Thiru Poosalar Nayanar

Thiru Poosalar is the eight century Nayanar saint and is counted 58^th in the list of 63 Nayanmars. Poosalar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and always desired to build a beautiful temple for the alimighty.

Thiru Poosalar hailed from a town called Thiruninravur. He was a great devotee of Lord Siva and longed to build a temple for his Lord, though he was a very poor man. He roamed far and wide to get the required funds, but his efforts were not fruitful. He was desperate and distressed beyond words.

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Suddenly a thought struck him. "Why do I not attempt to build a temple for my Lord in my heart?" He determined to do so. He studied the Agama Sastras and consulted knowledgeable Sivacharyas. The thought got shape in his mind to build a grand temple for the lord almighty.

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He gathered requisite materials in his mind. He approached rich donors and collected huge amounts from them-all in his mind. Expert architects were approached who formulated designs, plans and drawings. He collected artisans, renowned sculptors, labourers and tools. He did not even leave small details, however trivial it might appear on first sight! His thoughts were occupied only with the construction of a grand temple for the Lord and determined to complete the task with great devotion.

On an auspicious day, the corner (foundation) stone was laid according to the rituals. With infinite love and meticulous care he had the temple built brick by brick, stone by stone, pillar by pillar, sculpture by sculpture, day and night, unseen by anyone.

Layer by layer, from the base to the top, the temple was nearing completion. He planned the huge Rajagopuram, other four towers, one each for the four directions, North, East, West and South. He supervised the construction devotedly. The rounded dome, the ancillary pillars, pavilions, shrines and the sacred kalasams were all made ready, worked on the wall sides and niches. Shrines for the Divine Mother, the Lord's Consort, Vinayaka, Muruga, main deity, Durga were completed. Walls and prakarams were laid. The temple tank was dug and filled with clean water fit for abihsekham (anointing)

At last, the temple was fully completed. It was grand, mighty and a rare sight to behold! He consulted the priests, discussed with them in great detail and fixed an auspicious date for the Mahakumbhabhishekam (consecration) of the temple. ..

The Kadava king of Kanchi who was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva had built a magnificent temple of granite, marble, red and black stones. The king decided to perform the Kalsabhishekam on the same date, on which Poosalar had mentally chosen for the installation of the Lord in his temple.

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The Lord wanted to show the king the superiority of Poosalar’s great devotion. So, the Lord appeared in the king's dream the night before the sacred consecration date. The king was thrilled. But, the Lord asked him to postpone the installation ceremony in his temple. The Lord explained that He had to be present at the installation and consecration ceremony fixed by His dear devotee Poosalar of Thiruninravur on that same date! That was far more important!

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The king woke up from sleep and was intensely eager to have the darshan of the devotee mentioned by the lord and also to have a look at the great temple built by Poosalar, which he considered to be more superior to the temple he built.

                                                       image source: google images

The King moved on to Thiruninravur in search of the temple. The king could not find any temple and so he enquired about the whereabouts of Poosalar. The King spotted Poosalar in the town and asked him about the temple. He also told him about the words of the Lord in his dream.

Poosalar was in tears. He was deeply touched by the grace of the Lord. He told the king that the temple he built was in his mind. The king was surprised to hear this. He admired Poosalar’s devotion and fell at his feet and started to worship him. Poosalar installed Lord Shiva in his heart/hridayam temple and continued to worship till he attained Lord Shiva’s abode.

The King later on built a temple in Thiruninravur – Hridayaleeswarar Temple( the lord who resides in heart) and made the dream of Poosalar Naayanar come true.

                                 Hridayaleeswarar Kovil - Thiruninravur

                                 image source: Google images

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28. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar

Tiruneelanakka Nayanar  was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. The life of Tiruneelanakka Nayanar is described in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is the Tamil account of the 63 Nayanars. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar is the twenty-eighth in the list of 63 Nayanars. 

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                                image courtesy :google images

 Tiruneelanakka Nayanar was born in Sattamangai (Thirusathamangai/Satthamangkai), currently called Seeyathamangai, is in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu. The Ayavantheeswarar temple dedicated to the god Shiva, stands in this town. Tiruneelanakkar was born in a family of Brahmins whose duty was to recite the vedas and perform the rituals as per the text. As an expert in the Vedas, he was a staunch devotee of Shiva and served his devotees, by washing their feet and welcoming them to his home.

Once on the day of Poornima (the full moon day), Tiruneelanakka and his wife went to Ayavantheeswarar temple. While Tiruneelanakka was performing his daily ritual worship of the lingam (the aniconic form of Shiva worshipped as the central icon in temples), a spider fell from his web on the lingam. The wife blew away the spider, wherein some saliva could have fallen on the lingam. In some versions, she goes a step further and spits on the spot where the spider falls. This action was in accordance with the tradition of spitting on a part of a child where the spider fell so as the poison of the spider does not spread in the body.

     image courtesy: Google images

Tiruneelanakka considered her action as an insult and asked the wife what she had done. She replied she just blew away the spider as per tradition. The infuriated Brahmin said that she had contaminated the lingam by her saliva, as per Agamic scriptures and she should have removed the spider by some other means. The Brahmin offered rituals to purify the lingam and apologized to the god. Further, he abandoned his wife in fury.

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While the wife spent her night in the temple, Tiruneelanakka went home and slept. Shiva appeared in Tiruneelanakka's dream. While a part of the body was normal, rest of it was swollen by the spider's poison. Shiva remarked that his normal area was where Tiruneelanakka's wife had blown/spat. Tiruneelanakka realized that devotion (love) was superior to rituals. In the dawn, he went dancing to the temple and worshipped Ayavantheeswarar. He returned with his wife. Tiruneelanakka continued to serve Shiva and his devotees with love.

Having heard of the child saint Sambandar's glories, Tiruneelanakka visited to meet him in person. Tiruneelanakka heard that the Nayanar Sambandar accompanied by another Nayanar Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar and an entourage of devotees were coming to Sattamangai. Tiruneelanakka decorated Sattamangai for welcoming Sambandar and hosted him at his home. He honoured Sambandar with due respect. Tiruneelanakka made numerous arrangements for Sambandar to spend the night at his house.

Sambandar also suggested that Yazhpanar and his wife - who were travelling minstrels and composed music to Sambandar's hymns - be given accommodation. The caste-conscious host was uneasy inviting the Shudra (low-caste) couple of Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar and his wife home. After insistence by Sambanar, the host gave them a place to sleep near the homa kunda, the fire altar used for sacrifices. The fire of homa kunda shone brightly in the night, giving testimony to the couple's devotion. Tiruneelanakka discerned that devotion is superior to caste barriers too.

                                                      

Sambandar

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Sambandar accompanied Tiruneelanakka to the Ayavantheeswarar temple and composed a hymn in honour of the god and his host Tiruneelanakka Nayanar. Tiruneelanakka wanted to accompany Sambanar on his travels, but the child saint instructed Tiruneelanakka to stay in Sattamangai and serve Ayavantheeswarar and his devotees.

After few years, Sambandar invited Tiruneelanakka Nayanar to his wedding in Thirumana Nallur (presently known as Achalpuram). Tiruneelanakka officiated as the presiding priest of the wedding ceremony. After the wedding, Sambandar, his bride and the wedding party went the Shivaloka Thyagar temple of Shiva, in Thirumana Nallur. Sambandar prayed to Shiva, seeking salvation. Shiva appeared as a blazing flame and granted his wish. Then Sambandar, his bride and all the wedding guests, including Tiruneelanakka Nayanar merged in the Light of Shiva.

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Markandeya – The one who conquered death/Endrendrum 16

Markandeya is an ancient rishi from the Hindu tradition, born in the clan of Bhrigu Rishi. He is celebrated as a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva protected Markandeya in the form of Kaalasamhaara Moorthi from the clutch of death in Thirukadaiyur in Tamilnadu. Sri Amirthagateswarar kovil in Thirukadaiyur is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his manifestation as “Destroyer of Death” and his consort Parvathi as Abirami. The story of Markandeya is as follows.

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Mrikandu,  a great rishi and his wife Marudavathi,  were great devotees of Lord Shiva. They were very happy singing the songs of the Lord and spreading his stories everywhere. However they were sad as they did not have any children. The sage and his wife decided to perform severe penances to win the favour of Lord Shiva. Finally pleased with their penances Lord Shiva appeared before them.

'Mrikandu, Marudavati, open your eyes!' said the three-eyed God.

Mrikandu and Marudavati opened their eyes and were stunned to see the handsome Lord Shiva before them.

'You have come...Lord!' Mrikandu whispered as both of them immediately fell on the Lord's feet unable to contain themselves.

Lord Shiva rejoiced on seeing the devotion in their eyes. He looked at them smiling, 'I am very pleased with your penance! I wish to grant you a boon. What do you desire, Mrikandu and Marudavati?'

Marudavati looked at the Lord with a smile in her face. 'Lord, all I want is a child...' She looked at her husband, who looked at her encouragingly, 'Lord...' she continued, 'I wish for a child who is blessed by you...'

Lord Shiva remained silent for a few minutes considering something. He then looked at the two of them, 'What sort of a child do you want?'

Mrikandu and Marudavati looked at each other confused. What sort of a question was that? They both turned and looked at the Lord waiting for him to explain.

Lord Shiva continued, 'What I meant was that, do you wish for a gifted child or a foolish child?'

Mrikandu and Marudavati still did not speak. They were confused. What sort of a person would choose a foolish child. Realising that there was a catch somewhere, Mrikandu spoke slowly, 'I do not understand, my Lord.'

Lord Shiva said plainly. 'Do you wish for a gifted child who will live only for 16 years or a foolish child who would live a very long life?'

Mrikandu and Marudavati looked at each other with troubled eyes. They realised that this was some sort of a test for them and that they had to choose one of them. Marudavati looked at her husband and remembered how they had prayed for a child. She turned at looked at the Lord.

'Lord, I wish for a gifted child with a short life span.' She said looking straight at Lord Shiva. She then turned to her husband, who was looking at her alarmed. She nodded her head, 'It is ok. We will be happy with him for as long as he is with us...After that, we will still have his memories...'

Mrikandu realised the truth in her words and also looked at Lord Shiva and nodded his head. The two of them then fell at Lord Shiva's feet. Lord Shiva then blessed them and without another word went back to his home in Kailash.

Marudavati then gave birth to a boy. They named the child Markandeya.

Markandeya was a very gifted child. He learnt all the Vedas and the scriptures very fast. He also loved his parents very much. Looking at them from his childhood, Markandeya also became a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He loved singing bhajans for Lord Shiva. He would lose himself singing and thinking about the Lord.

However being a very intelligent child, Markandeya sensed that his parents were unhappy about something. No matter how hard he tried, his parents remained unhappy. They seemed to put on a happy face when he was around, but deep inside he could sense their sorrow.

Finally the day before his sixteenth birthday, Markandeya talked to his parents, 'Father, why do you always look so sad? I mean...have I done something to make you so unhappy?'

Hearing these words Marudavati broke down crying, 'NO...No...How could you even think we are unhappy with you?'

Mrikandu and Marudavati looked at each other each wanting the other to tell Markandeya. Finally Marudavati broke the silence.

'...It is...just..that...we got you as a boon from Lord Shiva...' Slowly Marudavati with the help of Mrikandu told the entire story to Markandeya.

Markandeya was a patient listener and did not interrupt until both his parents had finished. He felt sorry for his parents. They had loved and nourished him with a burden knowing that they were going to lose him. He looked at them proudly. They were the bravest people he knew.

Markandeya was not however bothered about himself. His parents had changed their destiny and had got him from the Lord. Changing destiny was nothing new to their family. He smiled. He looked at his parents lovingly.

'Father, Mother...Please do not be worried. I will pray to the Lord...' Markandeya said with steely determination. 'I am sure the Lord will not let anything happen to me...'

His parents could not help but feel optimistic when they heard the words of the boy. Mrikandu hugged his son and blessed him. 'Go on son! I am sure you will overcome... whatever comes in your way.'

Marudavati also blessed her son. Markandeya with the blessings of his parents immediately set out. He came at the sea and felt peace seeping into him.

If I am to meet my end, I want it to be here...He thought and went to the sea shore and with the mud there, lovingly built a shiva linga there.

image courtesy: Google images

He sat down there and started his prayers. He sang bhajans for some time and later he was deep in meditation.

In Hindu mythology, Yama is the God of Death. He along with his soldiers collected the souls of the dead people. Yama realised that Markandeya's time on earth was up. He sent his two servants to collect Markandeya's soul.

However by this time Markandeya was so deep in meditation that a strange fierce light emerged from him. The light from him was burning so bright that the servants of Yama could not go close to him. Try as they might, they could not approach him.

Facing failure for the first time, the servants returned crestfallen to their master.

'Master, we could not approach him. There was something coming from him. Something very bright....' The servants shook their head, 'It was so bright that it almost burnt us...'

Yama nodded, 'It is ok. I will take care of this..' Yama then picked up his noose and sat on his buffalo vehicle and came up near Markandeya. Yama realised that Markandeya was pure and had lived a good life. That was protecting him. That was what had driven out the servants.

But Yama was the God of Death. Good man or not, nobody escaped from him. However as Markandeya was a noble child, Yama made himself visible.

'Markandeya' Yama spoke deeply, 'Your time on earth is up...'

Markandeya opened his eyes and looked at Yama. However Markandeya did not get afraid. He looked at Yama in the eye. 'I will not go with you...My Lord will protect me...'

Yama repeated, 'Your time on earth is up. I have come to take you...'

Markandeya smiled shook his head and hugged the shiva lingam tightly. Realising that he had no choice, Yama threw his noose around Markandeya's neck to pull out his soul. Unfortunately Yama's noose fell around both Markandeya and the linga. Markandeya closed his eyes tightly Save me my Lord...

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Markandeya was surprised when he felt the linga move with his closed eyes. He opened his eyes with astonishment.

Markandeya was thrilled to see the three-eyed Lord before him. His wish had been fulfilled. He had seen Lord Shiva now...

Markandeya suddenly felt like as if he was inside a protective shield. Nothing could hurt him now...Markandeya looked at Yama and smiled...Not even death

However there was nothing calm about Shiva at that time. Every line of Shiva's face was fierce with anger. And Shiva's trident was raised and pointing at Yama, who had dropped the noose and backed away in fright.

'YOU DARE DISTURB HIM!' Lord Shiva yelled angrily, threatening to open his third eye.

'My Lord...' Yama said afraid, 'His time on earth is up. I have come...'

'HE WILL LIVE FOREVER!...HOW DARE YOU...' Shiva picked up his trident and pierced Yama. Yama tried dodging the trident, but Yama caught the weapon straight in his chest. He fell down dead. The Lord of the Dead was dead!

                                            image courtesy: Google images

Immediately Lord Indra and the other Devas appeared before Lord Shiva, who was still looking at Yama angrily.

Lord Indra looked at peaceful face of Markandeya with astonishment. The boy had done what no one had done before.

Indra turned and bowed to Lord Shiva, 'Lord Shiva...We need to have a Lord of the Dead... Without death, there would be no balance on earth...People would continue to be born and never die. That is not the way of life. Life is not meant to be this way. Please Lord...Give Yama his life back. So that the balance of life can be restored...' Indra said pointing at the dead form of Yama.

Hearing to Indra's words, Lord Shiva was pacified. He nodded slowly, 'Yes...Yes...Yama shall have his life back...if...' Lord Shiva looked at Markandeya who was still looking at Lord Shiva as if he had found the biggest treasure on earth. Lord Shiva smiled at Markandeya, '..if Markandeya is spared...Markandeya will live forever. He will be the one who has conquered death...'

The Devas realised that this was a fair deal and accepted the condition.

Yama opened his eyes as the wound in his chest healed. Yama looked at Markandeya, smiled and disappeared from there. The other Devas also went back to the heavens.

Markandeya then fell at the feet of Lord Shiva, 'Lord I want nothing more, I have seen you...'

Lord Shiva smiled, 'Go back to your parents Markandeya, and have a peaceful life.  You have my blessings. You will remain sixteen years for all eternity. You will always have my blessings...'

image courtesy: Google images

Markandeya went back to his parents who were overjoyed on hearing his story. Markandeya was a good son and looked very well after his parents. He never aged more than sixteen.... [Endrendrum 16]

The form which Lord Shiva's assumed to kill Yama is called as 'Kalasamhara Murti' ['Kala' is Death, 'Samhara' is ender, 'Murti' is idol]

In Hindu Mythology it is believed that Markandeya is still alive and roaming the earth and continues to do good to all. He is a chiranjeevi [one who lives for ever].

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA

THIRUCHITRAMBALAM

The Story of Nandanar- Thirunaalai Povaar Nayanar- Nayanar for whom Nandhi stepped aside

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                                 image courtesy: Google images

Nandanar, also known as Thirunalaippovaar, was a Nayanar saint and is eighteenth in the list of 63 Nayanars. Like the other Nayanars, he was a great devotee of the Lord Shiva.

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Nandanar’s  exact date is not known, but he probably lived in the seventh or eighth century. The story of Nandanar and his devotion appears in the Periya Puranam of Sekkilar [12th century], which is the Tamil account of the sixty-three Nayanmar [Shaivite] saints. Nandanar’s story was made famous by Gopala Krishna Bharati in his Nandanar-Charitra. In the nineteenth century this was sung in every village in Tamil Nadu.  Gopalakrishna’s version, which added a few details to that of Sekkizhar, is given below.

Nandanar was born in village Adhanur in Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu in a low caste (Dalit) family.  He worked as a bonded labourer for a land owner of the Vedhiyar caste. Since their caste was engaged in making drums using animal skin (called Parai in Tamil), this caste is also referred to as Parayar. Apart from  these Nandanar also made string intstruments  like Veena and Yaazh and skin covering for instruments like Berigai. From very early age, Nandanar was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, though his people worshipped village Gods like Karuppan, Chamundi etc. 

As an untouchable,  Nandanar was not permitted to enter the village temple, but yearned to visit it. He used to play the yazh (an instrument) and sing devotional songs from some distance away.  He desired to go to the temple in Tiruppungur to worship the deity Shivaloganathaswami  and one day managed to reach there. Nandanar stood outside the temple and wanted to have a glimpse of Lord Shiva. The idol of the big bull Nandi which normally is in front of Lord Shiva, in Shiva temples was not allowing him to have the glimpse of the almighty. On Shiva’s command, the Nandi moved a few feet to the right, so that Nandanar could view the lingam. Nandanar was estatic. In Thiruppungur, he heard about the great Natraja temple in Chidhambaram and about the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva.

                                 image courtesy: google images 

Returning to his village, filled with great joy,  Nandanar was determined to go to Thillai (Chidambaram). Every day he would say, ‘I will go tomorrow’, and thus he earned the name Thiru Nalai Povaar, ‘The divine one who will go tomorrow’, and is still known by that name.  Finally he approached his Vedhiyar landlord for permission, who told him to worship the gods of his own caste. Nandanar did not give up. Once again he asked the landlord, who said he would permit him if he had finished ploughing in 40 velis of land (250 acres) in one day, which was an impossible task. Nandhanar was heartbroken and started to pray in desperation to the Lord.

The next day, Nandanar went out to the fields to plough the land which was a humongous task, but to his surprise the whole field was ploughed and ready for sowing seeds. The Landlord was shocked and amazed and realised that Nandanar was not a simple devotee of Lord Shiva.

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By the grace of Shiva this was done, so Nandanar was extremely excited and set off for Chidambaram. But after reaching Chidambaram, he could see the smoke of the fire rituals being done in every home. On hearing these rituals and Vedas sung everywhere, Nandanar felt that he should not even go into the town as he would make the place ‘unholy’. So he went around the town numerous times, felt very sad and finally slept outside the town. He had a wonderful dream in which Lord Shiva ordered him to walk through fire. Lord Shiva wanted to show the world that Nandanar was like pure gold which comes out more shining when put through fire.

                                  image courtesy: Google images

Meanwhile Lord appeared in temple priests' (dikshitars) dream and ordered them to create a sacrificial fire at a place outside the town. The surprised priests went to the place and created a sacrificial fire and Nandanar understood that this was the fire the Lord Shiva had asked him to walk through. Nandanar walked through the fire uttering Lord Shiva’s name. Everyone was surprised to see that he came out with glowing figure with the sacred ash smeared on his body and he appeared like a divine being, with a divine aura glowing around him.

On witnessing this miraculous act, the priest took Nandanar inside the temple. Nandanar with great devotion uttering Lord Shiva’s name, entered the garba griha and just vanished into thin air. Shri Nandanar, the great devotee of Lord Shiva, amalgamated with almighty.

                                                        Nandanar image courtesy: Google images

He has been praised by Ramalinga Swami, Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Sivananda, and several others, and is perhaps the most well-known of the Nayanars. In 1910 Swami Sahajananda established the Nandanar School and Nandanar Matha  at Chidambaram in his memory.

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