Manikkavacakar, or Maanikkavaasagar was a 9th-century Tamil poet and he has written poems in praise of Lord Shiva which is known as Tiruvasakam. And he has also written Tiruvenbavai. He is said to have lived at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu.
LIFE
He worked as a minister to the Pandiyan king and he lived in Madurai. He was a great saivite saint in Southern India.
Manickavasagar is said to have born in Vadhavoor, near Madurai. His father was a temple priest.
Once the king of Pandiyan dynasty had selected Manickavasagar,and gave him huge amount to purchase horses. But he utilized the money, and built the temple of Shiva in Tirupperunturai. First the king felt anger with Manickavasagar, and after that, Lord Shiva made him to realize his mistake. Then the king immediately gave up his throne, and attained mukthi at the feet of Lord Shiva.
IMPORTANCE
He attained mukthi at the chidambaram temple due to his great devotion on Lord Shiva. Manikkavacakar has won in the debates with Buddhists at Chidambaram. His festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aani. Manickavasagar visited temples in various parts of Tamil nadu. Tiruvembavai is sung across the temples in Tamil Nadu during the Tamil month of Margazhi.
CONCLUSION
He was a great saint, and attained mukthi due to his sincere devotion on Lord Shiva. Let us pray to him and be blessed.
“OM SREE MANICKAVASAGARE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR