The Pandya kings were famous for patronizing and developing literature in Tamil by organizing Tamil Sangams. Madurai, their capital city, was famous for its huge buildings and prosperity. It has the huge temple of Sundareshwarar in the center of the city, which was the seat of the Tamil Sangam. 

In the merchant tradition of that magnificent city came a marvellous devotee Murthi Nayanar. For the Lord who is anointed with sandalwood paste, he undertook the service of providing sandalwood paste daily without any break. Once the king from the Karnataka lands attacked Madurai with his four-fold army, killed the Pandya king in the battle and captured the kingdom. The Karnataka king followed Jainism and was intolerant of other religions. He troubled and tortured the true devotees of Lord Shiva. Despite the tough hurdles set by the vicious king, Murthi Nayanar continued his service to his satisfaction without any interruption. The determination and dedication of the devotee overcame every malicious act of the king. Irked by this the king blocked all the possible ways of obtaining sandalwood. Now, Murthi Nayanar couldn't get the sandalwood required for his service. Disappointed, but yet determined to serve the Lord, he ground his hands instead of sandalwood on the stone that was used for grinding sandal paste. His skin peeled, the bones and nerves stood exposed. Even with blood flowing out like the love brimming in his heart, he continued. Was he grinding the source of his rebirth? The Lord could not bear to see this, He called out to His devotee, "Out of the determination and love you did this, but don't continue! The king who brought about these troubles will be dead soon. Then you rule the kingdom and reach My world". Shocked and surprised, Murthi Nayanar stood up. Like the sorrows that disappear in the presence of the blissful Lord, his wounds and pain disappeared and he became as bright as the Sun.

The king who never knew devotion finally died and reached the place he deserved - Hell. The next morning the ministers were worried since the king died without leaving any heir. So, they decided to send an elephant with a garland to select the new king. They worshiped and sent the elephant with its eyes tied. It roamed around the city and came near the tower of the temple. Meanwhile Murthi Nayanar decided to follow God’s order and take up the service of ruling the kingdom. He came out of the temple and stood near the tower. It was a poetic picture of the mighty saluting the magnificent when the majestic elephant saluted Murthi Nayanar, garlanded him and placed him, who had the feet of God on his head, on its back. The entire city roared with joy and musical instruments heralded the pleasure of the people. Like the sun rising over the mountain dispels the darkness of the night, the ascent of Murthi Nayanar on the elephant drove away the fear in the mind of the people. The joyous procession reached the palace.

Murthi Nayanar announced to the ministers and courtiers, "If the fragrance of Shaivism is allowed to spread, then I am ready to rule the country". All of them agreed to it as a boon. He further said that even if he became the king, he should be anointed only with holy ash, he would adorn himself only with Rudraksha and his matted hair would serve as the crown. The lustre of the material world never attracts true devotees. When he already had the feast of Supreme bliss in his heart, why would he be bothered about the liquor of transient pleasures? He continued the worship of the Lord and ruled the kingdom with Shaivism illuminating the hearts of the people. As he ruled with holy ash, Rudraksha and matted hair, he is praised as Mummaiyal Ulakanda Moorthiyar (Murthi who ruled the world with three holy symbols). Then he gave the kingdom to his successor and attained the fragrant sandal feet of the Almighty. Let the determination of Murthi Nayanar in performing service to the Lord, his simplicity and equanimity of mind even when he became the king stay in our mind.

Guru Pooja: Adi / Krithikai or Kataka / Krithika

Har Har Mahadev

• Birth place of mUrthy nAyanAr
• The puranam of Moorti Nayanar in English Poetry
• மூர்த்தி நாயனார் புராணம் - செய்யுள்
• மூர்த்தி நாயனார் புராணம் உரைநடை
• मूर्ती नायनार दिव्य चरित्र

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