Native placeNagapattinam (sea-shore, Chola country)
Associated templeKayarohanaswamy temple, Nagapattinam
Guru PujaAvani (Ayilyam / Ashlesha)
#35of 63
The Life
Adipatta Nayanar was headman of the Paravar fisherfolk of Nagapattinam on the sea-shore, a lifelong servant of Shiva. He made a fixed vow: the very first fish caught in his net each day he would cast back into the sea as an offering to the Lord, keeping nothing of it for himself, even on days when it was the only fish he took, and going hungry rather than break his rule. To prove his devotion, Shiva caused a fish of pure gold, studded with gems, to be the first caught. Unmoved by its worth and deaf to his fellows who urged him to keep it and restore his fortunes, Adipatta joyfully flung the golden fish back to the sea as his daily offering. Pleased by such selfless faith, Shiva appeared before him and granted him liberation.
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 ›