Sri Thiruneer Swamigal also called as Sri Lingeswara Swamigal (18th Century AD) was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, and he served as a spiritual poet under the Court of the then Kings of Kancheepuram, and he has rendered his valuable service in a nice manner. He is considered to be an aspect of the sacred ash (Thiruneer) of Lord Shiva.
Sri Thiruneer Swamigal was awarded the title of ‘SIRONMANI’ and ‘PARAMAPANDITA’ by the kings in appreciation to his divine works on Lord Shiva. He has got the privilege to talk with Lord Shiva himself, during his visit to the Ekambareswarar Temple situated at Kancheepuram.
Out of his staunch Bhakti, he is considered as a mad poet by the people, since while writing poems at the premises of the Shiva Temple, he used to cry, laugh and also would talk with Lord Shiva, but the great Lord Shiva would not be visible before the eyes of the other people.
Once when he didn’t find any herbal ink for writing purpose, with a nail, he pierced his hand, and then, blood began to ooze out from his hand, and with that blood, he began to write marvellous poems on Lord Shiva. He has got such a great Shiva Bhakti, which we can’t imagine in this today’s life! He has never married, and lived as a bachelor throughout his life. After his death, it is believed that he has attained salvation, by entering into the abode of Lord Shiva, the Holy Mount Kailash.
Some of the wonderful songs sung by Sri Thiruneer Swamigal in praise of Lord Shiva are as follows:-
1.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, I am very much worried about the drinking of the Hala Hala poison by you, and, at that time, if I was there, I would never allow you to drink that dreaded poison, and instead of that, I myself would have drink it.
2. Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, once you have torn a tiger, and wore its skin as your dress. Similarly, you can also kill me, and remove my skin, in order to make it to decorate your body.
3.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, I like your matted hair very much, since it appears like the matted hair of the great sages.
4.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, please make me into a ghost, since I am willing to serve you as one of your ghost attendants.
5.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, you are very precious for your devotees, your Mantra is very powerful, you look very handsome, and you contain very good features.
6.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, why can’t you make me in the form of a Bilva tree, since with my leaves, I want to decorate you!
7.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, why can’t you build a palace for you in the holy Mountain Kailash. Since I want you to live comfortably.
8.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, you are very merciful to grant salvation even to the Snakes like Vasuki, since it decorates your neck permanently.
9.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, I am finding great happiness by continuously singing your songs, praising your glories and worshipping you in my soul.
10.Oh My Dear Lord Shiva, similar to granting salvation to the holy Nayanmar Saints, please grant salvation to me also, and make me to stay permanently at your holy abode, Mount Kailash.
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR