Question

Who were Nayanars?

Hint:

The Nayanars were important figures in Tamil Shaivism, promoting the worship of Lord Shiva through their devotional hymns and contributing to the Bhakti movement in India.

Answer 1

The Nayanars were a group of Tamil devotional poets and saints who were devoted to Lord Shiva. They are considered to be among the most prominent figures in Tamil Shaivism and played a crucial role in promoting the worship of Shiva in the Tamil region during the 6th to 9th centuries CE.
Step 1: The Role of Nayanars in Tamil Shaivism.
The Nayanars were known for their deep devotion to Lord Shiva, and their poems, or hymns, are a part of the Tevaram, a Tamil Shaiva devotional anthology. Their hymns expressed their intense love and reverence for Shiva and were written in Tamil, which made the messages of devotion accessible to the masses. These hymns continue to be an important part of the religious and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Step 2: The Number of Nayanars.
Traditionally, the Nayanars are believed to have numbered 63, and each of them had a unique and significant contribution to the promotion of Shaivism. They came from different backgrounds, including kings, farmers, and musicians, but they all shared a common devotion to Lord Shiva.
Step 3: The Nayanars’ Contribution.
The Nayanars helped spread the teachings of Shaivism by engaging with the people through their simple yet powerful hymns. Their contributions laid the foundation for the later Bhakti movement in India, which emphasized personal devotion to God. They were also instrumental in breaking down social barriers, as many of the Nayanars came from different social classes, including low castes.
Step 4: Nayanars and the Shaiva Temples.
The Nayanars were closely associated with the promotion of Shaiva temples. Many of their hymns were dedicated to specific temples in Tamil Nadu, and they contributed to the establishment of a strong Shaiva presence in the region. Their devotion and hymns helped shape the religious landscape of Tamil Nadu and beyond.