of as Prakriti.Nature.

Linga means mark in Sanskrit. It is a symbol which points to an inference. When you see a

big flood in a river, you infer that there should have been heavy rains the previous day. When you

see smoke, you infer that there is fire. This world of countless forms is a Lingam of the Omnipotent

Lord. The Siva Lingam is a symbol of Lord Siva. When you look at the Lingam, your mind is at

once elevated and you begin to think of the Lord.

Lord Siva is really formless. He has no form of His own; and, yet, all forms are His forms.

All forms are pervaded by Lord Siva. Every form is the form or Lingam of Lord Siva.

There is a mysterious power or indescribable Shakti in the Lingam, to induce concentration

of the mind. Just as the mind is focussed easily in crystal gazing, the mind of a devotee is easily

concentrated when he looks at the Lingam. That is the reason why the ancient Rishis of India and

the seers have prescribed Lingam for being installed in the temples of Siva.

Siva Lingam speaks to you in the unmistakable language of silence: .I am one without a

second. I am formless.. Pure, pious souls only can understand this language. A curious, passionate,

impure foreigner of little understanding or intelligence says: .Oh, the Hindus worship the phallus.

They are ignorant people. They have no philosophy.. When a foreigner tries to learn Tamil or

Hindustani language, he first tries to pick up some vulgar words. This is his curiosity nature. Even

so, the curious foreigner tries to find out some defects in the worship of the symbol. Lingam is only

the outward symbol of the formless Being, Lord Siva, Who is the indivisible, all-pervading, eternal,

auspicious, ever-pure, immortal essence of this vast universe, Who is the undying soul seated in the

chambers of your heart, Who is your Indweller, innermost Self or Atman, one with Brahman.

Sphatikalingam is also a symbol of Lord Siva. This is prescribed for Aradhana or worship of

Lord Siva. It is made of quartz. It has no colour of its own, but takes on the colour of the substance

which comes in contact with it. It represents the Nirguna Brahman or the attributeless Supreme

Self.

For a sincere devotee, the Lingam is not a block of stone. It is all radiant Tejas or Chaitanya

(Light or Consciousness). The Lingam talks to him, makes him shed profuse tears, produces

horripilation and melting of heart, raises him above body-consciousness, and helps him to

commune with the Lord and attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Lord Rama worshipped the Siva Lingam at

Rameshwaram. What a great mystic Shakti there should be in the Lingam!

GLORY OF LORD SIVA

PUJA AND ISHTA DEVATA

Puja is the common term for ritual worship, of which there are numerous synonyms such as

Archana, Vandana, Bhajana, etc., though some of these stress certain aspects of it. The object of

worship is the Ishta Devata or the guardian deity or the particular form of the Deity whom the

devotee worships.

Whilst all things may be the objects of worship, choice is naturally made of those objects

which, by reason of their effect on the mind, are more fitted for it. An image or one of the useful

emblems is likely to raise in the mind of the worshipper the thought of God.

In Puja, an image or picture representing some divine form is used as the object of worship.

The image is adored. A Lingam represents Siva. All forms are one. All are adoring the same Iswara.

The differences are only differences of names due to difference in the temperament of the

worshippers, but not in the object of adoration. It is only out of ignorance that different religionists

and different sects fight and quarrel amongst themselves.

Regular worship, Puja or other modes of demonstrating our inner feeling of recognition of

Divinity in the idol unveil the Divinity latent in it. This is truly a wonder and a miracle. The picture

comes to life. The idol speaks. It will answer your questions and solve your problems. The God in

you has the power to awaken the latent Divinity in the idol. It is like a powerful lens that focusses

the sun.s rays on to a bundle of cotton. The lens is not fire and the cotton is not fire either, nor can

the sun.s rays, by themselves, burn cotton. When the three are brought together in a particular

manner, fire is generated and the cotton is burnt. Similar is the case with the idol, the power of the

devotee.s concentration and faith makes the idol shine with resplendence. God is then enshrined in

the idol. From here, He will protect you in a special manner. The idol will perform miracles. The

place where it is installed is at once transformed into a temple, nay, a Vaikuntha (abode of Lord

Vishnu) or Kailasa (abode of Lord Siva). Those who live in such a place are freed from miseries,

from diseases, from failures and from Samsara itself. The awakened Divinity in the idol acts as a

guardian angel, blessing all, conferring the highest good on the devotees.

All the Nayanars attained God-realisation through the worship of the Lingam, the image of

Lord Siva. A pseudo-Vedantin feels ashamed to bow down or prostrate before an idol. Appar,

Sundarar, Sambandar etc., had the highest Adwaitic realisation. They saw Lord Siva everywhere

and yet they visited all temples of Siva, prostrated before the idol and sang hymns which are on

record now. The Nayanar saints practised Chariyai and Kriyai only and attained God-realisation.

They swept the floor of the temple, collected flowers, made garlands for the Lord, and put on lights

in the temple. They were illiterate, but attained the highest realisation. They were practical Yogis

and their hearts were saturated with pure devotion. They were embodiments of Karma Yoga. All of

them practised the Yoga of Synthesis. The idol in the temple was amass of Consciousness for them.

Lord Krishna gives a description of worship to Uddhava in the eleventh chapter of Srimad

Bhagavatam:

.The sun, fire, earth, or clay, water, a Brahmin, any image of Mine in the concrete, clearly

thought of as seated in the heart, may be worshipped in My Name sincerely with such articles as

NAYANAR SAINTS

could be obtained by him. The worship should be sincere and whole-hearted and the devotee should

imagine Me as his preceptor. The devotee should begin My worship for obtaining My grace and not

for any other desire. In ordinary images I should be invoked at every time of worship. I can be

pictured in the mind. The worship of My image in the heart should be with accessories pictured in

the mind.

.The image should be washed or bathed, cleaned and adorned with ornaments and marks.

The devotee should not rise in the midst of worship to get some articles. Once seated, he must finish

it before he rises for anything. He should be seated on Darbha grass or other clean seat. He must put

My image facing north or east or must himself sit facing north or east. He must sit facing Me or

sideways. He should repeat the mantras for purifying himself. He should clean his body by control

of breath. He should sit quiet and meditate on Me for some time.

.He should fancy Me as in a lotus with eight petals, overflowing with fragrance and radiant

with light. Sandal-wood, saffron, camphor, Kumkum and fragrance should be used. Purusha Sukta

(a Vedic prayer) and other sacred literature should be recited. My devotee may adorn Me with cloth,

gems, sacred thread, sandal, flowers, saffron, and ointments, etc. The devotee should offer water for

washing the Feet, Achamanam (for sipping), sandal, words of greeting, invitation, and hospitality.

He should also wave incense, light and camphor at My altar. He can sing aloud hymns in My praise.

He can sing songs and dance in My altar reciting My various deeds and achievements. He should

seek My grace, prostrating himself duly before Me. Putting his head on My Feet, he should ask for

My grace to protect him and save him from the wheel of births and deaths.

.He should adorn himself with the flowers and sandal used in such worship. The devotee

may worship Me in any form in all objects or in himself in the manner that appeals most to his mind,

and inclinations, as I am immanent in all things. My devotee, worshipping Me thus with rituals,

Mantras or both, attains not only bliss and Self-realisation, but also all things he desires. By

building temples, altars, etc. devotees attain power over all the worlds. By worship of Me they

attain Brahma Loka. By all the acts, they attain My power and immanence..

Bells are rung in the temples, and while doing Puja, to shut out the external sounds and to

make the mind inward and concentrated.

Lights are waved before the Deity. This denotes that the Lord is supreme Light. The devotee

says: .Oh Lord, Thou art self-effulgent, Light of the universe. Thou art the light in the sun, moon,

and fire. Remove the darkness in me by bestowing your divine Light on me. May my intellect be

illumined.. This is the significance of waving lights.

Incense is burnt before the Deity. The smoke spreads through the whole room. It acts as a

disinfectant. It denotes that the Lord is all-pervading and fills the whole universe by His living

presence. The devotee prays: .Oh Lord, let the Vasanas and Samskaras dormant in me vanish like

the smoke of this incense and become ashes. Let me become stainless..

Burning of camphor denotes that the individual ego melts like the camphor and the Jiva

becomes one with the Supreme Light of lights.

PUJA AND ISHTA DEVATA

The pasting of sandal reminds the devotee that he should, in his difficulties, be as patient as

the sandal. Sandal emanates sweet odour when it is ground. So also, the devotee should not murmur

when difficulties arise, but, on the other hand, remain cheerful and happy and emanate sweetness

and gentleness like the sandal. He should not hate even his enemy. This is another precept we learn

from this. Though the sandalwood is crushed and ground, it silently wears itself out, emanating only

very sweet odour. One should return good for evil.

It is the understanding of this inner meaning of Puja that brings in the higher form of

devotion.

Bhakti is of two kinds, viz., higher Bhakti or Para Bhakti, and lower Bhakti or ritualistic

Bhakti. Ritualistic Bhakti is formal Bhakti. The mind becomes purer and purer. The aspirant

gradually develops love for God through ritualistic worship.

Hinduism leads the aspirants gradually from material images to mental images, and from

the diverse mental images to the one Personal God, and from the Personal God to the Impersonal

Absolute.

Do Japa of the Panchakshara.Om Namah Sivaya. You can even sing the Panchakshara

nicely:

Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namah Sivaya,

Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namah Sivaya.

People used to dance, during my tours, whenever I sang the Siva Tandava Kirtan:

Agad Bhum, Agad Bhum Baje Damaru,

Nache Sadasiva Jajad Guru

Nache Brahma, Nache Vishnu, Nache Mahadev

Kappar Lekey Kali Nache Nache Adidev.

Do Puja regularly with faith and devotion. Always and at the end of your prayers, Puja,

meditation or Japa, repeat the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim

Pushtivardhanam, Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan-

Mrityor Muksheeya Maamritaat.

for the health, long life, peace and happiness of all. This great Mantra in praise of Lord Siva

works wonders, averts accidents, heals diseases and bestows long life. It will also liberate you from

Samsara.

NAYANAR SAINTS

GLOSSARY

Abhishekam . Bathing the image of God.

Aiswarya . Wealth.

Agama .Scripture dealing with ritualistic worship.

Archana .Worshipping the image with flowers.

Bhasma .The holy ash.

Bhav .Attitude, faith.

Deva.Celestial being.

Jivanmukta .The sage, liberated while living here.

Jnana .Wisdom, relating to God.

Karma .Effect of past action (in past births).

Khanda .Similar to chapter, in the Vedas.

Kowpeenam .Loin cloth.

Mutt .A monastery.

Nitya Karmas .Daily obligatory duties.

Pralaya . Cosmic dissolution.

Rishabha .Bull, the vehicle of Lord Siva.

Rudraksham .A kind of bead used by devotees.

Samsara .Transmigration, round of birth-death.

Samskaras .Subtle mental impressions.

Tapas (Tapaswin) .Austerity (one who does).

Vairagya .Dispassion.

Vaisya .A businessman.

Yajna (Yaga) .Ceremonial sacrifice.

NOTE: In the case of some proper names, the Tamil tradition of using them in different

forms has been adopted: viz., Enadinatha Nayanar is referred to as Enadinathar or Enadiar. These

will be obvious. The names of some festivals, viz., Panguni Uttaram, Vasanta Utsavam, Maha

Navami, have been retained. There are a number of other proper names, too, with which the reader

will become familiar.

Om Tat Sat

(My humble salutations to the lotus feet of Sree Swamy Sivananda of The Divine Life Society and also grateful to other Swamyjis for the collection)

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Thursday, June 28, 2012