Names of 63 Saints and a brief history
1. Sundaramurthi Nayanar
Sundaramurthi Nayanar was born in Thiru
Navalur, in an atmosphere full of spiritual vibrations and Saivism. He
was a great devotee of Lord Siva. He is one of the Tamil Samaya Acharyas
(four Tamil religious Teachers). Sundaramurthi Nayanar, with a friend
like attitude towards Lord Siva sang the glories of Lord Siva at all the
sacred places that he visited.
2. ThiruNeelakanta Nayanar
Thiru Neelakanta Nayanar lived in Chidambaram.
A potter by caste and profession and had great regard and love for Lord
Siva (His Neelakanta aspect) and His devotees. He led an ideal
household life and achieved the ultimate state with his intense
devotion.
3. Iyarpahai Nayanar
Iyarpahaiar, a Visya by caste, was a native of
Kaveripoompattinam. To him Siva Bhaktas were the living manifestations
of Lord Siva. Charity was ingrained in him. It was his practice to
invite Siva Bhaktas to his house, worship them with faith and devotion
and give them all they wanted. Through his life, Lord revealed the truth
that unquestioning devotion does not result in the violation of the
Dharma.
4. IlayankudiMara Nayanar
Marnar, a farmer by profession from Ilayankudi
village, later transformed into Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar , through his
great devotion of Lord Siva and His devotees. He took the greatest
pleasure in serving them. Lord Siva bestowed him with unique darshan
(vision or experience) - Lord Siva and Mother Parvathy showered Their
blessing on him and his wife. He reached the ultimate state with his
devotion to Siva.
5. Maiporul Nayanar
Maiporul Nayanar (meaning 'one for whom God
was the sole reality') was a pious, chivalrous and brave king and an
ardent devote of Siva and all His devotees. There was peace and plenty
in his kingdom. People worshipped him as the “living God”. He gave his
word that any of Lord Siva's devotees will be welcomed and taken care
of, in his kingdom. A neighbouring king, who dressed up as a Siva bhakta
(devotee) plotted against him and stabbed him, Maiporul gave him
protection and sent him back. This pious act, in face of death made him
attain Siva's consciousness.
6. Viralminda Nayanar
A Vellala by caste and a staunch devotee of
Lord Siva, Viralminda Nayanar was born in Sengunru. Through the grace of
Siva, he was free from ego. He had equal vision. He served His devotees
and attained purity of mind. To him worship of Siva Bhaktas was equal,
if not even superior to the worship of Lord Siva Himself. He felt that
no one could get Siva's grace without first worshipping Siva Bhaktas.
Before worshipping the Lord at the temples, he used to worship the Siva
Bhaktas who might be found there.
7. Amaraneedi Nayanar
Amaraneedi Nayanar was a Vaisya by caste and
was an ardent Siva Bhakta.He belonged to Pazhaiyaarai in the Chola
Kingdom. He used to run an import export business in gold, diamonds,
silks and cotton goods. He earned money honestly and became rich. Though
he was engaged in worldly activities, his mind was fixed on Lord Siva.
He would invite Siva Bhaktas to his house and worship them. He reached
the ultimate knowledge and merged into eternal bliss with his devotional
attitude.
8. Eripatha Nayanar
Eripatha Nayanar was born in Karuvur city that
is situated on the bank of the river Ambiravatiin the Chola Kingdom. On
both the banks of this river saints and sages were doing Tapas
(penance) and were radiating spiritual vibrations. Eripatha Nayanar was
daily worshipping Lord Pasupatheesvarar with great faith and devotion.
Pleased with his devotion, he was showered with state of ultimate bliss
by Siva.
9. Enadinatha Nayanar
A Shanar (toddy tapper), Enadinatha Nayanar
was born in Eyinanur in Chola Kingdom. It was situated to the south-east
of Kumbakonam on the bank of the river Arisol. Enadinathar was an
ardent devotee of Lord Siva, he was devoted even to the external marks
of Siva Bhakti. To Enadiar, the three white lines of Thiruneeru or
sacred ash on one's forehead were sufficient to evoke his own reverence.
He was challenged to a duel by a jealous man, who just to kill
Enadinatha, applied Thiruneeru marks on his own forehead. Seeing the
sacred marks on the opponents, Enadinatha didn't attack and was slain by
the armed opponent. Lord Siva was highly pleased with this
self-sacrificing devotion that Enadinathar had for the ashes. He
appeared before Enadinathar as he fell, and took him to His Abode.
10. Kannappa Nayanar
Tinnar was born to the king of hunters at
Uduppur in Pottapi Nadu and himself was a great archer. Though hunter by
profession, Tinnanar was full of love and would not kill young ones,
females, diseased animals, etc. Spiritually, he had already killed the
animals within himself, ie. lust, anger, greed, vanity, etc. On
Kalahasti hill, one day he saw Lord Siva in a Siva Lingam and felt
supreme love surging in his heart. He offered his both eyes, when the
two eyes on the Siva Lingam were oozing blood. Lord Siva caught hold of
his hand and said: 'My dear child, Kannappa! Stop plucking your eye.'
The Lord repeated the word Kannappa thrice. Kannappar was thrice
blessed. Tinnanar became Kannappar, because he gave his own eye to the
Lord.
11. KungiliyaKalaya Nayanar
Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar was a Brahmin by
caste and was born in Thirukadavur in the Chola kingdom. He got the name
because he was always holding a pot (an incense pot) in his hand. He
considered burning of incense before the Lord was the best service to
Him. Lord Siva was highly pleased with the Nayanar's intense devotion
and his wonderful service. Lord Siva put his devotion to test in many
instances, so that the true glory of his supreme devotion to the Lord
may be understood by all. He finally bestowed him with eternal bliss.
12. Manakanchara Nayanar
Manakanchara was Vellala by caste and
Senathipathi (war general) by profession, was born in Kancharur in Chola
kingdom. People of the community had the highest regard for him. He was
a contemporary of Sundaramurthi Nayanar. He would read devotees minds
from their look, and would serve them without their asking.
13. Arivattaya Nayanar
A rich Vellala by name Thayanar used to live
in Kannamangalam in the Chola kingdom. He was leading the life of an
ideal Grihastha (householder). Thayanar was a great devotee of Lord
Siva. His devotion took the form of a daily offering to the Lord of food
prepared with red rice, a sauce made of red herb, and mango. He
considered this as an act of great devotion to the Lord. The Lord was
highly pleased with Thayanar's devotion and blessed him with ultimate
state of consciousness. He later received the name Arivattaya.
14. Anaya Nayanar
Anayar a cowherd by profession, was born in
Thirumangalam. He was a staunch devotee of the Lord Siva. He was devoted
to the Bhasma, and also to Siva Bhaktas, irrespective of their
caste. His devotion to the Lord took the form of playing on his flute
the holy Panchakshara Mantra of Siva. He aspired to realise the Lord,
through this Mantra. The Lord was immensely pleased with Ayanar's
sincere devotion. The sweetness of the music of the flute and the effect
of the Panchakshara Mantra both melted His heart. He appeared before
Nayanar, with Mother Parvathi, blessed him and took him to Kailas.
15. Murthi Nayanar
Murthi Nayanar was born in Madura in Pandya
kingdom. A Vaisya by caste, he was a great devotee of Lord Siva. Daily
he used to offer sandalwood paste to the Lord. He was bestowed with Lord
Siva's darshan (vision/experience) when one day he used his own elbow
as sandal paste when he didn't get any to perform puja with. By Lord's
grace, he became ruler of that place, and at the end of his life,
attained Siva's consciousness.
16. Muruga Nayanar
Muruga Nayanar was born in Thirupukalur, a
place for many other Nayanars also. Daily he would wake up well before
sunrise, take bath, wear the sacred ash on his forehead, do his Nitya
Karmas, and go to the garden with a basket. Repeating the
Panchakshara(holy chant) he would collect flowers, and as mentioned in
the Siva Agamas, make colourful garlands and offer to the Lord. He got
merged in the Divine Effulgence of the Lord finally.
17. RudraPasupathi Nayanar
Rudra Pasupathi Nayanar was a great devotee of
Lord Siva and he resorted to this Sadhana (penance). He used to recite
Sri Rudram standing in water, neck deep and was, therefore, blessed by
the Lord with Moksha or the ultimate state of bliss. In the vedas the
holy hymn that takes the central stage is shri rudram. This holy hymn has in its bosom the holy most mantra for any saivite that is nama sivaya, the siva panchasaram. This is one vedic hymn chanted at any major worship of Lord Siva. Chanting of the holy rudram is called uruththira pachupathi (rudra pashupati)
18. ThiruNalaiPovar Nayanar
Nandanar
was a Paraiah (untouchable) by caste. He was born in Adanoor in the
Chola kingdom. He was an embodiment of humility and devotion. Lord Siva
was his sole refuge. He would often visit the holy places of pilgrimage
and supply leather drums and such other musical instruments for the
temples. When he went near the temples, he always remained outside and
worshipped the Lord mentally. He reached the ultimate state of bliss
with his devotion to Lord Siva.
19. Thiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar
Thiruthondar was born in Thondamandalam. He
was a washerman. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Siva. He served Siva
Bhaktas, understanding their need by watching for the signs on their
face, and hence he had earned the name Thiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar. His
service consisted mainly of washing the clothes of Siva Bhaktas. Lord
Siva wanted to bless this devotee and, as usual, it had to be preceded
by a severe test and after passing all the tests, bestowed him with His
consciousness!
20. Chandesvara Nayanar
Vichara Sarman (who was later known as
Chandesvara Nayanar) was born in Thiruchaijnanallur, which was famous
for Vedic recitations, Tapas, and Siva Bhakti. He had attained Saroopya
Mukthi (liberation, with the attainment of the form of the Lord). The
Lord said: ' You worshipped Me with food, clothes and flower garlands.
In the same manner, you will also be worshipped.
21. Thiru-Navukkarasar Nayanar
Appar
or Thiru Navukkarasar flourished in the 7th century A. D. He is one of
the four Saiva Samaya Acharyas (Saivite spiritual
teachers). Thiru-Navukkarasar Naynar embraced Jainism at earlier stages
of his life. Later he realised he made a mistake and felt at the feet of
the Lord and worshipped him. He worshipped with intense devotion. "Oh
Lord, I have insulted You and Your religion, I have committed Once on
the bank of Godavari, I argued with the saints and established the
superiority of Jainism. For all this evil, Lord Yama himself has come to
me in the form of this excruciating pain. Oh Lord, You are my sole prop
and refuge. Save me. I will ever keep Your Lotus Feet in my heart.'
When he concluded the song, the pain disappeared. A celestial voice
said: 'From now on you will be known as Thiru Navukkarasar, 'Lord of
Speech'. Your glory will spread everywhere.' Thus Lord Siva's grace
restored his faith in Saivism.
22. Kulacchirai Nayanar
In
devotion to Siva Bhaktas, Kulacchirai Nayanar excelled. He was born in
Manamerkudi, in the Pandyan kingdom Nayanar was an able soldier and
administrator. Yet, his mind was ever absorbed in the Lord. To him
adoration of Siva Bhaktas was equal to adoration of Lord Siva Himself.
He saw no difference between Siva Bhaktas and Siva. He reached the
ultimate state of bliss with his intense devotion to Lord Siva.
23. Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar
Perumizhalai
Kurumba Nayanar excelled in Guru Bhakti (Devotion to his Master). 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 and attained the state of
eternal bliss with this attitude.
24. Karaikal Ammaiyar
Punithavathiar
as Karaikal Ammaiyar was called, was born in a Vaisya family.She was
married to Paramadattan, a wealthy Vaisya. Both of them were leading an
ideal householder's life. Her Husband Paramadattan, very soon realised
his wife's powerful devotion to Lord Siva and felt that it was a great
sin to live with her as her husband. He married another girl and lived
separately. Later when she approached him, he revealed that he regarded
her, not as his wife, but as a Goddess. 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.
Lord Siva granted the many boons to her and asked her to proceed to
Thiruvalangadu 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. Appudi had heard of the glories of Thirunavukkarasar (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. One day his Guru that is Appar himself came to see him and he was
surprised to see the devotion of Appudi Nayanar. 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 Thiruneelanakka Nayanar
Thiruneelanakka
Nayanar lived in Thirusattamangai an important city in the Chola
kingdom. Thiruneelanakka Nayanar was very eager to meet the great saint
Sambandar who visited his town. Sambandar removed the mist of caste
distinction from the eyes of Nayanar and also sang a song in which he
glorified Nayanar. When Sambandar got merged in the Light of Lord Siva,
Thiruneelanakka Nayanar also got merged in it.
27 Nami Nandi Adigal
In
the Chola kingdom there lived a Brahmin called Nami Nandi Adigal. Daily
he used to go to Thiruvarur and worship Lord Siva, his sole refuge. The
Chola king, hearing of Nandi Adigal's greatness, appointed him as the
head of the temple. People's faith in Jainism was lost through the
miracles of Nandi Adigal and they embraced Saivism. Later Nandi Adigal
settled down in Thiruvarur. He served the Lord and His Bhaktas so nicely
that Appar praised him as 'Anipon' (pure gold). Ultimately he attained
the glorious realm of the Lord.
28. Thirugnana Sambandar Nayanar
Thiru
Jnana Sambandar was born in Seerkali, to great Siva devotees Sivapada
Hridaya and Bhagavathiar, as a boon from Lord Siva to establish Saivism.
As a child, he used to long for Siva and Parvathi and used to cry on
being separated from them. Lord Thoniappar (Siva) appeared with Mother
Parvathy and asked Her to feed the child with the milk of divine wisdom.
From that moment he was known as Aludaiya Pillayar or one who enjoys
the protection of the Lord and also as Thiru Gnana 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. The first hymn of the Thevaram begins with His first hymn sung
– Thodudaiya.
29. EyarkonKalikama Nayanar
This
saint belonged to the family called 'Eyarkudi' which produced
Commanders-in-Chief to Chola kings. He was a great devotee of Lord Siva.
Lord Siva brings about a reconciliation between the two Nayanars in a
wonderful and mysterious manner. Kalikama Nayanar also belonged to the
same age as Sundaramurthi Nayanar and he heard the news that
Sundaramurthi Nayanar had sent Lord Siva Himself as his messenger to
settle a domestic quarrel. It terribly annoyed Kalikamanar. Sundarar
came to know about Kalikamar and realized his fault and entreated the
Lord to appease Kalikamar's anger.Lord caused Kalikamar to suffer from
colic and made Sundarar to attempt to cure him.But Kalikamar gave up his
life by cutting his bowel open, preferring so ,rather than getting
cured by Sundarar.Sundarar was not let to know this but after persuation
gets to see Nayanar's body .In desperation, Sundarar also attempts 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. ThiruMula Nayanar
Thirumula
Nayanar was a Saiva Siddha and was called Thirumular because he entered
into the mortal frame of Mulan. Lord Siva wanted Thirumular to write a
book on Saiva Philosophy, containing the essence of all Siva Agamas, in
Tamil. Thirumular understood His wish and returned to Thiruvavaduthurai.
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
Thirumandiram.
31. Dandiadigal Nayanar
Dandiadigal
was born blind. But, he always repeated the Panchaksharam and
visualised the Lord with his inner eyes. Dandi Adigal wanted to extend
the area of a tank in a temple in Thiruvarur, in the Chola kingdom.
Though he was blind, he had the determination and complete faith in the
Lord. He not only finishes his mission but also gains eyesight with his
great devotion to God.
32. Murkha Nayanar
This
saint was great devotee of Lord Siva and was doing Maahesvara Puja by
regularly feeding bhaktas at any cost. He had spent all his wealth in
such feeding. He used to gamble and use the money for feeding Siva
Bhaktas.The name Murkha Nayanar meant wicked Nayanar since he used to
resort to violence if someone refused to gamble. All the money was for
lord's bhaktas.
33. Somasira Nayanar
Somasira
Nayanar was a Brahmin by caste who lived in Thiruvambur. 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 Thiruvarur and lived with Sundaramurthi Nayanar to
whom he had totally surrendered himself. Thus he got His grace. He was a
true Jnani and Karma Yogi.
34. Sakkiya Nayanar
Sakkiya
Nayanar had an appearance of Buddhist, But he adored Lord Siva. He
believed that, whatever be the external appearance or conduct of one, if
he had intense devotion to the Lord, he would attain Liberation. 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 realizes that his
action was lord's intent and meant that Lord would accept anything
offered by His Bhakta in devotion. It became his daily worship. One day,
the Lord appeared before him, blessed him and took him to Kailasa.
35. Sirappuli Nayanar
Sirappuli
Nayanar was a pious Brahmin who lived in Thiruvakur in the Chola
kingdom. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva and His Bhaktas. A
special spiritual practice of this Nayanar seems to have been the
ceaseless repetition of the Panchakshara Mantra (Om Namah Sivaya) with
and sincerity, throughout the day and night. He attained the ultimate
bliss with sincere devotion to Lord Siva.
36. Siruthonda Nayanar
Siruthonda
Nayanar had an original name Paranjyoti. 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. 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).
37. CheramanPerumal Nayanar
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar was born in Kodunkolur.The name Cheraman was the common
name for all Cheras. Perumal was the title adopted by him after his
coronation. 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! 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 like cleaning the temple, making garlands, working 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 Gnana Sambandar. All these earned Siva's grace for him.
39. Kootruva Nayanar
This
saint was a chieftain of Kalandai. He used to repeat the Panchakshara
Mantra, and serve the Bhaktas. Nayanar captured many places in the Chola
and Pandyan kingdoms and also wanted that the three thousand Brahmins
of Tillai should crown him king and they refuse to do so. The Lord knew
that Nayanar's intent was only to spiritualise the coronation. When the
Brahmins feared political repercussions, the Lord Himself fulfilled the
devotee's wish. .
40. Pugal Chola Nayanar
Pugal
Chola Nayanar a great devotee of Lord Siva and his Bhaktas was a Chola
king living in Uraiyur. Noticing that his troops killed a Siva Bhakta in
a war, he placed the head of Siva Bhakta on a golden plate in his hand
and entered fire, thus entering the Lord's Abode.
41. Narasinga Muniyaraiyar Nayanar
This
saint a petty chieftain was highly devoted to Lord Siva, lived in Thiru
Munaipadi. On one day when feeding Siva Bhaktas in Thiruvathirai, he
fed and paid great respect to a naked Bhakta who came with sacred ashes
and also gave him 200 gold coins. Thus taught by example to other
Bhaktas that outlook is not important for a Nayanar, and all devotees
are manifestations of Lord Siva
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.
43. Kalikamba Nayanar
This
saint was a Vaisya by caste and he lived in Pennagadam in the Chola
kingdom. One day while doing service in the temple 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, continued his worship of the Bhakta. Practising this form of
Yoga Sadhana, he attained the ultimate bliss.
44. Kalia Nayanar
Kalia
Nayanar was an oil monger of Thiruvotriyur. 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. 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.
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. Lord Siva
understood his pure inner Bhav and showered His grace on him.
46. Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar
Aiyadigal
Kadavarkon Nayanar was a Pallava king who ruled over Kanchi and a siva
devotee.He renounced his kingdom and undertook pilgrimage of different
shrines.He set an example for all to lead the path of virtue and
Godlines.He served his subjects by percept and his own personal example
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. He attained the ultimate state of bliss with his sincere
devotion to Lord Siva.
48. Kari Nayanar
This
ardent devotee of Lord Siva was a native of Thirukadavur. 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. A true devotee of the Lord lives for His sake only.
All that he has is offered to the Lord as the devotee's worship.
49. NinraSeer Nedumara
Nayanar Koon
Pandyan, the Pandyan king, was ruling in Madura. He was called Koon
Pandyan because of his hunchback. When Sambandar came to Madura and was
staying outside the city, Kulacchirai Nayanar invited him into the city.
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. The Pandyan king then defeated the northern
kings at Thirunelvely 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. Thus himself and his wife
attained the state of eternal bliss.
50. Mangayarkarasiyar
Koon
Pandyan, the Pandyan king, was ruling in Madura. He was called Koon
Pandyan because of his hunchback. When Sambandar came to Madura and was
staying outside the city, Kulacchirai Nayanar invited him into the city.
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. The Pandyan king then defeated the northern
kings at Thirunelvely 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. Thus himself and his wife
attained the state of eternal bliss.
51. Vayilar Nayanar
Vayilar
Nayanar 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. His life is
an example for the hymn of Thirunavukkarasar in which he says "For the
Lord of thiruvaiyaru there is no temple other than the minds of the servants who serve Him; love Him; prostrate in front of Him."
52. Munaiyaduvar Nayanar
Munaiyaduvar
Nayanar was a great Bhakta of Lord Siva and His devotees. He was always
the hope of the desperate, the weak and the vanquished.He used to feed
Siva bhaktas and used to earn money by working as a professional fighter
and hence he was called 'Munaiyaduvar'. Lord Siva was highly pleased
with his devotion and blessed him.
53. Kazharsinga Nayanar (and)
54. Seruthunai Nayanar
Kazharsinga
Nayanar was enlightened Master who attained the ultimate throught
Saivism philosophy. Kazharsinga Nayanar was an ardent devotee of the
Lord Siva. He was a Pallava monarch, belonging to the family of
Kadavar. Seruthunai Nayanar was his wife who also achieved the state of
eternal bliss with devotion to Lord Siva.
55. Idangazhi Nayanar This
saint was the king of Velas in Kodumbalur. He was a devotee of Lord
Siva. He had made arrangements with all the Siva temples to perform
worship according to the Siva Agamas. He displayed his zeal for the
spread of Saivism. Thus he earned Lord Siva's grace, too and reached the
eternal bliss
56. PugazhTunai 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 Puja, according to the
Siva Agamas. In spite of a famine swept over the land and people leaving
the place and going,he loved his god and his duty and did not want to
leave and continued doing his puja in spite of being 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
Kotpuli
Nayanar was a Vellala by caste and 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 achieved the state of
ultimate bliss with his intense devotion to Lord Siva.
58. Pusalar Nayanar
Pusalar
was a Brahmin of Thiru Ninravur in Thondai Mandalam. He excelled in the
mental worship of the Lord. He strongly desired to build a temple for
Lord Siva, but being poor, mentally gathered the necessary materials for
the purpose and 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. 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 Siva and His Bhaktas. His mind was well fixed on the lotus
feet of the Lord. His lips always uttered the Panchakshara (Siva mantra)
Mantra. His hands were ever busy in the service of His Bhaktas. These
three virtues gained the Lord's grace for him.
60. KochengatChola Nayanar
Kochengat
Chola Nayanar was a spider in his previous birth and used to worship
Siva lingam under a Jambul tree. Spider wove a web above the Lingam to
prevent leaves falling on the lingam. Due to Lord's grace, this spider was born as the son of Suba Devan, the
Chola king. He was born with red eyes and his mother calls him
Kochekannano' (the child with red eyes) and expired. Hence, he was named
Kochengat Cholan. As he grew up, his father enthroned him as king.
Kochengat Cholan promoted Saivism. In Thiru Anaika 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. ThiruNeelakanta Yazhpanar
Thiru
Neelakanta Yazhpanar lived in Thiru Erukattapuliyur in Chola
Kingdom. He was an expert in playing the Yazh (similar to Veena, a
musical instrument). Hence the name Yazhpanar. It was his habit to visit
many sacred shrines and sing His glories on the Yazh. He attained the
ultimate with this music
62. Sadaya Nayanar
Sadayanar
was an Adi Saivite who lived in Thirunavalur. 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 none
other than Sundaramurthi Nayanar.
63. Isaignaniyar Nayanar
Isaignaniyar
was the wife of Sadayanar (above mentioned Saint). She was also devoted
to Lord Siva. Due to their virtuous deeds in their past life, a divine
child was born to them. He was none other than Sundaramurthi Nayanar.
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