The Life
Born Nambiyarurar to Sadaiyanar and Isaignaniyar at Thirunavalur, Sundarar was raised in comfort by a local chieftain. On his wedding day an old brahmin interrupted the ceremony, producing a palm-leaf deed by which Sundarar's grandfather had bonded his descendants as slaves. The old man led him to the temple at Thiruvennainallur and vanished into the shrine, revealing himself as Shiva. Claimed as His own, Sundarar was bidden to sing, beginning "Pitthaa pirai soodi" ("O madman who wears the crescent"). He became the Lord's intimate friend, singing Thevaram hymns and later the Thiruthondar Thogai, the roll of the sixty-three devotees. Shiva even served as his go-between to reconcile his two wives, Paravai and Sangili, before receiving him into grace.