Sundaramoorthy Nayanar

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Sundaramurti Nayanmar(8th century C.E.), shortly known as Sundarar, was one of the four most prominent Nayanmars.

Contents 1 Early Life 2 Mythology 3 The end 4 References

[edit] Early Life

Sundarar was born as Nambi Arurar to Sadaiyanar and Isaignani in Thirunavalur village. The ruler of the local kingdom (Thirumunaipadi-Nadu), Narasingamunaiarayar, adopted him and brought up as his own son. He has mentioned these places and persons in his poems. He also mentions that he is the father of Vanapakai and Cinkati.

[edit] Mythology

The legend states that while the Sundarar was being married in Thiruvennainalloor, the process was interrupted by Shiva. Shiva appeared disguised as an old ascetic and asked for Sundarar as his servant and follower. Subsequently, Sundarar moved around Tamil Nadu, visiting several temples. When he reached a place known as Tiruvarur (Thanjavar district, Tamil Nadu state, India), he fell in love with a girl named Paravai and married her. The legend continues to state that at Tiruvarur, he recited the names of all the sixty-three Nayanmars. This recitation is called Tiruttondar-Tokai. He continued wandering around the land of the Tamils; continued to sing devotional songs dedicated to Shiva; and performed several miracles.

[edit] The end

His fame reached the ears of Cheraman Perumal, the-then king of Kerala. The king came to Tiruvaur and met Sundarar. Both developed friendship, and embarked on a pilgrimage (tirtha). While moving from one place of pilgrimage place to another, Sundarar became tired of life, and prayed to Shiva to liberate him from the bondage of life. Shiva dispatched an elephant to carry him. The saint pleaded with Shiva to allow the king to follow him. While the saint Sundarar continued his journey upward to the heaven sitting on the elephant, the king followed him on his horse. Both are believed to have ascended to heaven.

[edit] References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
• Songs of the harsh devotee by David Dean Shulman
• The religion and philosophy of thevaram by M.A. Dorai Swamy