Muthheswara Temple (not to be
confused with Muktheswara Temple) is located in the busy Gandhi road of
Kanchipuram. This is place where Thirukurippu Thondar Nayanar got mukthi.
The Nineteenth Nayanar, Thirukurippu Thondar was born in Kanchipuram and was part of the Vannar Caste, the launderers [one who washes clothes]. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and derived joy from helping others, especially the Shivan adiyaargal (yogis, or mendicants who occasionally roam around singing praises of Shiva). Thirukurippu Thondar used to wash the clothes of the devotees as a service to them.
For every Shivan adiyaar he came
across, he would offer to wash their clothes and get rid it of dirt, a small
selfless act of service that contributed to his devotion. Offering his prayers
to Lord Shiva and uttering the golden words “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”, he would wash
the adiyaar’s clothing and return them with great love.
The Lord who saw the peak of devotion, wanted
to show the sincereness in the Nayanar's service, his care, his true devotion
and bless him. The Lord disguised himself as a poor man, with Rudraksham on his
neck and sacred ashes over the body and appeared before Tiruthondar wearing a
dirty rag. The very sight of the Siva adiyaar put Nayanar in a trance. He
worshipped him. Thondar then asked him: ‘You have purified my house by your
visit. You look very tired and weak, and your rag needs washing. Kindly allow me
to do this service of washing the clothes for you.
It was the winter season. The Lord who came in disguise told that though the clothes needed to be washed, he could not tolerate the chillness of the night and hence wanted the washed clothes returned by the evening.
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Tirukkurippu Thondar assured him of
washing it immediately and returning it to him on time. Thondar washed the
clothes and went to dry them. At that time by the play of the Lord, there was a
sudden heavy shower of rain. He was hoping for the rain to stop at some point
of time. The day settled and darkness creeped in, but it didn't stop raining.
Thirukurippu Thondar was totally
dismayed as his service to the devotee was disrupted. “How will the adiyaar who
was already tired, and lean be able to tolerate the cold winter night that too
when it is raining”, Thondar was worried. “I am the cause of this great harm to
the devotee of the Lord '', he thought. Thirukurippu Thondar decided to end his
life, so went to the rock on which he used to wash the clothes. He started
banging his head against the rock.
Lord Siva appeared before him, held
his hand, and said: ‘Oh noble soul, I am highly pleased with your sincere
devotion. You will soon come to My Abode and live happily there forever.’
The showers of rain now gave place
to showers of celestial flowers and the Lord with His consort mounted on the
mighty Bull and gave darshan from on high. When the Thirukurippu Thondar's hands folded in
adoration, the Lord said: “We have now shown to all the worlds the nature of
your unique service. Come and abide with me for ever in Sivaloka.” With this,
the Lord returned to His own shrine!
நற்றவா உன்னை நான் மறக்கினும், சொல்லும் நா நமச்சிவாயவே.
Even if I were to forget you, my
tongue would always utter your name, Namashivaaya.
Birth
Month: Chithirai
Star:
Swathi
Also read...
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
THIRUCHITRAMBALAM
