Kalarsinga Nayanar

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Kalarsinga Nayanar
Kalarsinga Nayanar.JPG
Personal
Bornc. 8-9th century CE
Religion Hinduism
Philosophy Shaivism, Bhakti
Honors Nayanar saint,

Kalarsinga Nayanar, also known as Kalarsinga, Kazharsinga, Kalarcinkan, Kalarsingan, Kalarsinganar, Kalarsingar, Kalarcingar and Kalar-chingar (Kalar-singar), was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the fifty-fifth in the list of 63 Nayanars. [1] While his identity remains a matter of debate, many scholars identity Kalarsinga Nayanar as the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), who reigned between 700 and 728 CE.

Contents

Life

The life of Kalarsinga Nayanar is described in the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars. [1] [2] His name "kalarsinga" means "lion with ankled feet". [3]

Kalarsinga was a Pallava king from the Kadava dynasty. He is said to waged wars on foes and conquered kingdoms to the North, becoming an emperor. He was a staunch devotee of the god Shiva, the patron of Shaivism and propagated Shaivism in regions he captured. He went on pilgrimages to many Shiva temples. He journeyed to Thiruvarur and came with his queen consort at the shrine of Araneri, dedicated to Shiva. This temple is identified as the Sri Achaleswarar (Vandarkuzhali) temple, which is located in the Thyagaraja Temple complex. She arrived in the temple hall (mandapa) where various flowers were gathered to use as floral offerings to Shiva as well as create garlands for him. A flower had fallen from the dais where the garlands were made. The queen picked the flower and smelt it. In Hinduism, it is taboo to use or smell flowers meant for God, before they are offered to him. [4] C.K. Subramania Mudaliar's commentary on the Periya Puranam opines the queen was a Samana, whom the king married for political reasons. Though she accompanied the king on official visits to temples, as a non-Hindu, she did not worship Shiva. [2]

Seruthunai Nayanar, another Nayanar, served at the temple noticed the queen's actions. He was enraged by the conduct of the Pallava queen. Ignoring her royal status, he dragged her by her hair and pushed her on the ground. He caught her nose and punished her by severing it. The queen screamed in pain. The infuriated Kalarsinga rushed to her and asked who had dared to assault his queen and challenge his authority. Seruthunai Nayanar took responsibility and explained the rationale of his actions. Kalarsinga deemed the punishment inadequate. With his sword, he chopped off the hand of the queen, by which he lifted the flower. As the devotees in the temple erupted with the cheers of "Hara, Hara" (name of Shiva) lauding his actions, celestial beings shower him with flowers for his just action. Kalarsinga ultimately attained Kailash, Shiva's abode after death. [4]

The tale of Kalarsinga (called Narasinga Nayanaru in the account) is also recalled in the 13th-century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha in brief and with some variation. Narasinga is described as a Chola king. Seruthunai Nayanar is replaced with a simple unnamed flower boy. Narasinga is said to first cut the queen's finger, followed by her hand, then her fore arm and finally the entire arm. Shiva appeared and took Narasinga with him to his abode, while he also restored the queen's nose and arm. [5]

Identification and dating

One of the most prominent Nayanars, Sundarar (8th century) venerates Kalarsinga Nayanar in the Tiruthonda Thogai, a hymn to Nayanar saints and praising him as Kadava king, who rules over the world bound by the seas. [6] This reference of Kalarsinga as the emperor of the entire world in present tense is interpreted to suggest that Kalarsinga was the reigning king in Sundarar's times. [7]

While generally Kalarsinga is identified as Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha (reign: 700-728 CE), other contenders are Nandivarman II (reign: 732–796), his son Dantivarman (reign: 796–846) and his grandson Nandivarman III (reign: 846–869). [8] Though the Periya Puranam associates Kalarsinga with only one other Nayanar (Seruthunai Nayanar), another theory suggests that the unnamed king in the narrative of the Nayanar saint Pusalar is also Kalarsinga. [2] The king in the Pusalar tale is generally identified as Narasimhavarman II, the builder of Kailasanathar Temple of Kanchipuram. Like Kalarsinga, Narasimhavarman conquered the Chalukya kingdoms, which were at the North of the Pallava kingdom. The Sundarar reference as well as the conquest of the North is used to identify Kalarsinga as Narasimhavarman. [9] It is suggested that the Nayanars Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar and Kalarsinga are the father-son duo of Paramesvaravarman I (reign:670–720) and Narasimhavarman II.

Some scholars reject the identification of Kalarsinga as Narasimhavarman II because the Tiruthonda Thogai or Periya Puranam would have explicitly said the same, while disputing Sundarar's dating. They suggest Sundarar lived in the 9th century, when Nandivarman III - who fought the Battle of Tellaru - ruled. However, there is no evidence in his chronicles that he was ever given the title "Kalarsinga". [10]

Remembrance

The images of the Nayanars are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Sri Kokarneshvarar Temple in Tirukokarnam.JPG
The images of the Nayanars are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.

Kalarsinga Nayanar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Vaisakhi, when the moon enters the Bharani nakshatra (lunar mansion). He is depicted as a king with a crown, folded hands (see Anjali mudra) and sometimes a sword in the crook of his arm. He receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals. [1]

Related Research Articles

Narasimhavarman II or Narasimha Varma II(r. 700 - 729 CE), popularly known as Rajasimha Pallava, was a ruler of the Pallava kingdom. Sen states Narasimhavarman, or Rajamalla, reigned from 695 to 722 AD. Rajasimha is credited with the construction of the Shore Temple, Isvara and Mukunda Temples in Mahabalipuram, the Panamalai Temple in South Arcot, plus the Kailasanathar Temple. Rajasimha's reign was period of great literary and architectural advancements and he is often grouped by historians with Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I as one of the greatest Pallava rulers.

Pusalar


Pusalar is an eighth-century Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the fifth-eighth in the list of 63 Nayanars. His hagiography speaks how he created a grand temple for Shiva in his mind and how his patron god Shiva preferred attending the consecration of his mind temple, instead of a grand temple created by a Pallava king.

Narasinga Muniyaraiyar Nayanar

Narasinga Muniyaraiyar Nayanar is the 40th Nayanar saint. Traditional hagiographies like Periya Puranam and Thiruthondar Thogai detail his legendary life and services to the Hindu god Shiva.Narasinga Muniyaraiyar Nayanar was the chieftain of the state Tiru Munaipadi.Muniyaraiyar The saint was a contemporary of Sundarar.

Yenathinathar, also known as Yenatinata, Yenathi Nayanar, Yenadhinatha, Yenadinath, Yenadinatha Nayanar and Yenadhinatha Nayanar, was a Nayanar saint hailing from Eezha clan, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the ninth in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Kulachirai Nayanar was a minister of the Pandyan king, Koon Pandyan, and one of the 63 Nayanars mentioned in the Periya Puranam.

Kalikamba Nayanar, known as Kalikkamba, Kalikamba, Kalikambar, Kaliyamba, Kalikkambar, Kalikkampa(r), Kali Kambanar, Kalikkampa Nayanar and Kaliyamba Nayanar(u), is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the forty-third in the list of 63 Nayanars. His hagiography speaks about how he cut the hand of his wife, who did not help in serving a Shaiva, devotee of the god Shiva.

Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar, also known as Kungiliya Kalaya, Kalayar, Kunguliya and Kalaya Nayanar, is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the eleventh in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Nami Nandi Adigal

Nami Nandi Adigal, also spelt as Naminandi adigal, Naminandi adikal and Naminanti Atikal, and also known as Naminandi and Naminandhi, is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the 27th in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Isaignaniyar

Isaignaniyar, also spelt as Isainaniyar, Isaignaniyaar, Isaignaniar and Isaijnaniyar and also known as Isai-jnani Ammaiyar, is the mother of Sundarar, one of the most prominent Nayanar saints. She is herself regarded as a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism, along with her husband Sadaiya Nayanar. She is generally counted as the last in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Sadaiya Nayanar

Sadaiya Nayanar - 7th century, also known as Sadaya Nayanar, Sadaiyan (Cataiyan), Sadaiyanar (Cataiyanar) is the father of Sundarar, one of the most prominent Nayanar saints. He is himself regarded as a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism, along with his wife Isaignaniyar. He is generally counted as the sixty-second in the list of 63 Nayanars, Isaignaniyar being the last Nayanar. Sundarar is the only Nayanar with both his parents enlisted as Nayanars. The inclusion of Sadaiya Nayanar, streams solely on the basis on his association with Sundarar, rather than individual merit.

Viralminda Nayanar, also known as Viranmindar (Viranmintar), Viranmintan and Viranminda Nayanar, is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the sixth in the list of 63 Nayanars. He was a contemporary of Sundarar. He along with Cheraman Perumal Nayanar are the two Nayanars from Kerala. Viralminda Nayanar is described in legends as the reason Sundarar composed a hymn to the Nayanar saints, which became the first compilation of the list.

Eyarkon Kalikkama Nayanar, also known as Eyarkon Kalikama Nayanar, Kalikkama Nayanar, Kalikamba Nayanar, Kalikkamar, Kalikamar, Kalikkambar, Yeyarkon Kalikkamar and Eyarkon Kalikkamar, is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the twenty-ninth in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Pugal Chola

Pugal Chola, also known as Pukal Chola, Pukazhchozha Nayanar, Pugazh, Pukazhcchozhar, Pukal Cholan and Pugal Chola Nayanar, is described as a Chola ruler and was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the eighth in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Sirappuli Nayanar

Sirappuli Nayanar, also known as Sirappuli, Sirapuli Nayanar, Sirappuliyar (Chirappuliyar), was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the thirty-fifth in the list of 63 Nayanars. Sirappuli Nayanar is described to have served the devotees of the god Shiva and worshipped the god with various ritual practices.

Seruthunai Nayanar

Seruthunai Nayanar, also known as Seruthunai, Seruthunaiyar and Seruttunai Nayanar, was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the 55th in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Amaraneedi Nayanar, also known as Amarneethi (Nayanar), Amarneeti (Nayanar), Amarniti (Nayanar), Amar-Nidhi (Nayanar) and Amarneethiyar, was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the seventh in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Nesa Nayanar, also known as Sivanesa Nayanar, Neca Nayanar, Nesanar, Nesar and Nesan (Necan), was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the fifty-ninth in the list of 63 Nayanars. Nesa Nayanar is described to be a weaver, who was always engrossed in remembering his patron god Shiva and gifting clothes he knit to devotees of the deity.

Kutruva Nayanar

Kutruva Nayanar, also known as Kootruva , Kutruva, Kutruvar, Kootruvar, Kurruva Nayanar, Kurruvar, Kurruvan, Kutruvanar, Kurrrruvar, Kalappallan and Kalappalar, was a chieftain of Kalandai and a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the 39th in the list of 63 Nayanars. Kutruva is often described as a Jain, who became a devotee of Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism.

Meiporul Nayanar known as Meypporul Nayanar, Meipporul (Meypporul), Meiporular, Meypporular, Maiporul Nayanar and Miladudaiyar is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the fifth in the list of 63 Nayanars.

Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar

Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar was a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the sixty-first in the list of 63 Nayanars. While the first part of his name can be spelt as Tirunilakanta, Tirunilakantha, Tiru Neelakanta, Tiru Nilakanta, Nilakantan and Thiruneelakanda, Yazhpanar is spelt as variously as Yalppanar, Yalapannar, Yalpanar and Yazhpaanar. He is described as a companion of Sambandar, one of the most prominent Nayanars.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Roshen Dalal (2011). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. p. 281. ISBN   978-0-14-341421-6.
  2. 1 2 3 "The Puranam of KazhaL Singka Nayanar". T N Ramachandran. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  3. ↑ T. V. Mahalingam (1969). Kāñcīpuram in early South Indian history. Asia Pub. House. p. 121.
  4. 1 2 Swami Sivananda (1999). Sixty-three Nayanar Saints (4 ed.). Sivanandanagar: The Divine Life Society.
  5. ↑ Siva's Warriors: The Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha. Princeton University Press. 2014. p. 150. ISBN   978-1-4008-6090-6.
  6. ↑ Poems to Śiva: The Hymns of the Tamil Saints. Motilal Banarsidass. 1991. p. 335. ISBN   978-81-208-0784-6.
  7. ↑ K. R. Subramanian. Origin of Saivism and Its History in the Tamil Landpublisher=Asian Educational Services. p. 70. ISBN   978-81-206-0144-4.
  8. ↑ Raju Kalidos (1976). History and Culture of the Tamils: From Prehistoric Times to the President's Rule. Vijay Publications. p. 78.
  9. ↑ C. R. Srinivasan (1979). Kanchipuram Through the Ages. Agam Kala Prakashan. p. 36.
  10. ↑ Mu Kōvintacāmi (1977). A Survey of the Sources for the History of Tamil Literature. Annamalai University. p. 34.
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