Native placeThiruneedur (Needur), Chola Nadu (Nagapattinam district)
Associated templeSomanathaswami Temple, Needur
Guru PujaPanguni — Pusam (Pushya)
In the sixty-threeNo. 52
The Life
Munaiyaduvar Nayanar, whose name means 'he who fights at the battle-front,' was a Vellala warrior of Thiruneedur. He hired himself out as a champion in the wars of kings — but always fought on the side of the weak and the wronged, taking up arms not for personal gain. The gold, gifts and spoils he won by his valour he spent entirely on the service of Shiva and on the feeding and honouring of the Lord's devotees, welcoming Shaivas with lavish hospitality. He also used his wealth to maintain and renovate Shiva's temple at Needur, where the Lord graced him with his presence. Living the ideal of the devout servitor who conquers only in order to serve, he attained the feet of Shiva.
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 ›