The Story of Dandiyadikal Nayanar

In the town of Tiruvarur, a devout man named Dandiyadikal Nayanar was born visually impaired. Although he could not see with his physical eyes, he had a profound spiritual vision and a deep love for Shiva. He spent his days in devotion, circumambulating the temple and chanting the holy name "Nama Shivaya."

One day, he noticed that a temple tank was being encroached upon by Jains, who were also mocking him. Disturbed by the disrespect shown to the sacred place, he decided to clean and restore the tank himself. Since he was blind, he used a rope and a pole as a guide, slowly walking into the tank to dig out the silt.

The Jains, annoyed by his work, mocked him for his disability and tried to stop him. They argued that he was harming small creatures in the tank, and when he didn't listen, they called him deaf. Dandiyadikal replied that while he, though blind, saw the light of God, they, with their sight, were blind to the truth. He challenged them, saying, "If, by the grace of Shiva, I regain my sight and you lose yours, will you leave this place?" The Jains agreed and, to prevent him from continuing his work, they stole his rope and poles.

Dandiyadikal was heartbroken and prayed to Shiva for help. That night, Shiva appeared to him in a dream, promising that he would regain his sight and the Jains would lose theirs. Shiva also appeared to the king in a dream, informing him of the injustice.

The next morning, the king arrived and learned of the situation. He asked Dandiyadikal to prove his faith. Declaring that Shiva was the ultimate truth, Dandiyadikal entered the temple tank. When he emerged, he had regained his sight. At the same moment, the Jains were struck blind. The king, seeing this miracle, ordered the Jains to leave the town. Dandiyadikal Nayanar then completed his sacred work, and after a lifetime of devotion, he was united with Shiva. His story is a powerful testament to the triumph of faith over adversity and the divine grace that rewards unwavering dedication.