The Story of Kutruva Nayanar

Kutruva Nayanar was a powerful and courageous warrior who was successful in all his battles. His devotion to Shiva was as fierce as his military prowess, and he ruled over a vast territory.

After his many victories, he wished to be crowned as an emperor. He approached the priests of the Chidambaram temple, the home of Lord Nataraja, to perform his coronation. However, the priests refused, stating that they could only crown kings of the Chozha dynasty. Disappointed, Kutruva Nayanar was left without a crown.

Undeterred, he turned to his faith. He prayed to Lord Nataraja, asking the god to place his feet on his head as a divine crown. That night, Shiva appeared in Kutruva Nayanar's dream and fulfilled his wish, placing his holy feet on the king's head. This was a coronation greater than any worldly ceremony.

With this divine blessing, Kutruva Nayanar's wealth and power now had a singular purpose: to serve Shiva. He used all his riches to worship the god and his devotees. Through his unwavering faith and service, he earned the greatest treasure of all: a blissful place at Shiva's feet in the eternal home.