The Story of Viranmindar Nayanar

In the land of Chera (modern-day Kerala), known for its lush forests and devotion to Shiva, lived a farmer named Viranmindar. He was a dedicated follower of Shiva and believed that serving the god's devotees was the most important thing. His devotion was so strong that he traveled the country, worshiping Shiva and saluting fellow devotees before he went to any temple.

Viranmindar eventually arrived in the famous town of Thiruvarur, a place known for its grand temple and a hall called Devashraya, where Shiva's devotees often gathered. For Viranmindar, this assembly of holy people was the most sacred place of all. He spent his days there, bowing to the devotees and soaking in their spiritual energy.

One day, another famous Shiva devotee named Sundarar arrived in Thiruvarur. However, instead of greeting the devotees in the hall first, Sundarar went straight to the temple to worship Shiva. Viranmindar was furious. He believed that paying respect to the devotees should always come first.

Angrily, Viranmindar declared that Sundarar was no longer a part of their community. He even went so far as to say that the Lord who blessed Sundarar was also not a true part of their devotion.

Shiva, who sees all, was pleased with Viranmindar's passionate defense of his devotees. To honor this, Shiva commanded Sundarar to write a poem celebrating the lives of the greatest Shiva devotees. This poem, called the Thiruthonda Thokai, became the foundation for a much larger work, the Periya Puranam, which tells the stories of these saints.

Viranmindar's story is a powerful lesson in the importance of community and respecting those who share your faith. His actions led to the creation of a revered text that celebrates the very people he championed

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