The Story of Pugazh Chozha Nayanar

Pugazh Chozha Nayanar was a renowned and powerful Chozha king who ruled from the city of Uraiyur. Despite his royal status, his greatest devotion was to Shiva and his followers. His kingdom was known for its peace, prosperity, and the flourishing of Shaivism.

His profound respect for Shiva's devotees was well known. In one instance, when his royal elephant accidentally trampled on flowers meant for Shiva's worship, another devotee, Eripaththar, killed the elephant in a fit of rage. Instead of punishing him, the king humbly offered himself to be killed as well, acknowledging the great offense.

On another occasion, while in the town of Karuvur, Pugazh Chozha Nayanar learned that a king named Adhikan had refused to submit to his rule. He dispatched his army, which quickly defeated the enemy and returned with the heads of the slain soldiers as a sign of their victory.

However, as the king was inspecting the heads, he was horrified to find one with matted, russet hair—a clear sign that the soldier was a devotee of Shiva. Overcome with guilt and sorrow, he felt that his reign was now tainted and his fame had been sullied by this terrible sin.

In a final act of devotion, Pugazh Chozha Nayanar decided to abdicate his throne. He crowned his son as the new king and, holding the head of the devotee on a golden plate, he walked into a sacred fire. By sacrificing his own life for the mistake of his army, he reached the feet of Shiva and his fame became eternal. His story is a powerful testament to his extreme reverence for Shiva and his devotees.