Seruthunai Nayanar
Seruthunai Nayanar | |
---|---|
Personal | |
Born | c. 8-9th century CE |
Religion | Hinduism |
Organization | |
Philosophy | Shaivism, Bhakti |
Honors | Nayanar saint, |
Seruthunai Nayanar, also known as Seruthunai (also spelt as Ceruttunai, Cheruthunai and Seruttunai), Seruthunaiyar and Seruttunai Nayanar , was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the 55th in the list of 63 Nayanars.[1]
Life
The life of Seruthunai Nayanar is described in the
Seruthunai Nayanar was born in
Once, the reigning king Kazharsinga and his queen consort arrived to pay respects to Shiva. She arrived in the temple hall (mandapa) where various flowers were gathered to use as floral offerings to Shiva as well as create garlands for him. A flower had fallen from the dais where the garlands were made. The queen picked the flower and smelt it. In Hinduism, it is taboo to use or smell flowers meant for God, before they are offered to him. Seruthunai Nayanar was enraged by the conduct of the Pallava queen. Ignoring her royal status, he dragged her by her hair and pushed her on the ground. He caught her nose and punished her by severing it. For fearless actions, he is said to have attained the abode of Shiva after death. The chapter of Kazharsinga gives further details about the event. The queen screamed in pain. The infuriated Kazharsinga rushed to her and asked who had dared to assault his queen and challenge his authority. Seruthunai Nayanar took responsibility and explained the rationale of his actions. Kazharsinga deemed the punishment inadequate and chopped off the hand of the queen, by which she had lifted the flower.[3]
Remembrance
One of the most prominent Nayanars, Sundarar (8th century) venerates Seruthunai Nayanar in the Tiruthonda Thogai, a hymn to Nayanar saints and praising him as king of Thanjavur.[4]
Seruthunai Nayanar is worshipped in the
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
- ^ "The Puranam of Serutthunai Nayanar". T N Ramachandran. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ^ Swami Sivananda(1999). Sixty-three Nayanar Saints (4 ed.). Sivanandanagar: The Divine Life Society.
- ISBN 978-81-208-0784-6.