The story of saiva saints/37. SIRUTHTHONDA NAYANAR
37. SIRUTHTHONDA NAYANAR
There lived in Sengattangudi one Paranjothiyar. He was a physician and well versed in the science and art of medicine. He was also a commander of troops. He marched his army as far as Vatapi and returned with abundant booty. He was also blessed with mystic union with Siva. Whenever he would meet the devotees of Siva, he used to consider himself very small before them. Hence he came to be known by the name Siruththondar. His wife was Thiruvenkattu Nangai. He had a son by name Siralar. Thirugnana Sambanthar once visited his abode and sang in praise of Siruththondar in a decad. Siruththondar was in the habit of feeding a devotee of Siva every day before he ate and one day he was not in a position to find a devotee. Lord Siva came in the guise of a Bhairava and demanded the curry of a child if he should dine in his house: As directed by the guest, the Saint cooked his own child as curry, leaving its head uncooked. The maid servant, Santhananangai, prepared a dish with the flesh of the head. The divine guest was invited for dinner. He wanted the Saint to call his son to keep company with. What would the Saint do? He and his wife went out of the house and called their son. By the grace of the Lord, Siralan came. But before they went in, Bhairava had disappeared, and appearing before them in Somaskanda form blessed them all.