Native placeIlayankudi (Sivaganga district), Chola country
Associated templeIlayankudi
Guru PujaAvani - Magam
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The Life
A prosperous Vellala farmer of Ilayankudi, Maranar devoted his wealth to feeding and serving Shiva's devotees. To test him, Shiva reduced him to poverty, yet his hospitality never wavered. One stormy midnight a hungry Saiva devotee (Shiva in disguise) arrived. Having no food, Maranar and his wife waded into their flooded field to gather the seed-paddy set aside for sowing; lacking firewood, he broke the rafters from his own roof to cook, and his wife ground the grain in the dark. Just as they prepared to serve the meal, the guest vanished, and Shiva appeared in the sky with Uma, blessing the couple for giving even their last sustenance and taking them to His feet.
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 ›