Page:The story of saiva saints.pdf/29

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35. SAKKIYA NAYANAR

In Thiruchchangamangai there lived a Vellala, Sakkiyar by name. He went to Kanchipuram and became a Bhuddhist. After realising that it was an alien faith, he acquired sound knowledge of Saiva religion and its tenets and began to worship Siva in the robes of a Buddhist. He was in the habit of worshipping Siva Linga and then alone he would dine. One day he saw a Siva Linga in a public place and as he had no flowers to offer in worship, he threw a stone as fllower and worshipped the Lord. From that day he took it as his moral duty to worship the Lord only by throwing stones at Him. One day he failed to follow the self imposed in junction and went for dinner. Suddenly he remembered his moral duty, ran up and threw a stone at the Siva Linga. Lord Siva, immensely pleased with his devotion, summoned him to His world.

36. SIRAPPULI NAYANAR

In Akkur there was a Brahmin Saint called Sirappaliyar, He used to feed the devotees of Siva with ardent love. He would besmear his body with sacred Ashes. He would recite Vedas and perform Vedic Sacrifices. He would unceasingly chant the mystic Five Letters-the Panchakshara. By such acts of austerity he attained the Feet of Siva.

37. SIRUTHTHONDA NAYANAR

There lived in Sengattangudi one Paranjothiyar. He was a physician and well versed in the science and art of medicine. He was also a commander of troops. He marched his army as far as Vatapi and returned with abundant booty. He was also blessed with mystic union with Siva. Whenever he would meet the devotees of Siva, he used to consider himself very small before them. Hence he came to be known by the name Siruththondar. His wife was Thiruvenkattu Nangai. He had a son by name Siralar. Thirugnana Sambanthar once