The Life
Manakanjara Nayanar, a Vellala commander-in-chief of the Chola army from Kanjaru, was devoted to serving Shiva's votaries. On his beloved daughter's wedding day, as the bridegroom's party approached, Shiva came disguised as a Mahavrata Saiva ascetic wearing garlands of bone and a sacred thread of human hair (panchavati). Received with honour, the ascetic remarked that the bride's long, beautiful tresses would perfectly complete his hair-thread. Taking the words as a command from a devotee, Manakanjara at once cut off his daughter's hair and offered it, unshaken though it ruined the marriage. Shiva, delighted by this supreme surrender, appeared with Uma, blessed the whole family, and miraculously restored the girl's flowing hair, granting them His grace.