For serving the Supreme, one need not be a king or possess a lot of wealth. If there is an intention to serve, then all the required means will come together. The skills, whatever they be, given to one by the Lord should be used to serve Him in the best way. Kari Nayanar was born in the town Tirukkadavur, where the Lord knocked the king of death, Kala, to death when he had tried to take away the life of the devotee sage Markandeya. Nayanar was blessed with mastery of creating beautiful poetry embellished with ornate words and esoteric meanings. He was famous for his songs. He went to the three kings who ruled the three major portions of old Tamizhagam (Chera, Chozha and Pandya) and sang the songs delighting them. With the heaps of wealth he received in the form of accolades, he served the Lord in numerous ways.

Kari Nayanar built many beautiful temples for the blue throated Ishwara, that were as beautiful as the lovely abode that he had for Shiva in the lotus of his heart. Using wonderful words, making people comfortable and happy, he donated selflessly to the devotees of Mahadeva, ever grateful in his heart to that Kailashpati. His speech created marvellous songs in Tamizh while his mind merged with the Marvel that created the language Tamizh. Creativity danced in his words and the Creator danced in his placid thoughts. The great kings of that time spent their wealth on Nayanar’s sweet songs, while he spent that wealth on obtaining the greatest wealth – the grace of the King of the Universe, by serving Him and His devotees. His music and rhythm made their mark in this world while Mahesha was marked forever in his heart. His thoughts were always on the snow-capped holy peak of Kailash and finally he too reached that holy place with the blessing of Lord Shiva. Let the stable thoughts of Kari Nayanar that always resided at the holy feet of the Lord of Kailash, stay in the mind.

Guru Pooja: Masi / Puradam or Kumbha / Purva-Ashadha

Har Har Mahadev

• Birth place of kAri nAyanAr
• The puranam of Kaari Nayanar in English Poetry
• காரிநாயனார் புராணம் - செய்யுள்
• காரி நாயனார் புராணம் உரைநடை
• कारि नायनार  दिव्य चरित्र

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