INTRODUCTION
Nandanar (7th Century AD) was a Nayanar saint, and a follower of Shaivism.
LIFE
Nandanar belonged to Adanur in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. He was born in the Dalit community and during that time they were considered as untouchables among the people. Dalits lived their life by working as labourers in the agricultural fields
Once, in Sivalokanathar Temple, Tirupunkur due to his prayers a giant stone bull had moved to some distance and still appears in the moved position in the temple. Nandanar ritually purified himself in the fire at Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram and become a bright looking person and appeared as a holy Brahmin.
Sundarar also praises Nandanar in his sacred text Nambiyandar Nambi also mentioned the greatness of Nandanar in his divine text “TiruttondarTiruvandhadhi”.
He lived his life by making leather items and also a maker of musical instruments. Nandanar also undertook the task of cleaning the temple tanks , painting the walls of the temple and done various repair works in the shiva temple.
Nandanar is specially worshipped in the Tamil month of Purattasiand also worshipped as a nayanar in the Shiva temples.
A sculpture of Nandanar is found in the Chidambaram temple, and also in Airavatesvara Temple of Darasuram.
Let us worship the great nayanar saint and be blessed.
“OM SREE NANDANAR NAYANARE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
“OM SAKTHI PARASAKTHI”
WRITTEN R. HariShankar
