1. Iyarpagai Nayanar, known as Iyarpagaiar, Iyarpahai Nayanar, Iyarpagaiya Nayanar and Iyarppakai Nayanar is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism.
16 Facts About Iyarpagai Nayanar
1. 2.
Iyarpagai Nayanar is generally counted as the third in the list of 63 Nayanars.
3.
The life of Iyarpagai Nayanar is described in the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar, which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.
4.
Iyarpagai Nayanar was born in Kaveripoompattinam, where the river Kaveri joins the ocean.
5.
The elderly sivanadiyar said he had come to Iyarpagai Nayanar, having heard tales of Iyarpagai Nayanar's generosity.
6.
Iyarpagai Nayanar's wife worshipped the sivanadiyar feet and readied to proceed with the sivanadiyar.
7.
Iyarpagai Nayanar requested the merchant to escort him and the wife to outside the town and protect him against his kin.
8.
Iyarpagai Nayanar took his sword and shield and accompanied his guest and his wife on their journey.
9.
Meanwhile, the relatives of the wife and Iyarpagai Nayanar, were infuriated that she was to become a virtual slave instead of living her life.
10.
Iyarpagai Nayanar, who was skilled in warfare, charged at the opposing host and massacred his kindred, chanting the Shiva Panchakshara, following onslaughts from all sides.
11.
When Iyarpagai Nayanar reached the spot, the sivanadiyar had disappeared and his wife stood alone.
12.
The Iyarpagai Nayanar bowed in reverence; Shiva praised the Iyarpagai Nayanar's devotion as took the couple to Kailash, his divine abode.
13.
Iyarpagai Nayanar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Margazhi, when the moon enters the Uttara Phalguni nakshatra.
14.
Iyarpagai Nayanar is depicted with a crown and folded hands.
15.
Iyarpagai Nayanar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars.
16.
The Chayavaneswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva in Sayavanam, where Shiva is described to have appeared before Iyarpagai Nayanar, has a special affiliation with the Nayanar.