Amaraneedi Nayanar

Who is Amaraneedi Nayanar?

Amaraneedi Nayanar was a Vaisya by caste. He was an ardent Shiva devotee. He belonged to a village named Pazhaiyaarai in the Chola Kingdom. Pazhaiyaarai was a very fertile place, surrounded on all sides by gardens and green fields. In those days this place was very famous. Amaraneedi Nayanar was a trader in gold, diamonds, silks and cotton goods. He used to import these goods from foreign countries and was selling them at reasonable prices. He earned money honestly and became rich. Though he was engaged in worldly activities, his mind was fixed on Lord Siva. He would invite Shiva devotees to his house and worship them. He would give the Kowpeenam, money, etc., and feed them nicely and send them away happily, with other gifts. He used to visit the sacred temple of Tirunallaru during festivals and worship Lord Shiva with extreme faith and repeat Panchakshara Mantra daily .