The Life
Manakanchara Nayanar was a Vellala nobleman and commander-in-chief of the Chola army, born at Kancharu (present-day Anandathandavapuram). Wealthy and generous, he lovingly served the devotees of Shiva. Long childless, he prayed to the Lord and was blessed with a daughter, Punniyavardhini, whom he raised in deep devotion; she grew into a maiden with beautiful long hair. On her wedding day, as the bridegroom's party approached, Shiva came disguised as a Mahavrata ascetic smeared with ash and wearing a sacred thread of human hair. When the girl bowed to him, he remarked that her hair would suit his vow. Taking the words as a command, Manakanchara instantly cut off his daughter's tresses and offered them to the ascetic. Shiva revealed his true form, restored her hair, and blessed the family. He is worshipped among the sixty-three Nayanmars.