Thirugnana Sambandhar Nayanar

Thirugnana Sambandhar was one of the most influential saints in the history of Shaivism, a branch of Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva. He is considered one of the three principal Nayanars, often referred to as the "Muthal Muvargal" (the foremost three), alongside Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) and Sundarar. He was born in Sirkazhi, a town in the Chozha kingdom known for its deep religious significance. His birth name was Aludaiya Pillai. He belonged to a Brahmin family. What makes his story truly unique is that he is said to have gained wisdom and poetic ability at an incredibly young age.

Sambandhar's most famous and defining miracle happened when he was just three years old. One day, his father took him to the Brahmapureeswarar Temple in Sirkazhi. While his father went to bathe in the temple tank, he left the young boy alone on the banks. Sambandhar, feeling hungry, cried out for his mother. According to the legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared before him. Goddess Parvati, filled with compassion, nursed him with milk from her own breast, which was mixed with the essence of wisdom (Jnanam). When his father returned and asked who had fed him, Sambandhar pointed to the sky and sang his very first hymn, praising Shiva and Parvati. This event marked him as "Thirugnana Sambandhar," meaning "the one who is related to wisdom." This miracle established his spiritual authority and connection.

After this divine initiation, Sambandhar began his mission, traveling throughout Tamil Nadu, visiting many Shiva temples, and composing thousands of hymns (Padhikams). He often traveled in a palanquin, carried by his devotees, including his father. His journeys were filled with miracles that drew people to Shaivism and challenged other faiths. He famously revived a dead merchant and a young girl (Pumpavai) from her ashes. He also cured the fever and hunchback of the Pandya King Nedumaran (who later became Ninracheer Nedumara Nayanar) and won a major debate against the Jains in Madurai. His powerful hymns and the miracles associated with them helped to revive and spread the Shaiva faith, especially countering the influence of Jainism and Buddhism in the region. He was known for his voice and the power that flowed through his words.

Sambandhar's influence was vast, and he gathered many devoted followers. Among them was Tiruneelakantha Yazhpana Nayanar, a musician, who would accompany Sambandhar on his yazh (a stringed instrument) as the young saint sang his hymns. Sambandhar also met and interacted with other Nayanars, including Appar, who he affectionately called "Appar" (father), showing mutual respect despite the age difference.

Thirugnana Sambandhar's life culminated in another extraordinary event. At the age of sixteen, arrangements were made for his marriage in Achalpuram (Perumana Nallur). On his wedding day, after the ceremony, as he and his bride, along with all the wedding guests and devotees, entered the Shiva temple, Sambandhar sang a final, powerful hymn, asking Lord Shiva for salvation for everyone present. As he finished, a light (Jyothi) appeared. He invited everyone to enter this light, promising them liberation. All those who entered the light, including Sambandhar, merged with Lord Shiva's divine form, attaining ultimate salvation. This unique ending to his earthly life solidified his status as a truly divine being.

Thirugnana Sambandhar's contributions to Shaivism are immense. His hymns, known as Thevaram (specifically the first three books), are cornerstones of Tamil devotional literature and are still sung in temples and homes today. These songs are not just poetic compositions; they are considered divine revelations, filled with vivid descriptions of Shiva's glory. He played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement, emphasizing that devotion and love for God were paths to salvation accessible to everyone, not just those who performed complex rituals. His life story, documented extensively in the Periya Puranam, continues to inspire millions with its tales of miracles, unwavering faith, and ultimate union with the divine.