The Story of Muruga Nayanar

In the town of Tiruverkadu, within the Pallava kingdom, lived a man named Muruga Nayanar. He came from an agricultural family and had a deep devotion to Shiva. His life's purpose was to serve Shiva's devotees, and he had a strict rule: he would not eat his own meal until he had first provided a feast for them. He used all his wealth to host these feasts, lavishing his guests with the best food and hospitality.

Eventually, Muruga Nayanar's wealth ran out, but his commitment to serving devotees remained. Unable to find work, he turned to a skill he had from his past: gambling. He saw this not as a vice, but as a necessary means to continue his holy service. He became a principled gambler, earning money to feed the devotees. He was so dedicated to his principles that he would never cheat, and he was known for his fierce loyalty to the rules of the game. He would even use a knife to enforce the rules if someone else cheated him. Because of this, he earned the nickname "Narsoodar Murggar" or "principled gambler."

With the money he won from gambling, Muruga Nayanar continued his service, hosting feasts for devotees and ensuring they were well-fed before he ate. This was his life's mission, and he pursued it with unwavering resolve. After a lifetime of this unique service, he attained union with Shiva. His story is a powerful example of how a person's faith can lead them to unconventional means to achieve a noble and devout purpose.