Tamil Shaivite Saints who composed the Thevaram - சைவ திருமுறைகளை இயற்றிய தமிழ் அடியார்கள்
நாயன்மார்கள் (நாயன்மார் = "அடியார்" என்ற பொருளில்) சைவ திருமுறைகளை இயற்றிய 63 தமிழ் பக்தர்கள். இவர்கள் கி.பி. 4-9ஆம் நூற்றாண்டுகளில் வாழ்ந்தனர். இவர்களில் மூவர் (திருஞானசம்பந்தர், திருநாவுக்கரசர், சுந்தரர்) இயற்றிய பாடல்கள் தேவாரம் என்று அழைக்கப்படுகின்றன.
The 63 Nayanmars (also called "63 Saiva Saints" or "Arupathu Muvar") are revered Shaivite poets who composed hymns to Lord Shiva in Tamil. Their compositions form the first seven Thirumurais of the Shaiva canon. Three among them - Thirugnana Sambandhar, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Sundarar - composed the Thevaram, while Manikkavacakar composed the Thiruvasagam (8th Thirumurai).
திருஞானசம்பந்தர் · 7th century CE
Born in Sirkazhi. Began composing hymns at age 3 after being fed milk by Goddess Parvati on behalf of Shiva. Composed the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thirumurai. Married and entered the fire with 4000 devotees, attaining liberation.
திருநாவுக்கரசர் (அப்பர்) · 6th-7th century CE
Born in Amur. Initially a Jain monk, converted back to Shaivism. Survived multiple torture attempts by the Pallava king through divine protection. Composed the 4th, 5th, and 6th Thirumurai. Called "Appar" (father) by Sambandhar.
சுந்தரர் · 8th century CE
Born in Tirunavalur. Knew Shiva personally and spoke to Him directly with loving familiarity. Composed the 7th Thirumurai. His wife Paravai Nachiyar is also considered a devotee. He was taken to heaven on a white elephant while still alive.
Only female Nayanmar. Renounced her beauty and family for Shiva devotion. Her hymns are noted for their terrifying imagery of Shiva's cosmic dance.
A Chera king who gave up his kingdom for devotion to Shiva. The only king among the Nayanmars.
A hunter who offered his eyes to heal Shiva's temple image that appeared to be bleeding. Supreme devotion over ritual.
A queen of the Pandya kingdom who supported Shaiva saints and resisted Buddhist influence at the court.
Devoted his entire life to serving Shaiva devotees. Considered the model of "pada puja" (foot worship of saints).
Protected a Shiva temple pond from being diverted, even at the cost of fighting the king's irrigation workers.
நாயன்மார்கள் இயற்றிய பாடல்கள் திருமுறை என்னும் நூல் தொகுப்பில் உள்ளன. இதில் 12 திருமுறைகள் உள்ளன. முதல் ஏழு திருமுறைகள் தேவாரம் எனப்படும் (மூவர் பாடல்கள்). 8ஆம் திருமுறை மாணிக்கவாசகரின் திருவாசகம்.