The Nayanmars
The Nayanars (or Nayanmars) were 63 Tamil Shaivite saints of the 6th–8th centuries CE who spearheaded the Bhakti movement in South India. Devoted to God Shiva, they composed devotional hymns that formed the Thevaram, a key part of the Tirumurai. The Tirumurai is a revered collection of spiritual poetry composed by the Nayanmars, glorifying God Shiva. The foremost among them—Tirugyanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Sundarar—wrote powerful verses called pathikams that continue to inspire spiritual seekers to this day.
The Tirumurai
The Saivite Tirumurai is a revered Tamil Shaivite scripture divided into 12 volumes. The first seven Tirumurai contain the pathigams (verses) composed by Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Sundarar. These are collectively known as the 'Thevara Paadalgal'.
The Tevara hymns unmistakably convey one powerful truth — the temples mentioned in these sacred verses were already thriving over 1,000 years ago.
Literary Excellence
The Tevaram consists of over 8,000 verses spread across 12 volumes. These hymns are not just devotional songs but also literary masterpieces that showcase the richness of Tamil language and poetic tradition.
Each hymn captures the essence of the temple, its deity, local legends, architectural beauty, and the spiritual experiences of the devotees. They serve as both religious texts and historical documents.
Thirunavukarasar
Also known as "Appar", he was initially a Jain monk who later converted to Shaivism. His devotional fervor and pilgrimage to temples is legendary.
- Born in Thirvamur
- Composed 313 hymns
- Lived 81 years
Sambandar
Known as the "Child Saint," he lived in the 7th century and composed over 4,000 verses. He was blessed with divine milk from Goddess Parvati as a child.
- Born in Sirgazhi
- Composed 384 hymns
- Lived 16 years
Sundarar
Known as the friend of God shiva, he lived a life of both worldly experiences and deep devotion, composing beautiful hymns.
- Born in ThiruNavalur
- Composed 100 hymns
- Called "Shiva's friend"
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