Native placeThirukkadavur (Thirukkadaiyur), Chola Nadu
Associated templeAmritaghateswarar Temple, Thirukkadaiyur
Guru PujaMasi — Puradam (Purva-ashadha)
In the sixty-threeNo. 48
The Life
Kaari Nayanar was a gifted Tamil poet born at Thirukkadavur, master of both Sanskrit learning and Tamil verse. He composed splendid poems in praise of Shiva and also panegyrics for the kings of the Chera, Chola and Pandya lines, who rewarded him richly with gold and honours. But Kaari kept nothing for himself: every reward he earned by his poetry he poured back into the service of Shiva — building and repairing temples, endowing worship, and feeding and clothing the Lord's devotees. Living his whole life as a channel of wealth from royal patrons to the Lord's service, he was celebrated for selfless generosity. By his unbroken devotion and lifelong charity in Shiva's name, he attained the grace and the feet of the Lord.
திருநீலகண்ட நாயனார்Thiruneelakanta Nayanar
the potter of Thillai who kept his vow of chastity
Chidambaram (Thillai)Read the life ›
தில்லைவாழ் அந்தணர்Thillai Vazh Andhanar
the three thousand Brahmins of Chidambaram
Thillai (Chidambaram)Read the life ›
இயற்பகை நாயனார்Iyarpagai Nayanar
the merchant who gave away his own wife at a devotee's word
Kaveripoompattinam (Puhar)Read the life ›