Who Was Sundarar?

Sundarar: The Poet-Saint of Tamil Saivism

Sundarar, also known as Sundaramurthi Nayanar, is one of the most celebrated poet-saints in Tamil Saivism. He occupies a prominent place among the 63 Nayanmars, the devotees of Lord Shiva, whose lives and contributions are integral to Tamil devotional literature and culture. Sundarar’s life, marked by his profound devotion, poetic brilliance, and human imperfections, exemplifies the deeply personal and loving relationship between a devotee and the divine. His hymns, known as the Thevaram, are part of the sacred Saivite canon, the Tirumurai, and continue to inspire millions of devotees to this day.

Early Life and Divine Connection

Sundarar was born in the 8th century CE in Thirunavalur, a village in present-day Tamil Nadu. His original name was Nambi Arurar, and he belonged to a Brahmin family deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. According to tradition, Sundarar was destined to be a devotee of Shiva even before his birth. A divine play orchestrated by Shiva ensured that Sundarar would dedicate his life to singing the Lord’s praise.

Legend has it that Sundarar was engaged to be married when Lord Shiva appeared as an old man and claimed him as his servant. This divine intervention, though disruptive to Sundarar’s worldly life, marked the beginning of his spiritual journey. Sundarar affectionately referred to Shiva as “Pitha” (meaning “madman” or “eccentric”), highlighting the intimate and playful bond between the two.

Sundarar’s Devotional Hymns

Sundarar’s hymns are considered masterpieces of Tamil devotional literature. His works, along with those of Appar and Sambandar, form the first seven books of the Tirumurai. Sundarar’s compositions stand out for their emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and candid expression of his relationship with Shiva. Unlike other saints who focused solely on surrender and renunciation, Sundarar’s hymns reflect a unique mix of devotion, human desires, and even complaints directed toward the Lord.

Some of the central themes in Sundarar’s hymns include:

1. Love for Shiva: Sundarar’s hymns overflow with love and reverence for Shiva. He praises the Lord’s grace, compassion, and omnipresence, describing him as the eternal protector of devotees. Example: In one of his famous hymns, Sundarar sings: “You, who reside in Thiruvarur, shower your grace upon your devotees and relieve them of their burdens.”
2. Playful Complaints: Sundarar’s relationship with Shiva is characterized by an unparalleled intimacy, allowing him to address the Lord as a friend. He often playfully complains about the challenges and hardships he faces, holding Shiva responsible for his troubles.
3. Worldly Desires and Devotion: Sundarar’s hymns reflect the duality of his life. While he was deeply devoted to Shiva, he also expressed his attachment to worldly pleasures, including wealth and relationships. This human aspect of Sundarar endears him to devotees, as it shows that divine grace is accessible even to those with imperfections.
4. Gratitude and Surrender: Despite his complaints and desires, Sundarar’s hymns ultimately convey his gratitude and surrender to Shiva. He acknowledges the Lord’s unconditional love and his own dependence on divine grace.

Key Episodes in Sundarar’s Life

Sundarar’s life is replete with miraculous events and divine interventions that illustrate his unique bond with Shiva. Some of the most notable episodes include:

1. Marriage to Paravai Nachiyar: Sundarar’s first wife, Paravai Nachiyar, was a devout woman from Thiruvarur. Their marriage was blessed by Shiva himself, and Paravai Nachiyar became a source of support and inspiration for Sundarar’s spiritual journey.
2. Love for Sangiliyar: Sundarar’s second wife, Sangiliyar, lived in Thiruvottriyur. His union with Sangiliyar, despite initial resistance and challenges, highlights the human aspects of his life and his reliance on Shiva’s guidance to overcome obstacles.
3. Miracles of Shiva: Throughout his life, Sundarar experienced numerous miracles that reaffirmed his faith in Shiva. In one instance, when Sundarar needed resources to build a temple, Shiva provided gold coins, demonstrating his unwavering support for his devotee.
4. Divine Chariot to Kailasa: Towards the end of his life, Sundarar was taken to Kailasa, Shiva’s celestial abode, on a white elephant. This event symbolizes the ultimate union of the devotee with the divine.

Contribution to Tamil Saivism

Sundarar’s contributions to Tamil Saivism are immense. His hymns not only enriched Tamil devotional literature but also played a pivotal role in reviving and spreading Saivism during a time when other religious influences were gaining prominence. His emphasis on personal devotion, combined with his lyrical genius, made Shiva’s worship accessible to people from all walks of life.

As one of the three principal Thevaram poets, Sundarar’s works helped establish the Tirumurai as the canonical scripture of Tamil Saivism. His hymns continue to be sung in Shiva temples, preserving the rich heritage of Tamil Saivism and inspiring devotion across generations.

Humanizing the Divine Relationship

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sundarar’s life and poetry is his ability to humanize the relationship between the devotee and the divine. He did not hesitate to express his emotions, including frustration, longing, and joy, in his interactions with Shiva. This candidness made him relatable to ordinary people and demonstrated that devotion does not require perfection but sincerity.

For instance, in one of his hymns, Sundarar openly questions Shiva for not alleviating his difficulties:

“O Lord of Thiruvarur, why do you let me suffer when I have surrendered to you? Is this your way of showing grace?”

Such expressions of intimacy and freedom in addressing the divine set Sundarar apart from other saints and poets.

Legacy and Influence

Sundarar’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His life and hymns have been immortalized in Tamil Saivite tradition and continue to inspire devotees to this day. Temples dedicated to Shiva often reverberate with his hymns, and his name is invoked with reverence by millions.

Sundarar’s life story is also a reminder of the inclusivity of Tamil Saivism. Despite his human flaws and attachment to worldly pleasures, Sundarar attained the highest spiritual state through his unwavering devotion to Shiva. His life serves as a testament to the idea that divine grace is available to all, regardless of their imperfections.

Conclusion

Sundarar’s life and works exemplify the essence of Tamil Saivism—a deeply personal and loving relationship with Shiva that transcends rituals and orthodoxy. His hymns, filled with love, gratitude, and even playful complaints, continue to resonate with devotees, offering solace and inspiration. As a poet, saint, and devotee, Sundarar remains a shining example of the transformative power of devotion and the boundless compassion of the divine. Through his life and poetry, Sundarar reminds us that the path to the divine is not about perfection but about sincerity, love, and surrender.