Murthi Nayanar

The life of Murthi Nayanar is described in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars. In order to forcibly convert Murthi, the Jain king blocked the supply of sandalwood to the capital so that Murthi's service is interrupted. However, Murthi used his elbow instead of sandalwood and started grinding it on stone to make a paste for anointing Shiva. His skin peeled and his bones started showing and blood bled. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva appeared before him and blessed him. Shiva assured him that the tyrant king would die soon and Murthi would replace him as king. As prophesied, the king died the next day, without an heir. The invaders are interpreted as the Jain Kalabhras, who conquered Madurai. ==Remembrance==

One of the most prominent Nayanars, Sundarar (8th century) mentions Murthi Nayanar (called Murtti) in hymn to various Nayanar saints. He is said to rule over the world, through the "three emblems of sovereignty". Murthi Nayanar is depicted wearing a crown, with folded hands (see Anjali mudra) and holding a club in the crook of his arm. A holy day in his honour is observed on the ninth day of the Tamil month of Adi, generally coinciding with 10th of August. He receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals. ==References==