Native placeThirumangalam (near Lalgudi), Chola country
Associated templeThirumangalam
Guru PujaKarthigai - Hastham
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The Life
Anaya Nayanar, a cowherd of Thirumangalam in the Chola land, tended his cattle with his heart ever on Shiva. Fashioning a bamboo flute as the science of music prescribed, he played upon it the sacred five syllables, "Namah Shivaya." Beholding a konrai tree in bloom, he saw in it Shiva himself crowned with konrai flowers, and lost himself in playing. So divine was the music that the cattle stood still, birds fell silent, peacocks danced, and natural enemies, snake and peacock, tiger and deer, gathered together in peace; even the wind and river grew calm to listen. Pleased beyond measure, Shiva came with Uma upon the bull and bore the cowherd-musician away to Kailasa.
சுந்தரர் (சுந்தரமூர்த்தி நாயனார்)Sundarar (Sundaramurthi Nayanar)
The comrade of Shiva whose wedding the Lord halted by claiming him as His bond-slave.
Thirunavalur (Tirunavalur), Nadu-naduRead the life ›
திருநீலகண்ட நாயனார்Thiru Neelakanta Nayanar
The Chidambaram potter bound for life by his wife's vow taken in Shiva's name.
Chidambaram (Thillai)Read the life ›
இயற்பகை நாயனார்Iyarpagai Nayanar
The Puhar merchant who surrendered even his own wife at a devotee's word.
Kaveripoompattinam (Puhar)Read the life ›