Thirunavukarasars

Thirunavukkarasar, also known as Appar, was one of the most prominent Nayanars, the Tamil Shaivite saints who contributed to the Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta tradition. He lived during the 7th century CE. Along with Sambandar and Sundarar, he is considered one of the three principal Nayanars, whose devotional hymns form the core of the Tirumurai, the sacred anthology of Tamil Shaiva literature.

Born in Tiruvamur in the present-day Tamil Nadu, Thirunavukkarasar's early life was marked by a deep devotion to Shiva. His hagiography, found in the Periya Puranam, details his spiritual journey, including a period of embracing Jainism before returning to Shaivism. His hymns are characterized by their philosophical depth, lyrical beauty, and emphasis on selfless service and devotion. He is credited with composing over 4,000 hymns, which are a significant part of the Tevaram collection within the Tirumurai. These verses praise Shiva, his various forms, and the sacred sites associated with him. Thirunavukkarasar's teachings continue to inspire devotees and scholars of Tamil literature and Shaivism.