The Life
Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar of Thirukkadavur earned his name from his lifelong vow of offering fragrant kungiliyam (benzoin incense) to Shiva every day. So complete was his devotion that when poverty struck and his family had nothing left, he gave away even the rice bought for his starving household to purchase incense for the Lord's worship; Shiva, moved, miraculously restored their wealth. In another famed episode at Thiruppanandal, the temple Linga had tilted, and the ropes and elephants of the pious could not straighten it. Kalaya Nayanar tied the rope around his own neck and pulled with all his devotion, ready to give his life — and the Linga righted itself upright by Shiva's grace. For his unwavering service the Lord blessed him with liberation.