🔥 The Nayanars: The Devotees Who Saw Only Shiva

In the grand spiritual landscape of Tamil Shaivism, the Nayanars stand as eternal flames of devotion—a group of 63 saint-poets whose love for Lord Shiva was so pure that they defied all norms, caste barriers, and personal suffering.

Each Nayanar walked a different path—some were kings, others were outcasts, some were warriors, and others were simple villagers. But what bound them all together was their unwavering love for Shiva. And among all the sacred places they visited, Arunachala held a special place in their hearts.

Why did these saints, who had Shiva’s presence everywhere, feel drawn to Arunachala? What was it about this sacred hill that transcended time and kept calling them back? Let’s uncover the deep connection between the Nayanars and Arunachala—the hill of fire, the mountain of Shiva.

🏔 Arunachala: The Living Form of Shiva

To the devotees of Shiva, Arunachala is not just a mountain—it is Shiva Himself. According to legend, when Brahma and Vishnu debated who was greater, Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of fire. Neither god could find its beginning or end. Finally, Shiva took mercy and manifested as Arunachala, the hill of fire, so that devotees could worship Him in a form they could comprehend.

For the Nayanars, this was not just a story—it was an undeniable truth.

“O Arunachala, you are the flame that burns away illusion, the light that guides lost souls. Those who see you with devotion see Shiva Himself.”

They believed that meditating upon Arunachala, walking around it (Girivalam), or even thinking about it could destroy lifetimes of karma and grant liberation.

And so, many Nayanars traveled to Arunachala, offering their devotion, their poetry, and sometimes even their lives to Shiva.

🔥 The Nayanars Who Were Drawn to Arunachala

1. Sundarar: The Friend Who Demanded Gifts from Shiva

Sundarar was a unique Nayanar—he did not worship Shiva with blind submission. He treated Shiva like a friend, even bargaining with Him!

When Sundarar came to Arunachala, he saw the grand Arunachalesvara Temple and said:

“O Lord, you are rich in grace, and I am poor in wealth. As my friend, should you not take care of me?”

Shiva, amused by his boldness, is said to have granted him gold, proving that He listens to the prayers of His devotees, no matter how they are offered!

2. Appar: The Saint Who Found Shiva Through Service

Unlike Sundarar, Appar (also known as Tirunavukkarasar) was a humble devotee who served Shiva through physical labor.

When he came to Arunachala, he saw that the temple premises were unclean, covered in wild growth. Without hesitation, he took a broom and began sweeping the temple floors, pulling out weeds with his bare hands.

Shiva, moved by his devotion, appeared before him and blessed him, saying:

“You see no difference between service and worship. You are truly My child.”

To this day, Appar’s humility is remembered by devotees who engage in voluntary temple cleaning (Uzhavarappani) as a sacred act of devotion.

3. Manikkavasagar: The Poet Whose Words Became Divine

One of the greatest Shaivite poets, Manikkavasagar, was deeply drawn to Arunachala. His verses spoke of the mystical power of the hill, describing it as:

“The flame that melts the ego, the mountain where words disappear into silence.”

Legend says that when he sang in Arunachalesvara Temple, even the stone walls wept, moved by his divine poetry. To this day, his hymns are sung in Arunachala’s temples, filling the air with timeless devotion.

🕉 The Power of Arunachala: Why the Nayanars Kept Returning

What was it about Arunachala that kept calling these saints back?

The Nayanars understood what Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi later confirmed—that Arunachala is not just a physical mountain but a spiritual force field, a silent Guru, and the ultimate destroyer of ego.

Many devotees who visit Arunachala experience a mysterious pull, an unexplained peace, and even spontaneous awakenings. The Nayanars believed that:

✅ Walking around Arunachala (Girivalam) removes lifetimes of karma.
✅ Meditating at Arunachala grants deep stillness, dissolving the mind.
✅ Even thinking of Arunachala brings Shiva’s grace.

“O Arunachala, even the greatest sages lose their minds in your presence. What hope do we mortals have? Take us in your fire and burn away our illusions.”meditating in the presence of Shiva.”

For the Nayanars, Arunachala was more than a pilgrimage—it was a direct doorway to Shiva’s infinite presence.

🌙 The Eternal Presence of the Nayanars at Arunachala

The Nayanars may have lived centuries ago, but their presence is still alive at Arunachala.

Their hymns are still sung in the great temple, as if they are calling out to Shiva even today.

Their footsteps are still felt on the path of Girivalam, where thousands of devotees walk every full moon.

Their stories are still told in Arunachalesvara Temple, inspiring generations of Shiva lovers.

Some believe that the spirits of the Nayanars still wander the sacred hill, unseen yet always present, forever lost in Shiva’s love.

“O Arunachala, let me dissolve in You, like the Nayanars before me. Let me lose myself, so that I may find You.”

🌅 Conclusion: Are You Ready to Follow the Nayanars?

The love between the Nayanars and Arunachala is not a thing of the past—it is still alive, breathing, and waiting for new seekers.

🔥 Will you walk the sacred path of Girivalam as they did?
🔥 Will you sing the praises of Arunachala with their same intensity?
🔥 Will you surrender everything, knowing that this mountain is Shiva Himself?

Because Arunachala does not belong to history—it belongs to all who call upon it with devotion.

And like the Nayanars, if you step near it with love, it will take you in its eternal fire. 🙏🔥