During the 6th through 9th centuries, South India was home to 63 fervent devotees of Lord Siva who became known as the Nayanars. Several among these noble souls, hailed from all strata of society—potter, fisherman, farmer, merchant, priest, hunter, washerman. They composed devotional hymns that are sung to this day by devotees worldwide. A festival dedicated to the 63 Nayanmars, the Arupathu Moovar Thiruvila, is held annually at Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Three of the most prominent Nayanars—Appar, Sundarar and Sundarar (composers of Thevaram hymns)—along with Manikkavasagar are called the Samayacharyas (teachers of the faith) referred to in Tamil as Naalvar, “The Four.” They promoted Saiva Siddhanta philosophy and culture.

Buy the Naalvar set of the 4 Saivite Nayanars from GiriUK for your Navaratri Golu Padi. The four Nayanars are Manikkavasagar, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundaramurti Nayanar