The Life
Idangazhi Nayanar was the chieftain-king of Konadu, ruling from Kodumbalur, and a generous devotee of Shiva. In his realm lived a poor Shaiva who had vowed to feed the devotees of Shiva daily; when his own means failed, he resorted to stealing paddy from the royal granary to keep up the sacred feeding, and was caught by the guards and brought before the king. When Idangazhi learned that the 'thief' was a devotee stealing only to feed Shiva's servants, he was overcome not with anger but with reverence and joy. He at once set the man free, prostrated before him, and threw open his entire granary — commanding that all his stores be given for the feeding of the devotees. For honouring Shiva's servants above his own wealth, he attained the Lord's grace.