Question

Who was the famous Tamil poet-saint known for his devotional hymns and compositions on Lord Shiva, revered as one of the Nayanars?

• A. Ramanuja
• B. Basava
• C. Adi Shankaracharya
• D. Appar

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Appar

Nayanars 

• The Nayanars were a group of 63 prominent Tamil Shaivite saints from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
• They were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and played a significant role in the development and spread of Shaivism, a major sect within Hinduism that worships Shiva as the supreme deity.
• The Nayanars were known for their intense devotion to Lord Shiva. They composed devotional hymns, known as "Thevaram," praising Shiva and expressing their love and devotion.

Appar

• Appar, also known as Thirunavukkarasar, was one of the most prominent Nayanars.
• He was born in the town of Tiruvamur in Tamil Nadu.
• He played a crucial role in promoting the Bhakti movement in South India, advocating a personal and emotional connection with the divine.
• The life stories and hymns of Appar, along with those of other Nayanars, were compiled in the "Periya Puranam" (Great Purana), a Tamil epic written by the poet Sekkizhar.