As per our Hindu scriptures, the Nayanars religions are sincere and genuine devotees of Lord Shiva. Kannappa Nayanar was one of them who was a hunter before, but later he became an amazing devotee to Lord Shiva. His tireless love and sacrifice for the Lord Shiva have made him immortal in the hearts of devotees. As per our legends, his story inspires every person to become a true devotee with selflessness, and motivates everyone to build an unshakable bond with Lord Shiva.
Who was Kannappa Nayanar in Real Life?
Kannappa Nayanar was a hunter who became a saint because of his love and devotion for Lord Shiva. He was not like other worshippers who stuck to traditional rituals, because his devotion was totally based on pure faith and love without any formalities. His love was genuine for Lord Shiva. His story is super inspiring and heartwarming that makes everyone believe that God only needs devotee love and pure emotion, and doesn't need to be stuck with rituals. Because true devotion is really about sincerity and connection instead of fake actions.
Birth of Kannappa Nayanar
Nagan was a tribal chief in the jungle area of Potthapi. Even as an atheist they start believing in God when there is no hope left. He and his wife Thaththai didn’t have children for a very long time and were praying to Lord Murugan (Lord Kartikeya, Shiva’s son). They were blessed with a son whom they named Thinnan, who was fondly known as Kannappa Nayanar. People said that if anyone worships Lord Murugan with faith and devotion, he will fulfill your wishes. You can explore the Lord Murugan statue on the Cottage9 website online.
With tears of joy, Nagan held his son like a huge mountain and celebrated the occasion in a grand manner, offering many animal sacrifices to Lord Muruga and the entire village was joyous. Thinnan was so strong that his own father found him heavy to hold. He was a brave and kind-hearted hunter and grew up to be a reputed archer in his tribe.
He was part of a close-knit hunting tribe that thrived on their incredible skills with bows and their deep love for the beautiful wilderness around them. Thinnappan grew up as a strong and fearless young man and mastering the art of hunting and archery.
Besides, he wasn’t familiar with sacred texts or temple rituals, but his loyalty for his family and friends radiates warmth and kindness.
With tears of joy, Nagan held his son like a huge mountain and celebrated the occasion in a grand manner, offering many animal sacrifices to Lord Muruga and the entire village was joyous. Thinnan was so strong that his own father found him heavy to hold. He was a brave and kind-hearted hunter and grew up to be a reputed archer in his tribe.
He was part of a close-knit hunting tribe that thrived on their incredible skills with bows and their deep love for the beautiful wilderness around them. Thinnappan grew up as a strong and fearless young man and mastering the art of hunting and archery.
Besides, he wasn’t familiar with sacred texts or temple rituals, but his loyalty for his family and friends radiates warmth and kindness.
How Did Kannappa Begin Worshiping Lord Shiva?
One day he was chasing a wild boar in the forest, and then Kannappa discovered ancient Shiva Lingam, a sacred stone which represents Lord Shiva. Now, Shiva Linga is worshipped at the Srikalahasteeswara temple in Andhra Pradesh. He felt a deep sense of awe when he saw Shiva Lingam for the first time. Even though he hadn’t really learned about worship before, he felt something attractive. And he finally found something he had unknowingly searched for all his life.
He had a pure heart and saw that the deity needed care. But Thinnappan was not a priest; he had nothing to offer the lingam, such as flowers, incense, or Vedic chants. Instead, he did what his heart commanded, and he started worshiping Shiva from that day.
Every day, he returns to the Lingam and brings the freshest meat from his hunt to offer shiva. He would fetch water from a nearby stream, carrying it in his mouth since he had no pot, and spit it over the Lingam to cleanse it. He protects deity with his own body and keeps it safe from the heavy sunlight and the rain. While some might view his worship as a bit unconventional or even a touch rebellious, in Shiva's eyes, it was filled with genuine love and devotion.
Kannappa did not know that there was a priest who also came to worship the Shiva Lingam. Every morning, when he arrived, he would be horrified to find the sacred Lingam covered in raw meat, water spat upon it, and strange footprints in the temple. He thought this might be the work of a curious wild animal or perhaps a playful outcast. The priest was dedicated to taking care of the shrine, cleaning it with great care and also performing Lord Shiva aarti.
But this pattern continued for days. The priest was deeply troubled and prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance. That night, Shiva appeared to him in a dream and said, “Do not question the devotion of my greatest bhakta. If you wish to witness true love, then hide and watch it carefully.
He had a pure heart and saw that the deity needed care. But Thinnappan was not a priest; he had nothing to offer the lingam, such as flowers, incense, or Vedic chants. Instead, he did what his heart commanded, and he started worshiping Shiva from that day.
Every day, he returns to the Lingam and brings the freshest meat from his hunt to offer shiva. He would fetch water from a nearby stream, carrying it in his mouth since he had no pot, and spit it over the Lingam to cleanse it. He protects deity with his own body and keeps it safe from the heavy sunlight and the rain. While some might view his worship as a bit unconventional or even a touch rebellious, in Shiva's eyes, it was filled with genuine love and devotion.
Kannappa did not know that there was a priest who also came to worship the Shiva Lingam. Every morning, when he arrived, he would be horrified to find the sacred Lingam covered in raw meat, water spat upon it, and strange footprints in the temple. He thought this might be the work of a curious wild animal or perhaps a playful outcast. The priest was dedicated to taking care of the shrine, cleaning it with great care and also performing Lord Shiva aarti.
But this pattern continued for days. The priest was deeply troubled and prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance. That night, Shiva appeared to him in a dream and said, “Do not question the devotion of my greatest bhakta. If you wish to witness true love, then hide and watch it carefully.
Test of Devotion: Was Kannappa Faith Truly Pure?
Lord Shiva, pleased with Kannappa Nayanar’s unwavering love, decided to test his devotion. One day, blood started oozing from one of the eyes of the Shiva Lingam. Seeing this, Thinnan was devastated. He did not hesitate—he immediately plucked out his own eye and placed it over the bleeding eye of the Lingam. However, the other eye of the Lingam also started bleeding.
Without a second thought, Thinnan prepared to remove his remaining eye to place it over the wound. Before he could do so, Lord Shiva appeared before him, stopping the act. Overwhelmed by his devotion, the Lord blessed Thinnan and granted him salvation, declaring him as Kannappa Nayanar, meaning ‘the one who gave his eyes for the Lord.’
Without a second thought, Thinnan prepared to remove his remaining eye to place it over the wound. Before he could do so, Lord Shiva appeared before him, stopping the act. Overwhelmed by his devotion, the Lord blessed Thinnan and granted him salvation, declaring him as Kannappa Nayanar, meaning ‘the one who gave his eyes for the Lord.’
Significance of Kannappa Nayanar Devotion
Kannappa Nayanar’s story teaches us the power of true devotion. It highlights that God does not look at rituals or traditions but at the sincerity of one’s heart. His actions demonstrated that love and faith surpass mere formalities, making him an epitome of bhakti (devotion).
Key Takeaways from His Life:
- Devotion does not require rituals, if you have faith and sincerity towards God it’s enough to make God happy.
- True love for God means selflessness.
- The Lord values pure-hearted devotion over structured worship.
Where is the Kannappa Nayanar Temple?
To honor his devotion, a temple dedicated to Kannappa Nayanar, named as Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. This temple is part of the famous Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, one of the PanchaBhoota Sthalams representing the air element. Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings and draw inspiration from Kannappa’s unshakable faith in Lord Shiva.
Other Temples Associated with Kannappa Nayanar
While SriKalahasti is the primary location associated with him, several Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh pay tribute to Kannappa Nayanar through sculptures and stories inscribed on temple walls. His tale continues to inspire millions across generations.
Kannappa Nayanar’s devotion has been immortalized in various texts, including the Periya Puranam, which narrates the lives of the 63 Nayanars. His story has also influenced Tamil and Telugu devotional poetry, inspiring saints and poets for centuries.
Even today, his legend is recited in temples and during religious discourses, reinforcing the message that true devotion knows no boundaries.
Kannappa Nayanar’s devotion has been immortalized in various texts, including the Periya Puranam, which narrates the lives of the 63 Nayanars. His story has also influenced Tamil and Telugu devotional poetry, inspiring saints and poets for centuries.
Even today, his legend is recited in temples and during religious discourses, reinforcing the message that true devotion knows no boundaries.
Now Kannappa Nayanar in Modern Times
Though his story is centuries old, Kannappa Nayanar remains relevant today. His journey from a hunter to a saint reminds us that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve spiritual greatness through pure devotion. Many devotees still draw inspiration from his unwavering love and commitment to Lord Shiva.
Festivals and Celebrations
Kannappa Nayanar’s life is celebrated during the Arudra Darshanam festival and on his Guru Pooja Day, where devotees honor his sacrifice and pray for unwavering faith like his.
Conclusion
Kannappa Nayanar’s tale is one of extraordinary devotion, selfless love, and divine grace. His story is a powerful testament to the idea that God looks beyond rituals and traditions, valuing pure and heartfelt devotion. Cottage9 deeply admires his unwavering faith and devotion, recognizing his legacy that lives on in temples, scriptures, and the hearts of devotees who continue to be inspired by his unparalleled faith.
If you ever find yourself at the Kannappa Nayanar Temple in Sri Kalahasti, take a little time to soak in the atmosphere and think about the incredible power of devotion. It reminds us how pure faith can break any barriers.
If you ever find yourself at the Kannappa Nayanar Temple in Sri Kalahasti, take a little time to soak in the atmosphere and think about the incredible power of devotion. It reminds us how pure faith can break any barriers.
