Native placeThillai (Chidambaram)
Associated templeThillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Guru PujaChithirai (first day)
In the sixty-threeNo. 1
The Life
The Thillai Vazh Andhanar are not one saint but the collective body of three thousand Vedic Brahmin priests of Thillai (Chidambaram) who serve Lord Nataraja in the golden hall. Sekkizhar opens the roll of the sixty-three with them because Nataraja himself gave Sundarar the very first line of the Thiruthondar Thogai — 'Thillai-vazh-anthanar-tham adiyarkkum adiyen' (I am servant to the servants of the Brahmins of Thillai). Ever absorbed in devotion to the dancing Lord, they maintained the three sacred fires and unbroken daily worship, valuing loving service so highly that they did not even desire final liberation. The Lord counted himself as one among them, and Sekkizhar honours them as the foremost in the assembly of Shiva's devotees.
திருநீலகண்ட நாயனார்Thiruneelakanta Nayanar
the potter of Thillai who kept his vow of chastity
Chidambaram (Thillai)Read the life ›
இயற்பகை நாயனார்Iyarpagai Nayanar
the merchant who gave away his own wife at a devotee's word
Kaveripoompattinam (Puhar)Read the life ›
மெய்ப்பொருள் நாயனார்Meiporul Nayanar
the chieftain who spared his own assassin for wearing the ash
Thirukovilur (Milad Nadu)Read the life ›