The Story of Cheraman Perumal Nayanar (Kazharitrarivar)

In the ancient Chera kingdom, a prince named Perumakodaiyar was deeply devoted to Shiva. He was so dedicated to his spiritual life that he initially refused to accept the throne when it was offered to him. Only after receiving a divine command from Shiva at the temple of Tiruvanychaikkalam did he agree to rule. Upon his coronation, Shiva granted him many blessings, including the ability to know the minds of others, which earned him the name Kazharitrarivar, or "one who knows what is said."

As king, his devotion was unwavering. One day, while riding in a procession, he saw a washerman whose body was covered in white lime. The king, immediately reminded of a devotee smeared with sacred ash, dismounted his elephant and humbly bowed to the man. The washerman, shocked, identified himself by his profession, to which the king replied, "I am the slave of a slave like you." This act of humility showed his profound reverence for all who resembled Shiva's followers.

The king's devotion was so pure that Shiva would bless him daily with the sound of his golden anklet during his worship. On one occasion, the sound was delayed. Believing he had failed in his service, the king prepared to take his own life. At that moment, Shiva's anklet chimed, and the Lord explained that he had been distracted by the enchanting songs of his devotee, Sundara Murti Nayanar.

The Divine Friendship

Hearing this, Cheraman Perumal was filled with an intense desire to meet Sundarar. He traveled to the Chozha kingdom, where the two saints met and immediately formed a deep and lasting friendship. Their souls connected through their shared love for Shiva, and they embarked on a pilgrimage together, worshipping at many sacred temples. The two friends' journey was a testament to their mutual respect and devotion.

During their travels, they reached a river in full flood. Sundarar sang a hymn to Shiva, and a miraculous path appeared through the middle of the raging river, allowing them to cross and worship the god. When they returned to the Chera kingdom, Cheraman Perumal's humility was on full display. He seated Sundarar on his royal throne and washed his feet, an act of supreme reverence.

The Ascension to Kailash

Later, while Sundarar was in Tiruvanychaikkalam, he felt his time on earth was coming to an end. Shiva sent a magnificent white elephant to take him to his divine abode, Mount Kailash. Cheraman Perumal, sensing this was happening, quickly mounted his horse. Whispering the holy mantra of Shiva into the horse's ear, he made it rise into the sky and followed Sundarar.

The two friends arrived at the gates of Kailash. Sundarar was granted immediate entry, but Cheraman Perumal was stopped. When Sundarar entered, he told Shiva that his friend was waiting at the gate. Shiva, amused and pleased, allowed Cheraman Perumal to enter. The king explained that he came to Kailash by the grace of Sundarar and requested the Lord to listen to a new hymn he had composed, the "Tirukkayilaya Gnana Ula." Shiva listened and, as a blessing, appointed both Cheraman Perumal and Sundarar to be heads of his celestial Ganas, or divine attendants. They lived forever in Shiva's presence, their friendship and devotion celebrated for all time.