11. KANNAPPA NAYANAR
At Uduppur (near Kalahasti) there was a chieftain called Nagan. He was the chief of the Hunter's Caste. He had a son who was named Thinnan. He attained the age to practice hunting. He took to the first hunt and proceeded to a forest followed by his mates Nanan and Kadan. In the chase Thinnan killed a pig and then went with his mates to a river called Ponmukhari. On a hill there, he was informed that there was the temple of Lord Kudumith thevar. Thinnan went there and worship and feed the Lord. He filled his mouth with water; placed flowers over his head; cooked the flesh of the pig and offered them to the Lord. This was repeated for a few days. The Priest performing daily service to the Lord was at a loss to know who was doing such an improper act. So at the instance of the Lord, the Priest Sivagochariyar watched the devoted service of the Hunter unnoticed on the sixth day. The hunter came and performed his services as usual. Suddenly the hunter saw blood gushing forth from one of the eyes of the Lord. He tried in vain to stop the blood. Then he plucked one of his eyes, and placed it at the bleeding place. The blood stopped. But alas! another eye also began to bleed, He began to bore out an -other of his eyes. The Lord intervening said, "Stop Kannappa! stop Kannappa!” and blessed him to remain always by his right side. Then Thinnan the hunter came to be known by the name Kannappar.
12. KUNGULIYAKKALAYAR
There was a Brahmin Saint called Kunguliyakkalayar at Thirukkadavur. He used to burn incense of 'Kunguliyam' daily before the Lord and he became poor day by day. One day while he was going to the market with the Thali[1] of his wife to purchase paddy, he saw a cart load of Kunguliyam. He brought it in
- ↑ Neck ornament tied by the bride groom around the neck of the bride at the time of marriage
