The Life
Somasi Marar, a Brahmin of Thiruvambar in the Chola land, was a learned temple priest devoted to fire-sacrifice and to Shiva. Going to Thiruvarur, he befriended Sundarar and served him with love. Wishing to perform a great yajna, he begged Sundarar to have the Lord Himself attend. At Sundarar's prayer, Shiva promised to come in the month of Vaikasi under the star Ayilyam. On the appointed day Shiva arrived not in glory but disguised as an outcaste hunter, accompanied by Uma, Ganesha and Murugan as a tribal family. The assembled Brahmins recoiled in confusion until Ganesha revealed their true forms. Overjoyed, Somasi Marar worshipped the disguised Lord and offered the sacrificial oblation into his hands, and Shiva blessed him and granted him a place among His eternal servitors.