The Story of Kulachirai Nayanar

In the Pandya kingdom, a man named Kulachirai Nayanar became the prime minister to King Nedumaran. Kulachirai was known for his sharp mind and his intolerance for dishonesty. While the king was a follower of Jainism, Kulachirai was a devout Shaivite, a follower of Shiva.

Kulachirai was deeply troubled by the persecution of Shaivites in the kingdom and worried about his king's spiritual path. He secretly practiced his faith, but his devotion was anything but secret. He would welcome and serve any devotee of Shiva with the utmost humility and respect, regardless of their social status or background. Whether they were a celebrated scholar or a mocked simpleton, if they wore the sacred ash and chanted Shiva's name, Kulachirai would treat them like royalty, offering them feasts and love.

Kulachirai's secret ally was the queen, Mangaiyarkkarasiyar, who was also a devoted Shaivite. Together, they prayed for a way to bring the king back to the path of Shiva. Their prayers were answered when the great saint Tirugnana Sambandhar, a revered Shiva devotee, was invited to the kingdom.

Kulachirai played a crucial role in bringing the saint to the royal court and convincing the king to listen to him. Through Tirugnana Sambandhar's influence, the king was converted to Shaivism. This not only brought peace to the kingdom but also restored the glory of Shiva worship.

Kulachirai Nayanar's faith and political influence helped to change the course of his kingdom's spiritual history. His story is a testament to the power of unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity, and how one person's devotion can inspire a great change in an entire community.