Native placeAdhanur, Chola country
Associated templeSivalokanathar Temple, Thiruppunkur; Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Guru PujaPurattasi - Rohini
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The Life
Nandanar, born in the Pulaiya community at Adhanur, longed to worship Shiva though barred from entering the temples. At Thiruppunkur, standing outside, he found the great stone Nandi blocking his sight of the Lord; at his prayer the bull moved aside so he could behold Shiva, and it remains so to this day. Above all he yearned to see the Dancing Lord at Chidambaram, ever saying "I will go tomorrow" (Thirunaalaippovaar), whence his name. When at last he came, Shiva bade the Thillai brahmins prepare a sacred fire; Nandanar entered it and emerged radiant, purified as a sage with matted locks and holy ash, and merged with the Lord in the golden hall.
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 ›