Famous and Prominent Nayanars
While all 63 Nayanars are revered, a few are particularly well-known for their profound devotion and inspiring stories:
- Tiru Gnana Sambandar, Tiru-Navukkarasar (Appar), and Sundaramurthi Nayanar (Sundarar): Known as “The Trio” or “The Nalvar” (The Four) along with Manikkavasagar, their hymns form the most significant part of the Tevaram. Their songs and travels revitalized Shaivism and are still a central part of temple worship in Tamil Nadu.
- Kannappa Nayanar: A hunter who, in a display of intense devotion, offered his own eye to the Shiva Lingam when he saw it bleeding. He was about to pluck out his second eye when Shiva appeared and stopped him, impressed by his unwavering faith.
- Karaikal Ammaiyar: One of the three female Nayanars, she is one of the earliest known female poets in Tamil literature. Her ascetic devotion led her to renounce her earthly form and embrace a skeletal one to fully dedicate herself to Shiva.
- Manikkavasagar: Though not traditionally counted among the 63 Nayanars, he is considered one of the most important Saiva saints and is often included with the “Nalvar” due to his devotional masterpiece, the Tiruvasagam.
Other Famous Lord Shiva Devotees
Beyond the Nayanars, there are many other revered devotees of Lord Shiva from across India and beyond, whose devotion is celebrated in Hindu mythology and scriptures.
- Markandeya: A young sage who was destined to die at the age of 16 but was saved by Lord Shiva’s grace. His unwavering faith caused him to embrace the Shiva Lingam, and Shiva appeared to defeat Yama, the god of death, granting Markandeya eternal life.
- Ravana: The king of Lanka, often portrayed as an antagonist, was also an ardent devotee and scholar of Lord Shiva. He is credited with composing the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a powerful hymn in praise of Shiva.
- Nandi: Lord Shiva’s primary attendant and the gatekeeper of Kailash, he is revered as a divine devotee and the vehicle of Shiva.
- Goddess Parvati: Shiva’s divine consort, her devotion to him is a central theme in many Hindu scriptures.
- Adi Shankaracharya: A great philosopher and theologian who unified the various Hindu sects, including Shaivism, and established the Advaita Vedanta school of thought. His works and hymns, such as the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram, are revered by devotees.
- Rishi Agastya: A revered sage who is said to have spread the worship of Shiva in Southern India. He is also credited with many contributions to Tamil literature and medicine.