The Story of Appudhi Adikal Nayanar

In the village of Tinkalur, there lived a Brahmin named Appudhi Adikal Nayanar. He was an ardent devotee of Shiva, but his greatest reverence was for another saint, Tirunavukkarasu, also known as Appar. Although he had never met Appar, he was so inspired by his devotion that he named everything in his life after him—his children, his cattle, and even his household items. He also built inns and dug ponds for travelers, dedicating all these services to Appar's name.

One day, Appar himself came to Tinkalur. He was surprised to see his own name on a water shelter and asked the people who had built it. They told him it was the work of a man named Appudhi Adikal. Appar, being a very humble man, was confused as to why someone would be so devoted to him. He went to Appudhi's house to meet him.

Appudhi Adikal, overjoyed to welcome a devotee, bowed to him. Appar mentioned that he was grateful for the services named after him, but suggested that Appudhi should use his own name. Appudhi was deeply offended, defending Appar's honor and fame. "How can you call his name 'some other name'?" he asked.

It was then that Appar revealed his true identity. Appudhi Adikal was completely shocked and fell at his feet, overjoyed that his hero was standing before him. He begged Appar to accept a meal at his house.

To prepare for the feast, Appudhi Adikal asked his eldest son, also named Tirunavukkarasu, to get banana leaves for the meal. The boy went to the garden, but as he was cutting the leaves, a venomous snake bit him. Knowing that delaying the feast would be a great dishonor, he rushed back, handed the leaves to his parents, and then collapsed and died.

Appudhi Adikal and his wife were heartbroken but, in their devotion, they concealed their son's death so as not to interrupt their service to Appar. They wrapped the body in a mat and continued to prepare the feast. When Appar asked to see the eldest son to give him holy ash, Appudhi Adikal simply said, "He won't be of use now."

Appar, sensing something was wrong, pressed for the truth. When he learned what had happened, he was deeply moved. He took the body to the temple and sang a hymn to Shiva, and by the grace of God, the boy was brought back to life. Appar then had the feast with the entire family, and after staying for a few days, he left.

Appudhi Adikal Nayanar and his family's story is a powerful example of the incredible lengths one can go to in service and devotion.