Gananatha Nayanar
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Gananatha Nayanar | |
|---|---|
| Personal life | |
| Born | |
| Honors | Nayanar saint, |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Philosophy | Shaivism, Bhakti |
Gananatha Nayanar is the 37th Nayanar (saint). Gananatha means the head of the group of Gaṇas or the attendants of Shiva and live in Kailasa (the soldiers of the Shiva) at the abode of the Omnipresent.[citation needed] This pious Shiva devotee was born in a traditional Brahmin family in Sirkazhi. His love towards Toniappar was overwhelming; his faith was surplus and his devotion towards the services of Toniappar was powerful. He enjoyed in rendering a variety of services and also engaged himself in discussing the glory of Toniappar.[1]
People had warm feelings for the selfless devotion shown by the saint and often approached him for advice. He trained many people in Shaivism services. Many people were impressed by the perfect services rendered by the saint and expressed interest in rendering perfect service in the Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi. People engaged themselves in Shaivism duties like plucking flowers, preparation of flower garlands, fetching holy water for consecration, writing hymns, chanting hymns etc., The saint also provided facilities in the temple complex to make the people feel comfortable while rendering selfless service to the god. They believed that service to god is the ultimate worship.