INTRODUCTION
Nambiyandar Nambi(10th century AD) was a Shaivite scholar of Tamil Nadu in South India who compiled the songs of Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar. It is believed that during his young age, in order to appreciate his bhakti, Lord Vinayaka himself emerged from his idol and ate the Prasad offered by him.
LIFE
Nambiyandar Nambi was born in the town of Thirunaraiyur into the family of priest community, and worshippers of Lord Shiva. The great king Rajaraja Chola requested him to collect the famous songs rendered by the three great shaiva saints Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar. Nambi collected some palm-leaf manuscripts.
IMPORTANCE
He got great bhakti on Lord Vinayaka and Lord Shiva and worshipped them with much perseverance and devotion in his mind. He also admired about the workings of the three great saints, APPAR, SUNDARAR AND SAMBANDAR and collected their songs and kept it in safe custody. He got good knowledge in all the subjects and appreciated for his great knowledge by the chola kings. He got an important place in the chola dynasty and also written several songs in praise of Lord Shiva.
He also conducted various divine lectures on Lord Shiva among the people and initiated them into the bhakti path. He was a noble and a pious man, who lived a saintly life, and never enjoyed any luxuries in his life. He had donated the wealth given to him by the kings to the poor. He also relieved the people from their sins and cured their diseases and given them peace of mind. Throughout in his life, he concentrated his entire attention on worshipping Lord Shiva and by singing songs in praise of him.
Let us worship the divine saint and be blessed.
“OM SREE NAMBIYANDAR NAMBIGALE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMASHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR
