The life of Munaiyaduvar is described in seven stanzas in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.[1][2] His name literally means "he who fights in war".[3]
Munaiyaduvar was born in Tiru-Nidur in the Chola kingdom. Tiru-Nidur is known as Nidur (Needur) and is located in Nagapattinam district of Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He was a Vellalar, a caste of agricultural land owners. He was a staunch devotee of the god Shiva, the patron of Shaivism. He served Shiva and his devotees. He was skilled in warfare and worked as a mercenary soldier. The defeated would come to hire him and promised him great booty. Munaiyaduvar would assist them by winning battles for them and would return with gold and gifts. He would use the acquired wealth to welcome and feed the devotees of Shiva. After living a long year of service to Shiva, he attained Kailash, Shiva's abode after death.[3][4]
In a commentary on Munaiyaduvar's tale, the Hindu spiritual teacher Swami Sivananda notes the narrative of the Nayanar saint's life imparts two lessons. Even though he was an accomplished mercenary warrior, Munaiyaduvar sided only with the weak, thus advocating righteousness. According to the Nayanar, his might was also a manifestation of God and thus was to be used only for virtuous causes. Secondly, the fortunes the saint gained were offered entirely in service of God. Sivananda suggests following Munaiyaduvar's exemplar, one must be unselfish and dedicate oneself to God.[4]
