Appar Thevaram
by Srimathi Laxmi Veloo
012 620 9570
Thirunavuk Arasar
songs known as Thevaram
Appar, also known as Thirunavukkarasar, was a remarkable poet-saint who lived during the seventh century. Born in the village of Thiruvamur in Tamil Nadu, India, Appar’s early life took a surprising turn when he embraced Jainism and became a follower of its teachings. However, his sister’s unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva led to a divine intervention that changed the course of his life.
Upon his sister’s fervent prayers, Lord Shiva blessed Appar with a severe stomach ache that could not be healed by any means except for the holy water and sacred ash from a Shiva temple. Realizing the power of Lord Shiva, Appar composed his first hymn and experienced a spiritual transformation. Renowned for his poetic skills, Appar became known as Thirunavukkarasar, meaning “King of Divine Words.”
Appar’s journey as a devotee and poet-saint took him to numerous Shiva temples, where he not only composed hymns but also engaged in the restoration and cleaning of dilapidated shrines. Despite facing adversities, including attempts on his life, he remained steadfast in his faith, guided by the divine grace that protected him.
His pilgrimage extended to sacred sites like Sri Kalahasthi and Thiruvaiyaru, where he received extraordinary experiences and visions. Appar’s hymns, known as Devaram, were compiled into the Thirumurai, a collection of religious texts that serve as a significant part of Tamil literature and Saiva Siddhanta philosophy.
Throughout his life, Appar composed thousands of hymns, spreading the message of devotion and spiritual wisdom. His unwavering faith, miraculous encounters, and tireless dedication to Lord Shiva left an indelible mark on Tamil culture and religious practices. Appar’s legacy continues to inspire generations, guiding seekers on their own spiritual paths and reminding them of the transformative power of divine grace.
6 interesting facts about Appar
- Divine Healing: Appar's life took a profound turn when he experienced divine healing. Afflicted by a stomach ailment, he was cured instantly by the holy water and sacred ash from a Shiva temple, marking the beginning of his spiritual journey.
- Journey of Conversion: Appar's initial affiliation with Jainism showcases his quest for spiritual truth. However, his sister's prayers and Lord Shiva's intervention led him back to Hinduism, demonstrating the transformative power of faith.
- Miraculous Escapes: Appar faced numerous attempts on his life, including poison, a charging elephant, and being thrown into the sea. Miraculously, each time, divine intervention protected him, solidifying his belief in Lord Shiva's divine grace.
- Restoring Dilapidated Temples: Appar's commitment to his faith extended beyond hymn composition. He actively participated in the restoration and cleaning of neglected Shiva temples, wielding an "uzhavaram" (blade) to clear obstructions, emphasizing his dedication to preserving sacred spaces.
- Pilgrimage and Visions: Appar embarked on extensive pilgrimages, visiting temples across South India, including Sri Kalahasthi and Thiruvaiyaru. Along the way, he received divine visions and profound experiences, deepening his connection with the divine.
- Prolific Hymn Composer: Appar's contribution to Tamil literature and religious discourse is immense. He composed thousands of hymns, expressing devotion, exploring philosophical concepts, and extolling the glory of Lord Shiva. His hymns, compiled in the Thirumurai, continue to inspire and guide devotees today.
Click here to download Appar's complete Thirumurai in Tamil:
Appar's Top 5 Famous Songs in Tamil and English
1. கூற்றாயினவாறு விலக்ககிலீர் கொடுமைபல செய்தன நான்அறியேன்
ஏற்றாய் அடிக்கே இரவும்பகலும் பிரியாது வணங்குவன் எப்பொழுதும்
தோற்றாதென் வயிற்றின் அகம்படியே குடரோடு துடக்கி முடக்கியிட
ஆற்றேன் அடியேன் அதிகைக்கெடில வீரட்டானத்துறை அம்மானே.
Kootraayinavaaru vilakkagileer kodumai pala seidhana naanariyeen
Eetraai adikke iravum pakalum piriyaadhu vananguvan epppozhudhum
Thotraadhen vayitrin agampadiyee kudaroodu thudakki mudakkiyida
Atreen adiyeeen adikaikkedila veerattana thurai ammanee
Translation:
“Please don’t treat me as the God of death. I made many mistakes because I didn’t know any better. Oh God riding the Holy Bull, I will pray to you day and night, always. The pain in my stomach is unbearable. Oh God of the Veerattaanam in Adhikai kedilam.
*Veerattaanam – The eight Holy places where Lord Shiva destroyed the evil forces. In Thiruvadhikai, He destroyed the Thripura.”
“The leaders of the Jain community were unhappy about Thirunaavukkarasar returning to Saivism. They asked the Jain king of the country, Maheendhra Pallavan, to punish Thirunaavukkarasar. The king ordered for Thirunaavukkarasar to be brought to the court. However, Thirunaavukkarasar, deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, refused to obey the order, stating that he is a humble servant of the Almighty and not subject to anyone else’s authority.”
2. நாமார்க்கும் குடியல்லோம் நமனை அஞ்சோம்
நரகத்தில் இடர்ப்படோம் நடலை இல்லோம்
ஏமாப்போம் பிணி அறியோம் பணிவோம் அல்லோம்
இன்பமே எந்நாளும் துன்பம் இல்லை
தாமார்க்கும் குடியல்லாத் தன்மையான சங்கரன்
நற்சங்க வெண் குழை ஓர் காதில்
கோமாற்கே நாம் என்றும் மீளா ஆளாய்க் கொய்ம்
மலர்ச் சேவடி குறுகினோமே
Naamaarkkum kudiyalloom namanai anjoom Naragaththil idar padoom nadalai illom
Eemaappoom piniyariyoom panivoomalloom Inbamee ennalum thunbamillai
Thaamaarkkum kudiyalla thanmaiyaaana Shankaran sanga ven kuzai oor kadhil
Komaarke naam enrum meela aalaai koymmalar seevadi inaiyee kuruginoomee
Translation:
“We are not controlled by any king’s rules. We are not afraid of death. We won’t suffer in Hell. We don’t get sick. We won’t bow down to anyone else. Every day is filled with happiness and free from pain. The Lord Shankara, who doesn’t answer to anyone, wears a sea shell earring. We have become devoted servants of that wealthy man and seek refuge in his beautiful feet adorned with flowers.”
“The king ordered that Thirunaavukkarasar should be trampled by a royal elephant. Thirunaavukkarasar, with a heart full of devotion for the God who cares about His devotees’ happiness, sat down and sang this song. Instead of trampling him, the elephant showed respect by saluting him with its trunk.”
Maasil Veenaiyum Maalai Madhiyamum
Veesu thendralum veengila veynilum
Moosu vandarai poygayum ponradhee
Eesan endhai inayadi neezhalee.
3. மாசில் வீணையும் மாலை மதியமும்
வீசு தென்றலும் வீங்கிள வேனிலும்
மூசு வண்டறை பொய்கையும் போன்றதே
ஈசன் எந்தை இணையடி நீழலே
Translation:
“The refuge under the parallel feet of my boss, who is like the sweet melody of a Veena (a musical instrument), the evening moon, a gentle breeze, the Spring season, and a buzzing bee-filled pond, is comforting.”
“Finally, the king decided to throw Thirunaanukkarasar into the sea, tying him to a large stone. He was taken on a boat to the deeper part of the sea, with his body tied to the stone. He was thrown into the sea, yet he remained calm. At that moment, he lovingly and confidently recited this hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surprisingly, to everyone’s amazement, the stone transformed into a boat, and Thirunaavukkarasar safely reached a village near Thiruppadhiripuliyoor (Kadaloor).”
4. சொற்றுணை வேதியன் சோதி வானவன்
பொற்றுணைத் திருந்தடி பொருந்தக் கைதொழக்
கற்றுணைப் பூட்டியோர் கடலிற் பாய்ச்சினும்
நற்றுணை யாவது நமச்சி வாயவே.
Sotrunai veedhiyan soodhi vaanavan
Potrunai thirundhadi porundha kai thozha
Katrunai pootiyoor kadalir paaichchinum
Natrunai aavadhu NAMASHIVAYAvee
Translation:
“The one who recites the Vedas, the radiant God, if we pray with folded hands to his feet that shine like gold, even if we were tied to a heavy stone and thrown into the sea, there is a savior – and that is NAMASHIVAYA (the holy five-letter mantra).”
“Thirunaavukkarasar wished to erase the false statement that he once followed Jainism by establishing himself as a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. To achieve this, he desired to have the sacred symbols of the Lord, such as the Holy Bull and Trishula, marked on his body. To make this happen, he sang this song to the Lord of Thiruth thuungaanai maadam. Immediately, the devoted followers of Lord Shiva known as Siva ganas appeared, marked those symbols on his shoulders, and then disappeared.”
5. மாதர்ப் பிறைக்கண்ணி யானை மலையான் மகளொடும் பாடிப்
போதொடு நீர்சுமந் தேத்திப் புகுவா ரவர்பின் புகுவேன்
யாதுஞ் சுவடு படாமல் ஐயா றடைகின்ற போது
காதன் மடப்பிடி யோடுங் களிறு வருவன கண்டேன்
கண்டே னவர்திருப் பாதங் கண்டறி யாதன கண்டேன்.
Maadhar piraik kanniyaanai malaiaan magalodum paadi
Poodhodu neer sumandheeththi puguvaar avar pin puguveyn
Yaadhum suvadu padaamal aiyaar adaikinra poodhu
Kaadhal madappidiyoodum kaliru varuvana kandeeyn
Translation:
“I joyfully sing while observing the crescent moon shining on the daughter of the mountain king. I praise and follow those who enter, timing my actions with carrying water. Without taking a single step, as I reached Aiyaaru, I witnessed a male elephant accompanied by a loving female elephant. In that moment, I beheld the sacred feet of the Lord, a sight beyond compare!”
“Thirunaavukkarasar dedicated himself to serving the Lord, constantly remembering Him day and night. The sage, who had transcended worldly desires for wealth and material pleasures, longed to remain forever at the feet of the Divine. Through God’s grace, he obtained the blessed abode beneath those comforting feet, expressing his devotion through this beautiful hymn.”