Shiva Leela - Part 3 (Appar Swami)

 Story of Shaivacharya Shri Appar Swami.

The story I am now presenting is of Shri Shri Appar Swami. These stories have been excellently compiled by Shri Shri Sivananda Swami ji Maharaj. Hope the story will help you all to increase the Shiva Bhakti in you all. 

Appar is one of the four Tamil Samaya Acharyas. He was a contemporary of Sambandhar.

He was a Vellala or Tiru Amur in the district of Cuddalore, Tamilnadu. He was born of Pugalenar

and Mathiniar. The parents gave the name Marulneekiar (dispeller of darkness or ignorance) to

Appar. Appar means father. Sambandhar gave Marulneekiar this name. The name Appar was first

used by Sambandhar in addressing him in one of the several meetings between them. Appar’s

soul-stirring and sublime odes earned the title Tirunavukkarasar or the Lord of speech. He was a

God-inspired soul. He sang devotional odes or Padigams during his pilgrimage to various shrines.

He flourished in the middle of the seventh century A.D. He was a mystic and poet.

Tilakavadhiar was the elder sister of Appar. She was betrothed to Kalippahaiyar, a military

commander under the Pallava king. Kalippahaiyar had to fight against some invader from the

North. He died in the battle-field. Tilakavadhiar’s parents also died. The news of the death of

Kalippahaiyar reached the ears of Tilakavadhiar. She made up her mind to enter the funeral pyre.

Marulneekiar came to know of the intention of his sister. He ran to his sister, prostrated before her

and said: “I am keeping my life on account of your support only, after the death of our parents. If

you want to give up your life, I will give up my life before you do so”. The heart of Tilakavadhiar

melted. She changed her determination and resolved to lead the ascetic life and bring up her

helpless younger brother.

To be continued........