Gananatha Nayar provided great service for the dissemination of Shaivam, a service which is very much required during these times. He not only served in his own capacity but also trained a lot of enthusiastic people to serve. This organised service gave very good results. All the great teachers of Shaivam and Sanathana Dharma in general stress on the importance of association with other devotees. Collective worship has always been considered superior and followed. It allows people to learn, share good thoughts and serve society in a better way. If our ancient sages had not passed on their marvelous discoveries through their disciples and books, but had chosen personal service and development, later generations would have walked dark paths. Oh Lord! Let your grace flow through each of us to the entire Universe!

Sirkazhi, where the Immortal Shiva and His inseparable Shakti reside at the time the deluge and where the prodigy who made Shaivam shine like the Sun - Tirugnana Sambandhar was born, was the birthplace of Gananatha Nayanar. He was born in a Vaidika Brahmin family. He excelled in all his endeavours to serve the Lord who appeared on a boat there. His love for that Luminant Lord was immense, his propensity to serve was intense, his tendency for perfection in all his work for that Perfect God was compelling and so his hard work was blessed by Hara to be great in itself. Like the pond which provides water it holds to the entire town, he trained a number of keen blessed souls in service of the Lord. Lot of people were attracted by his perfection and service like bees attracted by a flower full of nectar.

Gananathar trained people in many fields by matching the skills required to the skills possessed by them. Growing and maintaining the gardens in the temple, collecting fresh flowers, stringing magnificent garlands for the most beautiful Mahesha, collecting cold, clean water as well as cow-milk for anointing the Lord of all creatures, clearing the dust from the temple of Mahadeva, who removes the dirt from the heart of devotees, washing of floors and vessels, illuminating the abode of Paranjyoti with oil lamps and chanting the lore of Shiva were some of the services he trained people on. He led an entire legion on the path of liberation. He transformed society to be disciplined and content by performing services to the Lord.

With the wealth of truth, love and service, Gananathar led a fruitful married life leading to the achievement of one of the goals of life. Offering respect and performing services needed, he was a servitor of devotees. He had great respect for the boon of this world, Tirugnana Sambandhar, who eliminated false and immature philosophies. Sambandhar’s words and thoughts inspired him a lot. Gananathar himself led a principled life and inspired all around. At the end of his life on the earth, became the “Natha” (Head of the group) of a “Gana” (the soldiers of Lord Shiva) at the abode of the Great Lord. Let the splendid service of Gananatha Nayanar inspire us and stay in our mind.

Guru Pooja: Panguni / Tiruvadrai or Meena / Ardra

Har Har Mahadev

• Birth place of gaNanAtha nAyanAr
• The puranam of Gananaatha Nayanar in English Poetry
• கணநாத நாயனார் புராணம் - செய்யுள்
• கணநாத நாயனார் புராணம் உரைநடை
• गणनाथ नायनार दिव्य चरित्र 

See also: 
1. Thirunyana Sampandhar

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