Ilayankudi Maranar, known Ilaiyangudi Nayanar, Ilaiyankuti Nayanar, Ilayangudi Mara Nayanar, is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism.
12 Facts About Ilayankudi Maranar
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Ilayankudi Maranar is generally counted as the fourth in the list of 63 Nayanars.
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Ilayankudi Maranar is called Marar, Maran and Mara Nayanar, names he shares with Somasi Mara Nayanar.
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The life of Ilayankudi Maranar is described in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar, which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.
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Ilayankudi Maranar was born in Ilaiyangudi, presently in Sivaganga district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
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Ilayankudi Maranar was a staunch devotee of the god Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism and served the god and his devotees.
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Ilayankudi Maranar used to welcome devotees of Shiva to his home, ritually wash their feet and feed them a feast.
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Ilayankudi Maranar continued to serve the devotees in penury, as he did in plenty.
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Ilayankudi Maranar took Marar and his wife to his abode Kailash.
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Ilayankudi Maranar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Avani, when the moon enters the Magha nakshatra.
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Ilayankudi Maranar is depicted like a sage, usually with a beard and with folded hands.
12.
Ilayankudi Maranar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars.