Kalikamba Nayanar

Kalikamba Nayanar was one of the 63 nayanars listed in the Periya Puranam. Born in Pennagadam of Chola Dynasty, he was a Vaisya by caste. He was dedicated to the devotees of Lord Shiva in whom he saw the Lord himself.

One day, Nayanar's former servant came to his house in the pretext of a bhakta. The servant received a warm welcome from Nayanar. Kalikamba Nayanar washed servant’s feet and worshipped him. But, Nayanar's wife recognized the servant and refused to worship him. Seeing this Nayanar became angry and cut off her hand. Thus Kalikamba Nayanar dramatically proved the great truth that, there is no distinction of caste, creed or status among the devotees of god.