The Life
Enathinathar of Eyinanur was a master swordsman who trained princes and warriors, yet revered the devotees of Shiva above all, honouring the sacred ash as the Lord's own form. A jealous rival, Atisuran, repeatedly challenged him and was repeatedly defeated. Unwilling to accept defeat, Atisuran resorted to guile: he smeared the holy ash upon his brow and concealed it behind his shield. In the duel, just as Enathinathar closed in for the winning blow, Atisuran lowered his shield to reveal the Shaiva ash on his forehead. Seeing the sacred marks, Enathinathar would not strike one who bore them and dropped his guard, whereupon the treacherous Atisuran cut him down. Pleased by his unwavering reverence for the ash even unto death, Shiva granted him liberation.