The Life
Gananathar was born in a Vaidika Brahmin family in Sirkazhi, the sacred town later graced by Sambandar. A devout servant of Shiva at the temple there, he understood that the Lord is best served through ordered, collective worship. Not content to worship alone, he gathered and trained many others in the disciplines of temple service, teaching them to tend the sacred gardens, gather flowers for garlands, draw pure water for the abhisheka, keep the precincts spotless, light the lamps and chant the praises of Shiva. Under his guidance these devotees rendered flawless service, and many were drawn to join. Living his whole life in this humble, exacting service to the Lord and His shrine, Gananathar earned Shiva's grace and was made a lord (natha) over a host (gana) of the Lord's attendants.