The Story of Manakkancharar Nayanar

In the beautiful town of Kancharur, a man named Manakkancharar was the chief of the king’s army. Despite his powerful position and great wealth, he was a humble and devoted follower of Shiva. He loved to serve other devotees of Shiva, always waiting for their commands.

Manakkancharar and his wife prayed for a child for many years. By the grace of Shiva, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter. He adored his daughter and raised her with great love and care. When she was old enough to be married, a suitor was found in another devout Shiva follower, Eyarkona Kalikkama Nayanar.

On the day of the wedding, as music and celebrations filled the air, Shiva appeared at the home in disguise. He was dressed as a holy yogi, covered in sacred ash. Manakkancharar was thrilled to have such a holy man bless his daughter’s wedding and bowed at his feet.

After receiving his blessings, Manakkancharar brought his daughter to the yogi. The yogi looked at her and remarked that her long, beautiful hair would be perfect for making a sacred thread for himself. Manakkancharar took this as a direct order. Without a second thought, he pulled out his dagger and, in the middle of his daughter’s wedding, cut off her hair and offered it to the yogi.

As soon as he presented the hair, the yogi disappeared. In his place, Shiva appeared on his sacred bull with his consort Parvati. Shiva praised Manakkancharar for his selfless act of devotion, proving that his love for a devotee’s request was more important than his daughter’s appearance on her wedding day.

In that moment, the daughter’s hair was restored. The groom’s party arrived and was in awe of what had happened. Eyarkona Kalikkama Nayanar was overjoyed to marry such a blessed young woman. Manakkancharar continued his life of devotion and was eventually granted a place in Shiva's eternal abode. His story is a powerful example of sacrificing everything for faith.