The Story of Sakkiya Nayanar

In the town of Tiruchanga Mangai, a man named Sakkiya Nayanar was born into an agricultural family. He was a seeker of truth and studied many philosophies to find the ultimate path to liberation. He eventually became a Buddhist monk, but he continued his quest with an open mind.

Through his honest and unbiased analysis, he came to the conclusion that the path of Shaivism—the worship of Shiva—was the ultimate truth. He believed that Shiva was the Lord who controlled all things and that meditating on the god's feet was the right way to live. He continued to wear the robes of a Buddhist monk, but his heart and mind were fully dedicated to Shiva.

One day, he saw a Shivalinga and was so overwhelmed with devotion that he didn't know how to express his love. He impulsively picked up a stone and threw it at the linga as an offering. This act was not out of disrespect but from a deep, spontaneous love. Shiva, seeing the purity of his heart, accepted this unusual form of worship. From that day on, Sakkiya Nayanar made it his daily ritual to throw a stone at the Shivalinga as his offering before he had his meal.

One day, he forgot his ritual and was about to eat when he remembered his duty. He immediately dropped his food and rushed to the temple. He threw a stone at the Shivalinga, and at that moment, Shiva appeared on his sacred bull with his consort, Parvati. The Lord, pleased with Shakya Nayanar's unwavering devotion, blessed him and granted him a place in his eternal home.

Sakkiya Nayanar's story shows that true devotion is not about following rituals or religious labels but about the sincerity and love in one's heart.