The Life
Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar was a Pallava king ruling from Kanchipuram (traditionally identified with Simhavarman). Though he governed with power and justice, his heart wearied of worldly sovereignty and yearned only for Shiva. Renouncing the throne, he crowned his son as king and set out on a ceaseless pilgrimage to the shrines of the moon-crowned Lord. At each holy place he composed and sang a venba — a Tamil verse of praise — pouring out his devotion; these hymns were gathered as the Kshetra Tiruvenba, about twenty-four verses celebrating Shiva's temples. His humility was such that he never asked the Lord for release, only for the boon of endless devotion. Finally reaching Chidambaram, he settled there worshipping Nataraja, and was blessed with the Lord's vision and grace.