Nayanmar Overview
| Nayanmar | Enadinatha Naayanaar |
|---|---|
| Birth Place | Eyinanur |
| Category | 63 Nayanmar (Saivite Saints) |
| Tradition | Saiva Siddhanta / Tamil Bhakti Movement |
History & Sacred Legend
Enadinatha Nayanar was born in Eyinanur near Kumbakonam and served as a master swordsman and fencing instructor to princes. He spent his earnings in the selfless service of Lord Siva's devotees. To Enadinathar, the three sacred lines of holy ash (Vibhuti) on a devotee's forehead were the ultimate symbol of Lord Siva.
A jealous rival fencing master named Atisuran challenged Enadinathar to a duel. Knowing he could not defeat Nayanar in fair combat, Atisuran smeared sacred ash across his forehead and hid it behind his shield until the duel commenced in a secluded grove.
When Atisuran suddenly lowered his shield to reveal the sacred ash, Enadinathar immediately refused to attack a person bearing the holy mark of Siva. To prevent his opponent from committing the sin of killing an unarmed person, Enadinathar held his sword passively and allowed himself to be slain. Lord Siva, profoundly pleased by his total devotion to the sacred ash, appeared before Enadinathar and received him into Kailasa.