The Story of Thiruneelakanta Nayanar 

Thiruneelakanta Nayanar was a potter in the town of Thillai. He was a devout follower of Shiva, dedicating his life to worship and serving others who shared his faith. His devotion was such that he provided free clay bowls to anyone who bowed down to Shiva.

He was married to a beautiful woman who also loved Shiva. She often chanted the name "Thiruneelakantam," meaning "the one with the blue throat." This was a title given to Shiva after he drank a large quantity of poison to save creation, which stained his throat blue.

One day, Thiruneelakanta was unfaithful to his wife. Though she was deeply hurt, she continued to fulfill her wifely duties. When he later tried to reconcile with her, she stopped him, saying, "You shall not touch me, in the name of Thiruneelakantam."

Upon hearing Shiva's name, he immediately withdrew. He took his wife's words as a sacred oath and vowed never to touch another woman again, interpreting her command to include all women.

For the rest of their lives, the couple lived together as husband and wife but abstained from physical intimacy. They kept their arrangement a secret from everyone. Their commitment to this oath was unwavering.

Years passed, and they grew old. A holy man, who was Shiva in disguise, appeared at their home. He entrusted Thiruneelakanta with a precious clay bowl for safekeeping. When the holy man returned later, the bowl had disappeared.

The holy man grew angry and accused Thiruneelakanta of theft. Thiruneelakanta swore his innocence and offered to replace the bowl. The holy man refused, demanding that Thiruneelakanta prove his honesty by entering a pond while holding his wife's hand.

Because of his oath, Thiruneelakanta could not do this. He and his wife went to the pond, where he explained the reason for his vow to the gathered crowd. To fulfill the holy man's request without breaking his oath, they entered the water holding a bamboo stick between them. When they emerged, they were no longer old; their youth had been restored. The holy man vanished, and Shiva and his consort appeared in the sky, mounted on a bull. Shiva praised their devotion and their victory over their senses, granting them a place in his eternal abode.