Kannapa

Kannappa, also known as Kannappa Nayanar or Thinnai Thondar, is a revered figure in the Tamil Shaiva tradition. He is counted among the Nayanmars, a group of 63 saints who are celebrated for their devotion to the god Shiva. The story of Kannappa is primarily recounted in the Periya Puranam, a hagiography of the Nayanmars written by Sekkizhar in the 12th century.

Kannappa's legend originates from a hunter by the name of Thinnan, who lived in the region of Ujjain (though other traditions place him in different locations). Thinnan was known for his hunting prowess and his simple, direct way of life. One day, while hunting, he stumbled upon a Shiva shrine. He was so struck by the beauty and presence of the lingam (an aniconic representation of Shiva) that he decided to offer his respects and bring offerings.

Unfamiliar with orthodox rituals, Thinnan offered the lingam the flesh of the animals he had hunted and water from a stream he carried in his mouth. He also used his own footwear to keep away flies. This unconventional worship was initially seen as sacrilege by a sage who was supposed to tend to the shrine. However, Shiva, impressed by Thinnan's pure and selfless devotion, appeared in a dream to the sage. Shiva explained that he was deeply pleased with Thinnan's heartfelt offering, even though it was not performed according to prescribed rituals.

In another significant event from his legend, the lingam began to bleed from one of its eyes. Thinnan, distressed, offered to gouge out his own eye to replace it. Shiva again appeared in a dream and instructed Thinnan to offer his left eye to the lingam. Thinnan, without hesitation, plucked out his eye and was about to place it on the lingam when Shiva stopped him. Shiva then revealed himself and blessed Thinnan, granting him the epithet "Kannappa" (meaning "one who gave his eye"). Kannappa is celebrated as an exemplar of selfless love and devotion that transcends ritualistic boundaries.