50 Legends of the Nayanmars

Thirunavukkarasar was pleased to find such loving devotionand accepted to dine there.

A grand feast was prepared. Appudhi Adigalar, asked hiseldest son to bring the banana leaves, so the feast can be servedfor the devotee. When he went to the backyard to cut the leaves,he was bit by a poisonous snake. On seeing the delay in hisson’s return, Adigalar went to the backyard and to his shock,found his son dead by snake bite. But unwilling to stop thefeast; He and his wife covered their son with a mat and went toserve their esteemed guest.

Before the commencement of the feast, Thirunavukkarasar,asked everyone to come, so he can give the holy ashes. Everyonecame but the eldest son. When enquired about him, Adigalarreplied that he would be of no use now. Thirunavukkarasarsensed something was amiss and enquired. Unable to lie,Adigalar told the sad tale of his son’s demise. Immediately,Thirunavukkarasar prayed for Lord Shiva and brought the deadson back to life.

This miracle was not only due to the divine power ofThirunavukkarasar’s devotion, but also the pure devotion ofAppudhi Adigalar and his family.

25. THIRU NILANAKKA NAYANMARFrom the town of Thiruchatha Mangai of Chola Kingdom,

hailed a devout Saiva devotee named Nilanakkanar. He hailedfrom a family of Vedic scholars. Both he and his virtuous wifewere ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and served the Shivadevotees by hosting scrumptious feasts for them.

One auspicious day, Nilanakkanar went to the temple ofLord Shiva accompanied by his wife. While he was doing therituals, his wife noticed a spider on the Shiva lingam.