INTRODUCTION :
Eripatha Nayanar, is a Shaivite saint, and considered as one among the 63 Nayanars.
LIFE:
Eripatha Nayanar lived in Karur, near Sri Pasupateeswarar temple. Eripatha is a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and a regular worshipper of Lord Pasupateeswarar. He served Lord Shiva by performing various abhishekhams and chanted his various holy names and his panchakshara mantra “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”. He protected Shiva devotees with an axe. Once, the elephant of Chola king crushed the flowers from the flower basket of a shiva devotee. On seeing the incident Eripatha got angry with the elephant and he caught the elephant and killed it along with the elephant guard. The news reached the ears of the Chola king. The king approached Eripatha and asked him about the reason for killing his elephant and its security. Eripatha informed about the incidents. On knowing about the incidents, the king asked the Nayanar to kill him, since the king only is ultimately responsible for the entire incidents. Eripatha was astonished on seeing the greatness of the king, and he tried to commit suicide with a sword. But the king stopped him from doing so, and Lord Shiva appeared before them and blessed them for their sincere devotion. He blessed the king and Eripatha nayanar and gave back life to the elephant and to its guard. After death, Eripatha reached the holy abode of Lord Shiva, the Kailasa and attained MUKTHI.
IMPORTANCE :
Eripatha nayanar’s bhakti cannot be imagined in this today’s world. In order to safeguard shiva devotee, he murdered the elephant and its guard, and also tried to lose his life. He never thought about his life, but only thought about the life of shiva devotees, and lived a saintly life throughout in his life. He dedicated his entire life towards worshiping Lord Shiva and safeguarding his devotees. Let us worship the great saint and be blessed.
“OM SREE ERIPATHA NAYANARE NAMAHA” “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
SENT BY
R.HARISHANKAR
