Eripathaar Nayanar

Eripathaar Nayanar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He was born in Karuvur, one of the main cities of the Chola Kingdom. It is situated on the banks of the river Ambiravati. On both the banks of this river saints and sages were doing meditation or tapa. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Pasupatheesvarar (Siva) is also located here. Story states that Eripathaar Nayanar used to worship Lord Pasupatheesvarar daily. His main duty is to serve Shiva bhakta(devotees) and give them protection for that he used to carry weapons also. Sivakami Andar, another Shiva devotee, used to bring flowers to the temple every morning. One day on his way to the temple the king's mad elephant scattered all his flowers. Sivakami Andar started crying and this was seen by Nayanar. Nayanar killed the elephant and the two persons who were sitting in the elephant. Hearing this king arrived the spot and asked for the guilty. On seeing the Nayanar the king pleaded and wanted him to take his head off for having such and elephant. This shocked Nayanar and he went to cut his throat for hurting such a great king. The kind stopped him doing so as he don't want to be guilty of another offence. Lord got inspired by the devotion of both of them and offered blessings.