Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Nattampuri Varani Narriru Meipoochu Chindru
Muttumpari Chayinun Theikkunkai Muttathendru
Vattanthikazh Parayin Vaithu Muzhankai Theithar
Kattumpuran Tholnarambenpu Karaithu Theya
Thiru Murthy Nayanar was born in Madurai, the capital city of Pandya Kingdom. It was one of the most beautiful cities existing from the date back to Sangam period. Murthy Nayanar was born in a merchant family. He was a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva – Sri Chokkalinga Peruman/Sri Somasundareshwarar and his consort Sri Angayarkanni/Sri Meenakshy. It was his regular practice to prepare alluring sandal paste for Lord. He found ceaseless joy in preparing sandal paste of entrancing fragrance for the worship of Lord.
As years passed by, the Kings of Pandya were defeated by Hoysalas. King of Hoysala seized this glorious city and resumed their regime. The Hoysala King was fanatical about Jainisam. The first and foremost thing was done in the country was put an end to Shaivism and worship of Lord Shiva. The people of the Kingdom were deliberately forced to accept Jainism. Whoever not willing follow the rule had to undergo severe punishments. Gradually, Jainism started to predominate in the city. But Murthy Nayanar was least affected by any of the intimidation and very often had to undergo severe criticisms and humiliations. He sustained his self-less service to Lord, he continued preparing alluring sandal paste for the worship of Lord. Murthy Nayanar’s firm devotion to Lord Shiva was annoyed the King. He played several foul tricks to stop Nayanar’s worship of Lord Shiva but none of them were succeeded. Finally, the supply of Sandal wood to Nayanar has stopped completely. Nayanar could not put up with this situation; he could not even imagine staying behind from worshipping Lord Shiva. Nayanar was deeply depressed continued his search for the sandal wood throughout the city rigorously. Unfortunately, he did not find even a single piece of it. He was deeply disappointed rushed to temple and prayed to Lord with tears overflowing. He vehemently began his duty of preparing sandal paste by rubbing his elbow harshly on the floor where he used to make aromatic sandal paste. He continued for some time, blood started to gush out from the wounds, flesh were tore off and bones were propelled out. Lord Shiva was highly pleased at the self-less devotion of Nayanar. A mysterious voice demanded Nayanar to refrain from this self torture and also instructed him to take up the regime from the Hoysalas. The divine voice blessed Nayanar with eternal happiness.
Nayanar was astounded to see the sudden changes in him. There was no bleeding or torn out flesh or wrecked born on his elbow, his appearance was perfectly charismatic as ever. He was gasped for air profusely. On that night, the Hoysala King who was ruling the Pandya Kingdom was expired. As he was departed without any successor to rule his Kingdom, it was decided to search for an appropriate ruler from the ministers of assembly. According to the custom prevailed in the city, the Royal elephant was blindfolded, with a flower garland on its trunk set out in open to find a suitable ruler for the country. The royal elephant majestically walked towards the temple and approached Murthy Nayanar. It was one of the graceful moments; the elephant garlanded Nayanar and bowed him. As the whole city was witnessing the marvelous sight, Nayanar was taken to the palace on the back on Royal elephant with all due respect and honor.
Nayanar courteously refused all the stately luxuries in his life. He had chosen sacred ashes instead of holy water of precious gems for his crowning ceremony. He refused jeweled crown and wholeheartedly accepted matted hair locks on its place. He rejected all the precious jewelry and adorned beads of Rudraksha all over the body. The people and the ministers of the assembly were amazed at the humbleness of Nayanar and his pure love towards Lord. All the conditions put forward by Nayanar was accepted and he was ruled the Pandya Kingdom wisely for several years. The people of the Kingdom were happy and the great city flourished with rich natural resources. Finally, Murthy Nayanar attained the Abode of Lord Shiva with his passionate devotion towards Lord.
In the Tamil month Adi – Krithikai is widely celebrated as Guru Puja Day in Madurai.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
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