The Life
Sirappuli Nayanar was born a Brahmin in Thiruvakkur (Akkur) in the Chola country, deeply versed in the Vedas and constant in reciting the five-syllabled mantra, Namah Shivaya. His life was given to hospitality: he welcomed every devotee of Shiva as the Lord Himself, prostrated before them, spoke gentle words, fed them lovingly and sent them away with gifts. He performed many fire-sacrifices in Shiva's honour and saw no difference between the Lord and His servants. Recognising all Shaivas as forms of the divine, he served them tirelessly throughout his life, never wavering in humility or generosity. By this steadfast service and pure devotion he earned the grace of Shiva and at the end attained the Lord's holy feet, taking his place among the sixty-three.