Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara !!
Theychudaya Malarkamala Chevadiyar Adiyartham
Thoosudaya Thukalmachu Kazhipparpor Thollai Vinai
Achudaya Mala Moondrum Anaiyavarum Perumpiravi
Machuthanai Vidakazhithu Varumnalil Angorunal
Kanchipuram – the capital of Pallva Kingdom also known as Mokshapuri / Mukthisthal. The grandeur of this sacrosanct place was cited in many scriptures. Goddess Parvati underwent severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband in this sacred land.
Thirukuripputh Thondar was born in a washer man clan located in Kanchi. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He found immense pleasure in serving the devotees of Lord, washing their clothes and provides them with clean and crisp clothes. Lord Shiva was highly pleased at the selfless service of Thirukuripputh Thondar and He was much awaited to test the devotion of Nayanar.
Lord Shiva himself disguised as a poor Brahmin wrapped his frail body into shabby clothes; marvelously smeared marks of holy ashes all over the body and with the garlands of Rudraksha appeared before Thirukuripputh Thondar. Nayanar was overwhelmed at the sight of the devotee of Lord Shiva. He received the Brahmin with great honor and pleaded him to accept his service. The Brahmin discouraged the sincere request of Nayanar with his ascetic remarks; he revealed his inability to tolerate the cold weather without any clothes on his body in the night though his tattered cloth requires a wash desperately. Nayanar was not willing to accept any of the explanations of the Brahmin. Nayanar assured the Brahmin that he would provide him with the crisp and clean clothe before sunset.
Thirukuripputh Nayanar with utmost pleasure received the clothes from the Brahmin and washed them hurriedly and dutifully spread the clothes to dry, immediately the rain started to pour down heavily. It was shocking to see the sudden change of climate; he was hoping for sunshine and anxiously waited for the rest of the hours. Unfortunately, the rainstorm continued for hours and hours. Nayanar worried about the promise he had made to the Brahmin, he was deeply concerned about the flimsy physique of the Brahmin who could not bear the chillness without proper clothing. Finally, Nayanar waveringly rushed out marched towards the huge rock where he used to wash the clothes. He cried bitterly for his inconsiderate action against the devotee of Lord Shiva. In a sudden moment, he vehemently banged his head against the rock. The blood started oozing from his head and stretched out on blue the water. Alas! A sturdy hand with the snakes and golden bangles beautifully tangled as ornament and striking holy ash marks on it stopped Nayanar and the downpour turned into floral drop. There appeared Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvati on their celestial vehicle, the most compassionate Lord blessed Nayanar with Salvation.
In the Tamil month Thiruvathirai – Swathi is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day to commemorate the above incident.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Photocourtesy: shaivam.org
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