OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
APPAR(Tirunavukkarasar (7th 8thce)
(The Lord Shiva of Speech)
(The Lord Shiva of Speech)
One of the greatest Shaivite saints,
Tirunavukkarasar is credited with the re-establishment of Hinduism in South India following the rise of nastika traditions. Popularly known as Appar, he was one of the most prolific Tamil Shiva poets and a great exponent of Shiva Siddhanta, visiting hundreds of temples and composing hymns in honor of Shiva. Appar’s message of service to God and fellow humans has timeless appeal among the faithful, and his impact on the religious and social life of the Tamil people is remarkable.
Tirunavukkarasar was born in the 7th century, possibly in the year 610, in Thiruvamur near present day Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu which was under Pallava rule at the time. His parents, Pugazhanar and Mathiniyar, were peasants of the Vellalar caste and named him Marul Neekiyar, (one who removes all the ignorance) and his elder sister was Thilakavathiyar. When Thilakavathiyar attained the age of twelve, she was betrothed to Kalaipahayar – a young military
commander in the Pallava army. Immediately after betrothel,
Kalaipahayar was assigned with the duty of warfare and killed at the battlefield. Afterward Thilakavathiyar remained unmarried and spent rest of her life as a widower.
The unbearable pain and grief impelled
young Thilakavathiyar to lead a life of an ascetic. In a while her father became unwell and passed away; her mother embraced Sati (commit suicide by jumping on funeral pyre) and followed her husband. The entire catastrophic incidents in the life of young Thilakavathiyar and Marulneekiyar drove them into a miserable state. Thilakavathiyar lived a dejected life and lived for the interest of her younger brother. She was a zealous devotee of Lord shiva and engaged in the service of Lord Shiva and his devotees. She immediately took the responsibility of a mother to Marulneekiyar. Seeing the terrible conditions in the family,
Marulneekiyar was utterly confused and decided to leave to Pataliputra and accepted Jainism as his religion.
Eventually, Marulneekiyar was got attracted to the philosophy of Janism and its practices of non-violence. Soon he joined in the school of Janism and mastered over the principles of Jainism and its practices. Later, he turned out a brilliant scholar and known as ‘Dharmasenan’ amongst them.
Thilakavathiyar was dejected to
know about her brother’s approach and felt deeply distressed about his change in faith, consequently abandoning the age old tradition of Shaivism. She left her native village and settled in Thiruvadihikai. She was a staunch devotee of Lord shiva, sincerely prayed to Lord Shiva Veerattaneshwara (Thiruvadhikai) for her brother and brings him back on the age old tradition of Shaiva Sidhhantha.
Dharmasenar – Marulneekiyar
developed an unceasing pain in his abdomen. The Jain scholars tried all the remedies to curtail his pain. But nothing did work for his excruciating pain in the abdomen; on the other hand it turned out bad into worse. Marulneekiyar realized that his days were numbered, he thought of his affectionate sister. In the next moment, he secretly left the school of Jain and was on his way to meet his sister.
Marulneekiyar arrived at
Thiruvadhikai, fell at the feet of his sister and wept bitterly.
Immediately, she realized that her prayers were answered. She
wholeheartedly welcomed his brother and comforted him with her sweet words. She applied holy ashes on his forehead, she instructed him to ingest them and chant the holy hymns ‘Panchakshara Mantra’ of Lord Shiva. Thilakavathiyar took him to the temple of Lord Shiva Virattaneshwarar, Marulneekiyar passionately sung praising the glory of Lord Shiva. He was lamented over his misdemeanor towards saints and the sacred scriptures of Lord Shiva. He wept resentfully and
surrendered to Lord Shiva with all hearts. It was truly miraculous act that as he concluded the song Marulneekiyar’s pain vanished instantly leaving no trace at all and they could listen to a divine voice ‘Marulneekiyar will be known to the world as ‘Thirunavukkarasar’ (Thiru = Sri, Navu = Tongue, Arasar = King) and his glories will remain forever.’ He was truly a King of speech; he sung glorious verses of Lord Shiva and visited many holy places all through his life. He and his sister continued their self-less service to Lord Shiva and engaged in spreading the glories of Lord shiva. Thus, Thirunavukkarasar (Later, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar fondly addressed Thirunavukkarasar as ‘Appar’
known to the world at large) became a fervent devotee of Lord shiva and his faith in Shaivism restored in double fold.
The above incident created a huge chaos amongst the people of Jainism in Pataliputra. Their inability to cure Dharmasenan’s illness and abandoning the religion created a fret among them. They worried that people may loose faith in their religion and would be answerable for the reason behind Dharmasenar’s decision to leave Jainism to the public and the King as well. They plotted against Dharmasenar and proclaimed him as a conspirator. King Mahendrvarman of Pallava Dynasty ordered to produce Marulneekiyar in his court and the final verdicts were announced. Marulneekiyar was shoved into a dungeon of furnace. Amazingly, he remained safe and sound and he was in deep meditation in the dungeon for few days.
Jains were not ready to accept their defeat; instead they pronounced that the principle teachings and prayers of Jainism saved him. Marulneekiyar was poisoned to death, fortunately the poison turned into nectar with the grace of Lord Shiva. King Mahendravaraman ordered mahouts to kill Marulneekiyar with his Royal elephant. But, the elephant obediently circumambulated Marulneekiyar and prostrated before him.
Soon another verdict followed to punish Marulneekiyar, he was tied into a huge rock and decided to immerse into the depth of the sea. Surprisingly, the huge rock started to float on the sea and Marulneekiyar came into sight singing priaising the glories of Lord shiva. Finally, the floating stone took Thirunavukkarasar safely to the shoreline of Thiruppapuliyur (Cuddalore). That was just the beginning Thirunavukkarasar continued his spiritual journey and visited sacred temples of Lord Shiva on his way back to Thiruvadhikai and sung priaising the glories of Lord Shiva.
King Mahendravarman who was a firm believer of Jainism realized the superiority of Shaivism and happened to came across many miraculous events which affirmed the faith in Shaivism. At last, King Mahendravarman was deepily hurt at his misdemeanor towards the great saint, he approached
Thirunavukkarasar and fallen at his feet to forgive. Thirunavukkarasar affectionately embraced the King and once again his faith in the shaivisam reinstated at the mercy of Appar. Immdiately the King ordered to demolish the schools of Jains and built a magnificent temple of Lord shiva at Gunapraveecharam, Thiruvadhikai. The majestic
Rajagopuram of this temple bears a resemblance to the chariot of Lord shiva utilized to behead the demon Tripurasura.
There was a numinous incident
occurred to Thirunavukkarasar, he felt impure due to the long
association he had with the Jains and their beliefs. He earnestly prayed to Lord shiva and got himself untainted with the symbol of Trident and Nandi on his shoulders. Thirunavukkarasar visited the holy shrine in Chidambaram and sung praising the glories of Lord Shiva Nataraja. During his stay at Chidambaram he met Thiru Gnana Sambandhar at Shiyali (ourskirts of Chidambaram) they flattered each other and set an
example for association of two great saints. They together visited the temple in Shirkazhi Brahmapurishwarar temple and Appar sung praising the Lord Shiva Thoniappar in this temple.
They visited the temple of Sapthapurishwarar/Sattanathar at Thirukolakka. Later, Thirunavukkarasar continued his spiritual journey all alone and arrived at Thiruvaduthurai and sung priaising the Lord Shiva with intense austerity, he moved to Sattimutham there he could listen to the divine instruction of Lord Shiva instructing him visit Thirunallur Sri Kalyana Sundareshwarar temple. He passionately sung praising the glory of Lord Shiva Kalyana Sundareshwarar in this temple.
Thirunavukkarasar travelled
extensively through the length and breadth of the sacred land to spread the glories of Lord shiva. While his visit to Thingallur he met with Saint Apputhi Adigalar a zealous devotee of Lord shiva. A miraculous incident brought Apputhi Adigalar’s son back into life. Thirunavukkarasar had the dharshan of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja at Thiruvarur; he was received with utmost reverence by the people of Thruvarur. He immersed in total bliss and sung praising the glory of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja in this temple. He was extremely remorseful in his whole life for the decision he had made to propagate the Jainism and its
principle. He also praised the glories of Naminandi Adigal who was fervent devotee of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja, who was performed the miracle of lightening the lamps with water when he had no means to buy oil in this temple.
Thirunavukkarasar arrived at
Thirupukalur and visited the temple of Lord Shiva Agnishwarar, there he met Thiru Gnana Sambandhar for the second time and they spent blissful moments at the company of each others. They together continued their spiritual journey and visited sacred temples of Lord shiva singing and priaisng the glory of Lord Shiva at Thiruveelimalai and Thirumaraikkadu – Lord Shiva Vedaranyeshwar (Vedaranyam). During their stay at Thirupukalur there were many saints and holy men were visited them and this place turned out a divine land of Shaivism. Later, Thirunavukkarasar earnestly prayed to Thiru Gnana Sambandhar to visit the temple of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja at Thrivarur.
At the divine command of Lord Shiva,
Appar continued his journey to Thiruvaimoor leaving behind
Sambandhar. Lord Shiva guided Appar throughout his journey and
suddenly vanished in one of the temples situated. In the meantime, Sambandhar came to know about Appar’s departure and decided to follow him. Sambandhar arrived at the temple there he met Appar; he was meticulously following Lord Shiva and solemnly prayed to Lord Shiva to give dharshan to Sambandhar. Lord Shiva was pleased at the devotion of His fervent devotee – Appar and gave dharshan to both of them.
Appar resumed his journey to Palayarai there he found the temple of Lord Shiva was plundered by Jains and established a place for their worship. Appar was deeply distressed and underwent severe penance. One night Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of the King who was ruled that city and informed him to sanctify the temple and install a Linga for worship of Appar. At the divine command of Lord Shiva, King arrived with his army and shoved the Jains from this place of worship. He prostrated Appar with utmost reverence and followed
the ordinance of Lord Shiva. He consecrated a Linga under the
supervision and guidance of Appar. Appar felt extremely happy at this micraculous event.
During Appar’s visit to Thirupanjali, he was tired of hunger and thirst. He had to bring a sudden halt to his spiritual journey, at this moment Lord shiva disguised in the form of a Brahmin and served him with food; He followed Appar upto certain distance and vanished. Appar realized the mercy of Lord Shiva and wept bitterly at the separation of Him. He resumed his journey to Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram and Kalahasthi singing and priaising the glories of Lord Shiva. At Kalahasthi he passionately sang the glories of Kannappa Nayanar who was a keen servant of Lord Shiva. He visited Banaras/Varanasi and worshipped Lord Shiva Vishwanatha. In the
meantime, his desire to visit Kailash grew out of reach. He expansively walked throughout this sacred land without considering day or night and fearlessly walked through the woodlands without any fright from dangers. Soon, Appar turned out fragile and struggled to move on with his flimsy body. Lord Shiva desired to have Appar should live long singing and praising the glories of Him. He appeared before him disguised in the form of a saint with matted hair locks, Rudrakshas, marks of Tripundra with Holy ashes all over the body. He advised Appar to change his mind from unyielding desire to visit Kailash. But Appar was too firm to pull out from his decision. Later, Lord Shiva followed
Appar giving encouragements from time to time. At one instant Appar earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva and worried about his failing body. Lord Shiva instructed him to take bath in a holy pond created. Appar followed the divine commands of Lord Shiva with the Panchakshara Mantra on his lips. To his amazement, Appar found himself at Thiruvayyar several miles away from where he had begun his journey to Kailash. Appar zealously rushed into the sanctum sanctorum there he could envisage Mount Kailash, Lord shiva & Goddess Parvathy with the deities surrounded. Appar was danced in an ecstasy singing and prasing the glories of Lord Shiva.
Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) remained in Thiruperunthurai and engaged in the service of Lord Shiva Athmanatha Swamy. During this time, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar made a visit to Thirunavukkarasar at Thiruperunthurai. Appar joined the followers of Sambandhar to receive him, without Sambandhar’s knowledge he silently gave a hand to the people who were carrying his palanquin. When they arrived at Thiruperunthurai, Sambandhar blissfully searched
for Appar and found him carrying Sambandhar’s palanquin.
Sambandhar fell at his feet; they embraced each other with lot of
affections and shed tears of joy.
Appar made a visit to the Kingdom of Pandya Kings to scrutinize the growth of Shaivism in Madurai. The Pandya King – Nedunmaran and his queen Mangayakarasi Ammayar along with their minister of assembly Kulachirai Nayanar received Appar with great honor and respect. Appar stayed in Madurai for sometime and resumed his journey to Rameshwaram.
Appar arrived in Thirupugalur and continued his service (cleaning the temple floors into sparkling) to Lord Shiva Agnishwara. In order to test his devotion, at the will of Lord Shiva the temple floor were crammed with the precious gems and ornaments. All the glitters were worthless for Appar and none could deviate his devotion and self-less attitude of this true Sanyasin. Appar sincerely continued his service of cleaning the floors, picking the gems from the floor and deposited them far out of reach like dirt. Lord Shiva
continued to examine Appar’s devotion; on the other hand Appar’s
devotion to Lord Shiva lingered rock-hard. Finally, at the ripened age of 81 years Appar attained Samadhi and merged with the Lord Shivas of Lord Shiva.
The Shiva Siddhanta tradition, considers
temples to be Lord Shiva Himself, and the worship of God is an
indispensable part of religious life. It is for this very reason that Tamil Nadu abounds with shrines, and the practice of bhakti, or devotion, was promoted assertively by Appar and the other Nayanmars. Appar is said to have visited no fewer than 125 temples during the last forty years of his life following his conversion back to Hinduism, worshipping Shiva with song and service.
Appar continued his travels to the end of his life. He finally achieved samadhi at the advanced age of 81 near Pukalur, probably in the year 691. His life, which straddled most of the 7th century, was pivotal in re-establishing Shiva Siddhanta and promoting the bhakti movement.
In the Tamil month Chithirai – Sathayam
(chathayam) is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day in most of the
temples of Lord shiva in Chennai.
----------------------------------------
The Word (Om),
Our Succor,
The Vedas’ Author,
The Effulgence,
The Being in Heaven,
His perfect feet, the succor of golden hue,
If you worship with joined palms,
Even if you are thrown into the sea,
Tied to a stone column,
The best succor,
Namachivaya turns out to be.
- Appar(Tirunavukkarasar), Tevaram
Tirunavukkarasar is credited with the re-establishment of Hinduism in South India following the rise of nastika traditions. Popularly known as Appar, he was one of the most prolific Tamil Shiva poets and a great exponent of Shiva Siddhanta, visiting hundreds of temples and composing hymns in honor of Shiva. Appar’s message of service to God and fellow humans has timeless appeal among the faithful, and his impact on the religious and social life of the Tamil people is remarkable.
Tirunavukkarasar was born in the 7th century, possibly in the year 610, in Thiruvamur near present day Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu which was under Pallava rule at the time. His parents, Pugazhanar and Mathiniyar, were peasants of the Vellalar caste and named him Marul Neekiyar, (one who removes all the ignorance) and his elder sister was Thilakavathiyar. When Thilakavathiyar attained the age of twelve, she was betrothed to Kalaipahayar – a young military
commander in the Pallava army. Immediately after betrothel,
Kalaipahayar was assigned with the duty of warfare and killed at the battlefield. Afterward Thilakavathiyar remained unmarried and spent rest of her life as a widower.
The unbearable pain and grief impelled
young Thilakavathiyar to lead a life of an ascetic. In a while her father became unwell and passed away; her mother embraced Sati (commit suicide by jumping on funeral pyre) and followed her husband. The entire catastrophic incidents in the life of young Thilakavathiyar and Marulneekiyar drove them into a miserable state. Thilakavathiyar lived a dejected life and lived for the interest of her younger brother. She was a zealous devotee of Lord shiva and engaged in the service of Lord Shiva and his devotees. She immediately took the responsibility of a mother to Marulneekiyar. Seeing the terrible conditions in the family,
Marulneekiyar was utterly confused and decided to leave to Pataliputra and accepted Jainism as his religion.
Eventually, Marulneekiyar was got attracted to the philosophy of Janism and its practices of non-violence. Soon he joined in the school of Janism and mastered over the principles of Jainism and its practices. Later, he turned out a brilliant scholar and known as ‘Dharmasenan’ amongst them.
Thilakavathiyar was dejected to
know about her brother’s approach and felt deeply distressed about his change in faith, consequently abandoning the age old tradition of Shaivism. She left her native village and settled in Thiruvadihikai. She was a staunch devotee of Lord shiva, sincerely prayed to Lord Shiva Veerattaneshwara (Thiruvadhikai) for her brother and brings him back on the age old tradition of Shaiva Sidhhantha.
Dharmasenar – Marulneekiyar
developed an unceasing pain in his abdomen. The Jain scholars tried all the remedies to curtail his pain. But nothing did work for his excruciating pain in the abdomen; on the other hand it turned out bad into worse. Marulneekiyar realized that his days were numbered, he thought of his affectionate sister. In the next moment, he secretly left the school of Jain and was on his way to meet his sister.
Marulneekiyar arrived at
Thiruvadhikai, fell at the feet of his sister and wept bitterly.
Immediately, she realized that her prayers were answered. She
wholeheartedly welcomed his brother and comforted him with her sweet words. She applied holy ashes on his forehead, she instructed him to ingest them and chant the holy hymns ‘Panchakshara Mantra’ of Lord Shiva. Thilakavathiyar took him to the temple of Lord Shiva Virattaneshwarar, Marulneekiyar passionately sung praising the glory of Lord Shiva. He was lamented over his misdemeanor towards saints and the sacred scriptures of Lord Shiva. He wept resentfully and
surrendered to Lord Shiva with all hearts. It was truly miraculous act that as he concluded the song Marulneekiyar’s pain vanished instantly leaving no trace at all and they could listen to a divine voice ‘Marulneekiyar will be known to the world as ‘Thirunavukkarasar’ (Thiru = Sri, Navu = Tongue, Arasar = King) and his glories will remain forever.’ He was truly a King of speech; he sung glorious verses of Lord Shiva and visited many holy places all through his life. He and his sister continued their self-less service to Lord Shiva and engaged in spreading the glories of Lord shiva. Thus, Thirunavukkarasar (Later, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar fondly addressed Thirunavukkarasar as ‘Appar’
known to the world at large) became a fervent devotee of Lord shiva and his faith in Shaivism restored in double fold.
The above incident created a huge chaos amongst the people of Jainism in Pataliputra. Their inability to cure Dharmasenan’s illness and abandoning the religion created a fret among them. They worried that people may loose faith in their religion and would be answerable for the reason behind Dharmasenar’s decision to leave Jainism to the public and the King as well. They plotted against Dharmasenar and proclaimed him as a conspirator. King Mahendrvarman of Pallava Dynasty ordered to produce Marulneekiyar in his court and the final verdicts were announced. Marulneekiyar was shoved into a dungeon of furnace. Amazingly, he remained safe and sound and he was in deep meditation in the dungeon for few days.
Jains were not ready to accept their defeat; instead they pronounced that the principle teachings and prayers of Jainism saved him. Marulneekiyar was poisoned to death, fortunately the poison turned into nectar with the grace of Lord Shiva. King Mahendravaraman ordered mahouts to kill Marulneekiyar with his Royal elephant. But, the elephant obediently circumambulated Marulneekiyar and prostrated before him.
Soon another verdict followed to punish Marulneekiyar, he was tied into a huge rock and decided to immerse into the depth of the sea. Surprisingly, the huge rock started to float on the sea and Marulneekiyar came into sight singing priaising the glories of Lord shiva. Finally, the floating stone took Thirunavukkarasar safely to the shoreline of Thiruppapuliyur (Cuddalore). That was just the beginning Thirunavukkarasar continued his spiritual journey and visited sacred temples of Lord Shiva on his way back to Thiruvadhikai and sung priaising the glories of Lord Shiva.
King Mahendravarman who was a firm believer of Jainism realized the superiority of Shaivism and happened to came across many miraculous events which affirmed the faith in Shaivism. At last, King Mahendravarman was deepily hurt at his misdemeanor towards the great saint, he approached
Thirunavukkarasar and fallen at his feet to forgive. Thirunavukkarasar affectionately embraced the King and once again his faith in the shaivisam reinstated at the mercy of Appar. Immdiately the King ordered to demolish the schools of Jains and built a magnificent temple of Lord shiva at Gunapraveecharam, Thiruvadhikai. The majestic
Rajagopuram of this temple bears a resemblance to the chariot of Lord shiva utilized to behead the demon Tripurasura.
There was a numinous incident
occurred to Thirunavukkarasar, he felt impure due to the long
association he had with the Jains and their beliefs. He earnestly prayed to Lord shiva and got himself untainted with the symbol of Trident and Nandi on his shoulders. Thirunavukkarasar visited the holy shrine in Chidambaram and sung praising the glories of Lord Shiva Nataraja. During his stay at Chidambaram he met Thiru Gnana Sambandhar at Shiyali (ourskirts of Chidambaram) they flattered each other and set an
example for association of two great saints. They together visited the temple in Shirkazhi Brahmapurishwarar temple and Appar sung praising the Lord Shiva Thoniappar in this temple.
They visited the temple of Sapthapurishwarar/Sattanathar at Thirukolakka. Later, Thirunavukkarasar continued his spiritual journey all alone and arrived at Thiruvaduthurai and sung priaising the Lord Shiva with intense austerity, he moved to Sattimutham there he could listen to the divine instruction of Lord Shiva instructing him visit Thirunallur Sri Kalyana Sundareshwarar temple. He passionately sung praising the glory of Lord Shiva Kalyana Sundareshwarar in this temple.
Thirunavukkarasar travelled
extensively through the length and breadth of the sacred land to spread the glories of Lord shiva. While his visit to Thingallur he met with Saint Apputhi Adigalar a zealous devotee of Lord shiva. A miraculous incident brought Apputhi Adigalar’s son back into life. Thirunavukkarasar had the dharshan of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja at Thiruvarur; he was received with utmost reverence by the people of Thruvarur. He immersed in total bliss and sung praising the glory of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja in this temple. He was extremely remorseful in his whole life for the decision he had made to propagate the Jainism and its
principle. He also praised the glories of Naminandi Adigal who was fervent devotee of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja, who was performed the miracle of lightening the lamps with water when he had no means to buy oil in this temple.
Thirunavukkarasar arrived at
Thirupukalur and visited the temple of Lord Shiva Agnishwarar, there he met Thiru Gnana Sambandhar for the second time and they spent blissful moments at the company of each others. They together continued their spiritual journey and visited sacred temples of Lord shiva singing and priaisng the glory of Lord Shiva at Thiruveelimalai and Thirumaraikkadu – Lord Shiva Vedaranyeshwar (Vedaranyam). During their stay at Thirupukalur there were many saints and holy men were visited them and this place turned out a divine land of Shaivism. Later, Thirunavukkarasar earnestly prayed to Thiru Gnana Sambandhar to visit the temple of Lord Shiva Tyagaraja at Thrivarur.
At the divine command of Lord Shiva,
Appar continued his journey to Thiruvaimoor leaving behind
Sambandhar. Lord Shiva guided Appar throughout his journey and
suddenly vanished in one of the temples situated. In the meantime, Sambandhar came to know about Appar’s departure and decided to follow him. Sambandhar arrived at the temple there he met Appar; he was meticulously following Lord Shiva and solemnly prayed to Lord Shiva to give dharshan to Sambandhar. Lord Shiva was pleased at the devotion of His fervent devotee – Appar and gave dharshan to both of them.
Appar resumed his journey to Palayarai there he found the temple of Lord Shiva was plundered by Jains and established a place for their worship. Appar was deeply distressed and underwent severe penance. One night Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of the King who was ruled that city and informed him to sanctify the temple and install a Linga for worship of Appar. At the divine command of Lord Shiva, King arrived with his army and shoved the Jains from this place of worship. He prostrated Appar with utmost reverence and followed
the ordinance of Lord Shiva. He consecrated a Linga under the
supervision and guidance of Appar. Appar felt extremely happy at this micraculous event.
During Appar’s visit to Thirupanjali, he was tired of hunger and thirst. He had to bring a sudden halt to his spiritual journey, at this moment Lord shiva disguised in the form of a Brahmin and served him with food; He followed Appar upto certain distance and vanished. Appar realized the mercy of Lord Shiva and wept bitterly at the separation of Him. He resumed his journey to Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram and Kalahasthi singing and priaising the glories of Lord Shiva. At Kalahasthi he passionately sang the glories of Kannappa Nayanar who was a keen servant of Lord Shiva. He visited Banaras/Varanasi and worshipped Lord Shiva Vishwanatha. In the
meantime, his desire to visit Kailash grew out of reach. He expansively walked throughout this sacred land without considering day or night and fearlessly walked through the woodlands without any fright from dangers. Soon, Appar turned out fragile and struggled to move on with his flimsy body. Lord Shiva desired to have Appar should live long singing and praising the glories of Him. He appeared before him disguised in the form of a saint with matted hair locks, Rudrakshas, marks of Tripundra with Holy ashes all over the body. He advised Appar to change his mind from unyielding desire to visit Kailash. But Appar was too firm to pull out from his decision. Later, Lord Shiva followed
Appar giving encouragements from time to time. At one instant Appar earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva and worried about his failing body. Lord Shiva instructed him to take bath in a holy pond created. Appar followed the divine commands of Lord Shiva with the Panchakshara Mantra on his lips. To his amazement, Appar found himself at Thiruvayyar several miles away from where he had begun his journey to Kailash. Appar zealously rushed into the sanctum sanctorum there he could envisage Mount Kailash, Lord shiva & Goddess Parvathy with the deities surrounded. Appar was danced in an ecstasy singing and prasing the glories of Lord Shiva.
Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) remained in Thiruperunthurai and engaged in the service of Lord Shiva Athmanatha Swamy. During this time, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar made a visit to Thirunavukkarasar at Thiruperunthurai. Appar joined the followers of Sambandhar to receive him, without Sambandhar’s knowledge he silently gave a hand to the people who were carrying his palanquin. When they arrived at Thiruperunthurai, Sambandhar blissfully searched
for Appar and found him carrying Sambandhar’s palanquin.
Sambandhar fell at his feet; they embraced each other with lot of
affections and shed tears of joy.
Appar made a visit to the Kingdom of Pandya Kings to scrutinize the growth of Shaivism in Madurai. The Pandya King – Nedunmaran and his queen Mangayakarasi Ammayar along with their minister of assembly Kulachirai Nayanar received Appar with great honor and respect. Appar stayed in Madurai for sometime and resumed his journey to Rameshwaram.
Appar arrived in Thirupugalur and continued his service (cleaning the temple floors into sparkling) to Lord Shiva Agnishwara. In order to test his devotion, at the will of Lord Shiva the temple floor were crammed with the precious gems and ornaments. All the glitters were worthless for Appar and none could deviate his devotion and self-less attitude of this true Sanyasin. Appar sincerely continued his service of cleaning the floors, picking the gems from the floor and deposited them far out of reach like dirt. Lord Shiva
continued to examine Appar’s devotion; on the other hand Appar’s
devotion to Lord Shiva lingered rock-hard. Finally, at the ripened age of 81 years Appar attained Samadhi and merged with the Lord Shivas of Lord Shiva.
The Shiva Siddhanta tradition, considers
temples to be Lord Shiva Himself, and the worship of God is an
indispensable part of religious life. It is for this very reason that Tamil Nadu abounds with shrines, and the practice of bhakti, or devotion, was promoted assertively by Appar and the other Nayanmars. Appar is said to have visited no fewer than 125 temples during the last forty years of his life following his conversion back to Hinduism, worshipping Shiva with song and service.
Appar continued his travels to the end of his life. He finally achieved samadhi at the advanced age of 81 near Pukalur, probably in the year 691. His life, which straddled most of the 7th century, was pivotal in re-establishing Shiva Siddhanta and promoting the bhakti movement.
In the Tamil month Chithirai – Sathayam
(chathayam) is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day in most of the
temples of Lord shiva in Chennai.
----------------------------------------
The Word (Om),
Our Succor,
The Vedas’ Author,
The Effulgence,
The Being in Heaven,
His perfect feet, the succor of golden hue,
If you worship with joined palms,
Even if you are thrown into the sea,
Tied to a stone column,
The best succor,
Namachivaya turns out to be.
- Appar(Tirunavukkarasar), Tevaram
கருத்துகள் இல்லை:
கருத்துரையிடுக