The Life
Perumakkothaiyar, prince of the Chera line, ruled from Kodungolur (Makotai) in Malai Nadu. Once, seeing a washerman whitened with ash he mistook him for a Shaiva ascetic and bowed; though he realised his error, a heavenly voice praised his reverence and he won the name Kazharitrarivar. Renouncing pride, he ruled justly and adored Shiva at Thiruvanjaikkalam, composing devotional works. He became the close friend of Sundarar, and the two worshipped and travelled together. When Shiva sent a white elephant to bear Sundarar to Kailash, Cheraman, unwilling to be parted, mounted his horse, whispered the Panchakshara into its ear, and galloped up through the sky. Reaching Kailash he circled ahead of Sundarar, and Shiva welcomed the two devotees to abide forever as commanders of His hosts.