The place where the Lord of the Universe sits amidst the constant rhythm of the streams interspersed with the sound of the frogs and slow wind patting the paddies, is the land of rice, Thanjavur (East Thanjavur near Tiruvarur). In an agricultural family of that town, was born a staunch servitor of the Lord, who knocked Yama, by the name Seruthunaiyar. With his heart full of love, his hands and head tirelessly saluting the Grantor of liberation, his body and mind were completely engaged, in serving the Lord perfectly. The Nayanar served the Lord at the temple of Tiruvarur.

Like a bee that approaches a flower out of its volition, Nayanar came to Tiruvarur, where Lord has taken up His abode in an anthill. Serunthunaiyar enthusiastically volunteered for various services at the temple. Service was his mission, his delight, his very life and making it perfect his aim. Mahadeva took delight in Nayanar's sacred work. One day the queen of the Pallava emperor Kazharsingar smelt a flower that was lying near the dais where garlands and floral offerings were assembled. The flowers to be offered to the Lord are not to be smelt or used until the offering is made.

The devotee unable to bear this act became furious. He thought – ‘How can one smell the flower that is set aside for the holy matted hair of the Supreme?’ He rushed with a sharp weapon and cut her nose. His act might seem extreme but it was based on love and discipline. It didn’t matter to the devotee whether she was the wife of the emperor or of a commoner. The fearless devotee reached the holy feet of Shiva, eternally in His service. Let the determination of Seruthunai Nayanar to offer impeccable service to Lord Shiva stay in the mind.

Guru Pooja: Avani / Pusam or Simha / Pushya

Har Har Mahadev

• Birth place of cheruththuNai nAyanAr
• The puranam of Serutthunai Nayanar in English Poetry
• செருத்துணை நாயனார் புராணம் - செய்யுள்
• செருத்துணை நாயனார் புராணம் உரைநடை
• सेरुतुनै नायनार दिव्य चरित्र 

See also :
1. Kalarchinga Nayanar

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