Nayanmar Overview
| Nayanmar | Eripatha Naayanaar |
|---|---|
| Birth Place | Karuvur |
| Category | 63 Nayanmar (Saivite Saints) |
| Tradition | Saiva Siddhanta / Tamil Bhakti Movement |
History & Sacred Legend
Eripatha Nayanar lived in Karuvur on the banks of the Ambiravati river, worshipping Lord Pasupatheesvarar. He pledged his life to the defense of Siva Bhaktas and carried a sacred battle-axe to punish anyone who dared disrespect or impede the Lord's service.
When an aged devotee named Sivakami Andar was carrying fresh flower garlands for morning worship, the royal state elephant went berserk, snatched the basket, and trampled the holy flowers onto the street. Hearing the devotee's cries of agony, Eripathar pursued the elephant and slew it along with the negligent royal mahouts.
When King Pugazh Chola arrived and learned that his royal elephant had caused Siva-Aparadham (offence against Lord Siva), the king knelt down and offered his own royal sword to Eripathar, requesting that his own head be severed as punishment. Deeply moved and stricken with remorse for causing grief to such a righteous monarch, Eripathar drew the sword to take his own life. Lord Siva intervened, restoring the elephant and mahouts to life and showering blessings upon both noble souls.