Shiva Leela - Part 3 (Appar Swami - Part 2 )

 Story of Shaivacharya Shri Appar Swami.

Appar became a convert to Jainism. He studied all the Jain scriptures. He went to Pataliputra itself and became one of the spiritual heads there, as he was an erudite scholar in the Jain scriptures.

Appar’s sister was very much afflicted at heart when she came to know that her brother became a convert to Jainism. 

She left her native village and went to Tiru Atikai, a neighbouring town. She spent her time in meditation and prayer at the Siva’s temple. She prayed to the Lord for his return.

Appar fell a victim to a severe colic which could not be cured. He threw off the garb of a Jain, his bowl and went to his sister. She smeared the holy ashes on the forehead of Appar and took him to the temple of Siva and asked him to prostrate before the Lord and worship Him. Appar acted accordingly. The severe colic vanished at once. He praised Lord Siva. The spiritual head of the Jains at Pataliputra reported to Kadava, the Jain king, about the

absconding of Appar. The district of Cuddalore was under the sway of the Pallava king Kadava.

The spiritual head induced the king to persecute Appar. Appar proceeded to the Pallava capital and appeared before the king. Appar was persecuted in various ways. He was thrown into a burning lime-kiln. He was compelled to drink poisoned milk

An elephant was sent to kill him. A heavy stone was tied to him and he was thrown into the sea. Lord saved him. He floated alive and reached the shore at Tiruppatirupuliyur. The Pallava king recognised the greatness of Appar and prostrated at his feet. He gave up Jainism and embraced Saivism. He built a magnificent temple of Siva called Gunathara Vicharam at Tirunadhikai.

To be continued........