Native placeThirukkadavur (Thirukkadaiyur), Chola country
Associated templeThabraleeswarar Temple, Thiruppanandal (leaning-linga miracle); Amirthakadeswarar Temple, Thirukkadaiyur
Guru PujaAvani - Moolam
#11of 63
The Life
Kalaya, a brahmin of Thirukkadavur, so loved to offer fragrant kungiliyam (frankincense) smoke to Shiva that he was named Kungiliyakalaya. Once, sunk in poverty and finding his family without food, he took the rice-money to market but, seeing incense for sale, spent it all on kungiliyam and burned it before the Lord. When nothing remained, he sold even his wife's sacred marriage-badge (thali) for more incense. Pleased, Shiva filled their home with wealth. Later at Thiruppanandal, where the shrine's linga leaned to one side, Kungiliyakalaya tied a rope from the tilted linga to his own neck and pulled with all his strength; by the Lord's grace it rose upright, and Shiva blessed His steadfast devotee.
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 ›