Page:The story of saiva saints.pdf/18

Rh

In Thiruththalaliyur there lived a Brahmin Saint Rudra Pasupathiyar by name. He used to stand in the water to the level of his neck, adore the Feet of Siva, chant the mystic Five Lettered mantra and raciterecite [sic] Sri Rudram incessentlyincessantly [sic] throughout day and night and at last reached SivaLoka.

In Athanur, there lived a pious man called Nanthanar. He was a Harijan or Adi Dravida. He had a craving for the Darsan of Lord Nataraja and hence he used to say "I will go to Chidambaram tomorrow." So he was popularly known by the name Thirunalaip povar (one who would go on the other day). He dug a tank at Thiruppungur. He wanted to have a darsan of Siva in the temple of Thiruppungur. Rishabha Devar or the Bull also gave way and he had the sight of Siva. Then after several severe tests by his land lord, he proceeded to Chidambaram, entered into a bonfire, came out as a Saint with sacred thread and matted locks to the astonishment of the Brahmins at Thillai. He then proceeded to the Golden Hall, worshipped Lord Nataraja and attained Siva Bliss.

In Kanchipuram there lived a Siva devotee who was a Dhobi. He used to serve the devotees of Siva by guessing their intentions. Hence he was called Thirukkuripputh thondar. He used to render free service to Siva mendicants by washing their clothes. One day Lord Siva came in the form of a poor mendicant and requested him to wash his cloths and return them before the setting of the sun. If he could not do so, he said, his body would get affected. The Saint accepted. Alas! it began to rain unceasingly. The sun set; everything was wet. The devotee was shivering. The Saint being perplexed dashed his head against the stone. Lord Siva intervened, desisted him from his deadly act and blessed him with beatitude.