Anaya Nayanar

Anaya Nayanar is one of the 63 nayanars explained in the Periya Puranam. He lived in Tirumangalam and was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Nayanar was also devoted to the Bhasma and Shiva Bhaktas. He used to play holy Panchakshara Mantra of Shiva with his flute.

One day he sat under a Konrai tree (a favourite of the Lord) and began to play flute. Hearing the sweetness of music animals stood motionless, rivers stopped in their course and waves in the sea calmed. The story also says that even the celestials such as Vidyadhars, Kinnaras and Devas came to enjoy the music. Pleased on his great devotion, Lord Shiva along with mother Parvati appeared to bless him and took him to Kailash.

[Source (7) 31-May-2005]