Nayanmar 13 - Aanaya Nayanar

Aanaya Nayanar (ஆனாய நாயனார்)

Birthplace  : Thirumangalam

Star           : Karthigai Hastham

Aanayar was from a family of cowherds. His job was to herd the cattle everyday for grazing. A great devotee of Lord Shiva, Aanayar was used to playing the praise of his Lord in the flute he always had with him.  One day when he had taken the cattle for grazing he saw a Konrai tree. The huge Konrai tree with its flowers in full bloom reminded him of Lord Shiva. Aanayar took his flute out and divine music in praise of the Lord flowed. First the cattle stopped grazing, as though in a trance. Then even the trees were standing still and the whole world came to a stop mesmerized by the heavenly tune. Won’t the Lord, in praise of whom Aanayar was playing, be attracted by this music? Lord Shiva gave darshan to Aanayar and took him to Shiva loka so that Aanaya Nayanar always played the flute for the Him!