The Story of Eanathinatha Nayanar

Eanathinatha Nayanar lived in Eyinanur, a rich and fertile town in the Chola kingdom. He was a brave commander in the king’s army and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He spent his wealth to help Shiva’s devotees and always protected them.

One day, a jealous man named Athisuran, who was also a warrior, got angry because more students wanted to learn from Eanathinathar instead of him. So, Athisuran challenged Eanathinathar to a fight with his students. A big battle took place and Eanathinathar defeated Athisuran easily.

But Athisuran wanted revenge. He knew he could not win in a fair fight, so he made an evil plan. He asked for a one-on-one duel the next day. Eanathinathar, being an honest warrior, agreed.

Athisuran cheated by putting Sacred Ash on his forehead to pretend to be a devotee of Lord Shiva — he had never done this before. Eanathinathar saw the Sacred Ash and was shocked. He did not want to hurt someone wearing Lord Shiva’s holy sign. He stood still with his sword in hand but did not use it, because it was wrong for a warrior to throw away his sword in battle.

Taking advantage, Athisuran killed Eanathinathar. But because Eanathinathar respected the sign of Shiva even on his enemy’s forehead, Lord Shiva blessed him and took him to His divine world.