Anaya Nayanar

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Anaya Nayanar
Thirumangalam, Tiruchi
ReligionHinduism
Organization
PhilosophyShaivism, Bhakti
HonorsNayanar saint,

Anaya Nayanar, also known as Anaya and Anayar, is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu Shaivite sect. Anaya is considered to be the 14th of the 63 Nayanars. His playing of the Panchakshara (five-syllable mantra) on his flute so pleased the god, Shiva, that he took Anaya away to the eternal world.[1]

Life

The life of Anayar is described in the Thirutthondar Puranam (

Tirumangalam (Thirumangalam), currently in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. In Anayar's times, Tirumangalam was part of the Kingdom of Mazhanadu (modern-dat Tiruchirappalli district). Tirumangalam is a place of pilgrimage, famous for its Samavedeshvarar Temple, dedicated to Supreme Lord Shiva. Aanaayar used to tend cows. He used to take the cows for grazing in the pastures outside of the town. He used to protect the cattle from disease and beasts of prey. Anayar used to smear Sacred Ash (நீறு) on His body. In the meadows, He used to play the Panchakshara (Five-Letter) Mantra of Supreme Lord Shiva on his flute. Music was his way of worshipping Lord Shiva. A verse from Periya Puranam tells about He crafted a flute from bamboo, following rules in the scriptures.[1][2]

One day at the onset of the monsoon, Anayar started playing the Holy 5 Letter Word on His flute under the

Kailasa.[1][2]

Iconography and remembrance

Anaya Nayanar (left) is depicted similar to Venugopala (right).

Anaya Nayanar is depicted very similar to the iconography of Venugopala, a form of Krishna, who is also described as a cowherd. Like Venugopala, he is depicted playing the venu (flute), in a relaxed posture with one leg crossed casually in front of the other. This often leads to confusion in identification of sculptures between Venugopala and Anaya Nayanar.[3]

One of the most prominent Nayanars, Sundarar (8th century) mentions Anaya Nayanar (called Anayan of Mankai here) in hymn to various Nayanar saints.[4]

Anaya Nayanar is specially worshipped in the

KArthikai, when the moon enters the Hasta nakshatra (lunar mansion). He receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals.[1]

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6
    .
  2. ^
    Swami Sivananda
    (1999). Sixty-three Nayanar Saints (4 ed.). Sivanandanagar: The Divine Life Society.
  3. ISBN 978-81-215-0044-9
    .
  4. ISBN 978-1-4008-6006-7
    .
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