Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar, one of the 63
nayanars, was a washer man. This great devotee used to serve
Shiva bhaktas(devotees), by understanding their need from the signs on their face. This practice earned him the name Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar. Tiruthondar was his original name.
The Lord decided to give him a test before give him blessings. For this, he took the form of a poor man with Rudraksham on his neck and sacred ashes all over the body. Tiruthondar gave him a warm welcome and worshipped him. Tiruthondar requested to give him permission to wash his rag. But before giving permission to wash the rag he put forward on condition that it should be washed, dried and returned to him before sunset. There was brilliant sunlight, so Tiruthondar agreed and began to wash. But by the Lord's wish it began raining and nearing sunset. Tiruthondar become upset and began to weep by dashing head on washing stone. Seeing these Lord Shiva highly pleased and shower him with blessings.
[Source (7) 01-June-2005]
