The Life
Narasinga Muniyaraiyar was the chieftain of Thirumunaippadi, a devout worshipper of Shiva who revered the Lord's servants above all else. His deepest joy was to serve Shaivas, whom he honoured as embodiments of the Lord, bathing their feet, feeding them and adorning them with gifts, and he distributed his wealth freely in their service. When he beheld the radiant child Nambiyarurar, later the great saint Sundarar, playing in the street at Thirunavalur, he was captivated and, with the consent of the boy's parents, adopted him. He raised Sundarar as a prince amid every royal comfort and learning, cherishing him as his own. Living his life wholly in the service of Shiva's devotees and in the nurture of a saint, Narasinga Muniyaraiyar attained the grace and the feet of the Lord.