Amarneethi Nayanar

Amarneethi Nayanar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He is a Vaishya by caste and belonged to Palaiyaarai in the Chola Kingdom. Amarneethi Nayanar was a trader in gold, diamonds, silks and cotton goods. Legend states that Amarneethi Nayanar treated the Shiva devotees with food and offered them gifts everyday. He used to visit the sacred temple of Thirunallur during festivals and repeat Panchakshara Mantra daily with bhava (meaning devotion). Not being satisfied by the festival visit he settled in Thirunallur and constructed a mutt for the devotees. Lord, pleased by his activities, wanted to show his greatness to the world. One day Lord appeared in the form of a Brahmachari and wanted Nayanar to take care of his Kowpeena (meaning garment weared by the Sanyasi) when he went for taking the bath. After coming back he asked for his Kowpeena which was missing by Lord's power. Nayanar failed to give back his kowpeena. He offered all his wealth, his wife, children and himself in return for the weight of his other kowpeena as per the Brahmachari's request. Seeing this the Lord appeared before the Nayanar and gave blessings.