Thondar

Thondar is a prominent figure in Tamil literature, particularly known for his devotion to Lord Shiva. He is revered as one of the 63 Nayanmars, a group of ancient Tamil saints who were ardent devotees of Shiva. Thondar's life story is primarily chronicled in the Periya Puranam, a hagiographical work by Sekkizhar that details the lives of the Nayanmars.

Born into a Shaivite family, Thondar was deeply religious from a young age. He dedicated his life to serving Lord Shiva and his devotees. His devotion was characterized by immense humility and a willingness to undertake any task, no matter how menial, if it meant serving the Lord or his followers. This selflessness and unwavering faith are central to his narrative.

A key episode in Thondar's life involves his encounter with a devotee of Shiva who was suffering from a disease. Thondar, seeing this, took it upon himself to care for the ailing devotee, displaying extraordinary compassion. Another significant aspect of his story is his fervent desire to perform acts of service that would please Lord Shiva. He is often depicted as engaging in various forms of seva, embodying the ideal devotee.

Thondar's example has inspired generations of Shaivites, emphasizing the importance of selfless service, devotion, and humility in spiritual life. His contributions are celebrated annually during the Nayanmar festivals.