Amaraneedi Nayanar, known as Amarneethi, Amarneeti, Amarniti, Amar-Nidhi and Amarneethiyar, was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism.
20 Facts About Amaraneedi Nayanar
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Amaraneedi Nayanar is generally counted as the seventh in the list of 63 Nayanars.
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The life of Amaraneedi Nayanar is described in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar, which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.
4.
Amaraneedi Nayanar was born in Pazhayarai, the ancient capital of the Chola kingdom.
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Amaraneedi Nayanar was a vaishya, member of the merchant caste.
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Amaraneedi Nayanar donated food and clothes to devotees of Shiva.
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Amaraneedi Nayanar worshipped at the Shiva temple and stayed at Nallur for a few days.
8.
One day, Shiva came to Amaraneedi Nayanar's house disguised as a Brahmin Brahmachari.
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Amaraneedi Nayanar was adored with the Tripundra and carried a staff with two Kowpeenams on it.
10.
Amaraneedi Nayanar asked him for a chance to serve him, the Brahmachari lad consented and kept one of his dried Kowpeenams in the merchant's custody and left for a bath.
11.
The dejected Amaraneedi Nayanar returned with his wife and kin and another Kowpeenam.
12.
Amaraneedi Nayanar apologised and prostrated before the Brahmachari and offered a Kowpeenam of a superior quality.
13.
Finally, Amaraneedi Nayanar started to add all his wealth, including gold, silver and jewels, in the other pan.
14.
Amaraneedi Nayanar recited the Panchakshara mantra, dedicated to Shiva and got into the pan.
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The tale of Amaraneedi Nayanar is recalled in the thirteenth-century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha in brief and with some variation.
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One of the most prominent Nayanars, Appar dedicates a hymn to Amaraneedi Nayanar, recalling his tale while praising the temple of Nallur.
17.
Amaraneedi Nayanar is described as adorning a soft jasmine garland.
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Amaraneedi Nayanar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Aani, when the moon enters the Purva Phalguni nakshatra.
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Amaraneedi Nayanar is depicted with a crown and folded hands.
20.
Amaraneedi Nayanar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars.