In Tirumangalam, a sacred Shivasthala grand,
where Lord Samavedesvara does eternally stand,
Was born Anayar, who grew humble and true,
Tending his cows in the morning dew.
Through pastures wide, in the dawn’s soft haze,
He led the cattle, letting them graze,
But his heart beat to a rhythm divine,
With a flute in hand, he would often play—
A melody born of sacred light,
The Panchakshara with great delight,
A mantra of five, in resonant, sweet sound,
A prayer to Lord Shiva, all around.
He crafted a flute from bamboo, pure, true,
Following scriptures, with tradition in view.
Tone-holes’ distance from embouchure hole,
Bore diameter, all chosen by musical goal.
Under the Konrai tree, as the monsoon did arrive,
Anayar’s melody made all beings feel alive.
A melody so divine, it captured each heart,
Enrapturing all, from the very start.
The cows stood still, the calves ceased play,
The birds fell silent, the winds delayed,
Peacocks danced, their feathers spread,
While beasts bowed low and spirits were led.
The snake and the peacock, once foes in strife,
The lion and elephant, setting aside life,
The tiger and deer, side by side,
Gathered in peace, in the melody’s tide.
The river lay still, its waters serene,
The waves halted, the breeze unseen,
Even the sages paused in their quest,
Caught in the music, at Anayar’s behest.
From the heavens above, a divine descent,
Devas, Kinnaras, with hearts intent,
Descended to witness this sacred sound,
As celestial beings gathered around.
Then, as Samavedesvara, Lord Shiva did appear,
With Lokanayaki Devi, His Consort dear,
Pleased by the music, and by Anayar’s bhakti,
They blessed him with eternal mukti.
“Anayar, to us you’ve ever been dear,
At Tirumangalam, you’ll attain moksha here.”
So spoke Lord Shiva, gentle and bright,
His voice a blessing, pure as light.
Thus Anayar, whose birth and liberation shone,
Both at Tirumangalam, his kshetra well-known,
He joined the Nayanmars, radiant, divine,
His music the bridge to heavens sublime.
In Tirumangalam, the tale is still told,
Of Anayar’s flute melody, beautiful and bold,
His flute, an instrument of prayer and light,
Guiding him to Shiva’s eternal sight.