Nayanmar Overview
| Nayanmar | Ilayankudi Mara Naayanaar |
|---|---|
| Birth Place | Ilayankudi |
| Category | 63 Nayanmar (Saivite Saints) |
| Tradition | Saiva Siddhanta / Tamil Bhakti Movement |
History & Sacred Legend
Ilayankudi Mara Nayanar was a devout farmer who lived in Ilayankudi. He was a great devotee of Lord Siva and His devotees, dedicating his entire life and wealth to Maaheswara Puja—the ritual welcoming, washing of feet, and reverent feeding of Saivite devotees.
Even when severe famine and poverty struck and his wealth melted away, his devotion remained unshaken. One dark, tempestuous, and rainy night, when Mara Nayanar and his wife were starving, a drenched Siva Bhakta arrived at their door seeking shelter and food.
Having no food left in the house, Nayanar went out into the flooded fields in the pitch dark to gather the newly sown paddy seeds floating in the water. His noble wife dried, husked, and cooked the grains, preparing a warm meal along with greens from their garden.
As Nayanar went to invite the guest to eat, Lord Siva revealed His true form alongside Mother Parvathi, showering celestial grace and granting them eternal salvation in Kailasa for their unmatched hospitality and sacrifice.