The Life
Sundaramurthy, born Nambiyarurar at Thirunavalur to Sadaya Nayanar and Isaignaniyar, was raised in princely comfort. On his wedding day an old Brahmin halted the ceremony, producing a palm-leaf deed by which Sundarar's grandfather had bonded him as a slave; the dispute led to a temple, where the 'Brahmin' vanished into the lingam, revealing Shiva, who claimed Sundarar as His own and bade him sing. Calling the Lord 'pittha' (madman) in his very first hymn, Sundarar became His intimate companion and thozhar (friend). He wed Paravai at Thiruvarur and Sangili at Thiruvotriyur, lost and regained his eyesight through Shiva's play, and composed the Thevaram, including the Thiruthondathogai that names the devotees. Befriended by Cheraman Perumal, he was borne to Kailash upon a white elephant.