62 Legends of the Nayanmars

Unable to bear this tragic news, he collected her ashes in abowl and kept it near him while he meditated on Sambandarevery day. On learning of the arrival of Sambandar inThiruvotriyur, he raised an elaborate pavilion between Mylaporeand Thiruvotriyur. He met Sambandar and told of his daughter.Sambandar, hearing the woes of this pious devotee, prayed toLord Shiva to restore the life of the girl. He sang a hymn onLord Shiva and on reaching the tenth stanza of the hymn thegirl came back to her form and life! Everyone present rejoicedon seeing this miracle and praised Sambandar.

Sivanesar then offered his revived daughter to Sambandar.However, Sambandar refused his offer citing the reason thatnow he has a father- daughter relationship with Poompavai.Sivanesar consequently built an ashram for his daughter, whereshe spent her life meditating on Lord Shiva.

Sambandar later reached Seergali and by then, he hadreached his sixteenth year. His father, Sivapaada Hrudayaardecided to marry him to the daughter of Nambandar Nambi ofNallur Perumanam. On the day of marriage, Sundarar and hisfamily with other Shiva devotees travelled to Nallur Perumanamand the marriage took place with all gaiety and happiness. ManyNayanar Saints including Thiruneelakanta Yalappanar andMuruga Nayanar were present. After the marriage, the newlymarried couple went into the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva,completely surrendering their body and soul. Sambandar prayedto Lord Shiva seeking salvation and liberation from the mortalworld. He sang the beautiful hymn, “Panchakshara Pathigam”.Lord Shiva granted his wish and so, Sambandar, his wife andeveryone who had witnessed this beautiful wedding reachedthe holy feet of Lord Shiva.