Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is known as the embodiment of compassion, power, and divine grace. His followers come from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the universality of his appeal.
Kannappa Nayanar: The Ultimate sacrifice
Kannappa Nayanar, one of the 63 revered Saivite saints in Tamil Hinduism, was born as Thinnan in Uduppoor (modern-day Uttukottai near Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh). The son of Nagan, a hunter clan leader, Thinnan was a skilled hunter known for his courage, simplicity, and loving heart. Though uneducated in rituals, he was a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva. Thinnan's devotion was pure but unconventional, offering Shiva Forest items like meat, water carried in his mouth, and wildflowers. Lord Shiva accepted his heartfelt worship with joy. To test his devotion, Shiva caused blood to flow from the eyes of Lingam. Rituals performed by the priest failed to stop it.
Heartbroken at seeing Shiva in pain, Thinnan gave one of his eyes and placed it on the Lingam. When the other eye began bleeding, he prepared to offer his second eye, marking the spot with his foot. Moved by this act of supreme devotion, Shiva appeared, restored Thinnan’s eyesight, and blessed him with the name "Kannappa," meaning "one who gave his eyes." Shiva declared Kannappa's love and selflessness unparalleled, granting him a place among the Nayanars.
Kannappa's story, celebrated in Saivism, highlights that true devotion lies in genuine love and surrender, beyond rituals. The Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple at Kalahasti is closely associated with his legend.
Markandeya: Blessed with eternal youth
Markandeya is a revered sage in Hindu mythology, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. Born to Sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati, Markandeya was destined to have a short lifespan of just 16 years. Despite this, he remained devoted to Lord Shiva, performing intense prayers and meditating on the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, a powerful hymn invoking Shiva as the conqueror of death.
On the day of his destined death, Yama, the god of death, arrived to claim his soul. Markandeya embraced a Shivalinga and sought refuge in Shiva. Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared, vanquished Yama, and blessed Markandeya with immortality. This story highlights Shiva's compassion and the power of unwavering faith. Markandeya is also credited with penning parts of the Markandeya Purana and the Durga Saptashati, which includes the worship of Goddess Durga. His life serves as an inspiration for devotion, courage, and the triumph of faith over destiny.
Ravana: The Scholar and Devotee
Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, is often remembered as the antagonist of the Ramayana. However, he was also an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana’s devotion is immortalized in the composition of the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn that extols Shiva’s grandeur. According to legend, Ravana once attempted to lift Mount Kailash, Shiva’s abode, to demonstrate his strength. When Shiva pressed the mountain down with his toe, Ravana was trapped. He performed rigorous penance and composed the Tandava Stotram, earning Shiva’s forgiveness and a celestial sword.
Nandanar: The Untouchable Saint
Nandanar, deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, was orphaned at a young age. He grew up singing hymns and composing songs dedicated to the deity, whom he considered a fatherly figure. As a farmer working under a Brahmin landlord, Nandanar harbored a strong desire to visit Shiva temples, but he was denied entry due to his lower social status. At Thirupangur, when he was unable to see the deity because a stone bull, Nandi, obstructed his view, Nandanar poured out his devotion in a heartfelt song. Miraculously, the bull moved, allowing him to finally witness Lord Shiva. Nandanar’s story exemplifies the boundless grace of Shiva, which transcends social barriers created by humans.
Manickavasagar: Poet-Saint of Lord Shiva
Manickavasagar was a renowned Tamil poet and saint, revered for his devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. He is best known for his work Tiruvasagam, a collection of hymns that express deep love and devotion to the divine. Manickavasagar lived in the 9th century and served as a minister in the court of King Arimartana Pandya. However, he was deeply moved by spiritual experiences, renounced his worldly life, and dedicated himself to the service of Lord Shiva. His poems are considered a key part of Tamil Shaiva literature.
Karaikkal Ammaiyar: The Ascetic Devotee
Karaikkal Ammaiyar, one of the revered Nayanmar saints in Tamil Shaivism, was a devout ascetic known for her intense devotion to Lord Shiva. Born in Karaikkal (modern-day Tamil Nadu), she was originally named Punitavati and was married to a merchant. After a spiritual awakening, she rejected worldly life and became a passionate devotee of Shiva. She is famous for her extraordinary devotion, transforming herself into a fierce, ascetic figure, often depicted with a deformed body. Her unwavering love for Lord Shiva is captured in her hymns, which are part of the Tiruviruttam, a collection of devotional poems. Karaikkal Ammaiyar’s life is a testament to deep spiritual commitment and selfless devotion.