The Nayanmars, or Nayanars, were a group of 63 Tamil Hindu saints devoted to the Hindu God Shiva who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE in Tamil Nadu. They played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement in early medieval South India. The Nayanmars, along with the Alvars who were devotees of Vishnu, emphasized a personal and emotional connection with the divine over rigid rituals. Their stories and teachings are preserved in the Periya Puranam, a 12th-century Tamil text. 

Significance and importance in Hinduism

Bhakti Movement: The Nayanmars were crucial in propagating the Bhakti movement in South India, advocating that deep devotion to Shiva, regardless of social standing, was the path to salvation.

Challenge to Social Norms: The Nayanmars, coming from diverse backgrounds including various castes and professions, challenged traditional religious hierarchies and promoted the idea that divine grace is attainable through sincere devotion, irrespective of one's background.

Literary Contribution: Their devotional hymns, known as Tevaram and Tiruvasakam, are an integral part of Tamil Shaiva literature and are still recited in temples today. These hymns championed the Tamil language as a vehicle for spiritual expression, strengthening regional identity.

Shaiva Siddhanta: The Nayanmars were instrumental in the development of Shaiva Siddhanta, a philosophical system that continues to guide Shaiva practices.

Enduring Legacy: Their stories of unwavering faith, selflessness, and miracles continue to inspire devotees and are celebrated through festivals and temple traditions in Tamil Nadu. For instance, the grand Arupathimoovar festival at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai commemorates the Nayanmars. 

Brief legend

The Periya Puranam, a 12th-century Tamil epic poem, details the lives of each of the 63 Nayanmars. These saints often demonstrated their devotion through extraordinary acts of sacrifice and unwavering faith. For example, Kannappa Nayanar, a hunter, offered his own eyes to Lord Shiva, demonstrating an unparalleled depth of devotion. Another notable story is that of Sundarar, one of the three foremost Nayanmars known as "The Four" (Nalvar), who was claimed as a bond-slave of Shiva, represented as an old Brahmin, and subsequently composed numerous hymns praising the deity. These stories emphasize the Nayanmars' deep love and longing for Shiva, and their willingness to go to extreme lengths to express it.