Great 13th century devotee of Shiva, born in the labourer (shudra) caste. Through devotion, he overcame all obstacles and merged with God in the temple in Chidambaram. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
Nandanar was working as a labourer under a farmer who owns a few acres of land in Tamil Nadu. Whatever work he undertook, he used to contemplate on the divine name of Lord Ishvara while working. One day he went to a temple to have the darshan of Lord Ishvara , but he was denied entry into the temple. As per tradition in those days, people belonging to the lower caste were considered to be untouchables and denied entry into the temples. The owner of the land in which Nandanar was working forewarned him, ‘You fool! Why do you go to the temple? The people belonging to upper castes can undertakes various sadhanas like japa (chanting the divine name), dhyana (meditation), Yajna and Yaga (sacrificial rites). Why should we bother about such practices? Come! Let us lead a happy life by engaging ourselves in raising crops.’ Nandanar replied, ‘Sir! All are God’s children only. All are human beings. However, God has categorized human being into four classes for the smooth running of the society, But, all are equal in the eyes of God.’ (Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, pp. 151-152)
Nandanar was very particular to have the darshan of Lord Nataraja during the festival to be held in the next two day’s time in Chidambaram. He informed his firm resolve to his master. The master however told him, ‘You are mad! You have to attend to the cutting of the crop in area of ten acres. You finish that job, fill the paddy in the bags and transport them to my house. Thereafter, you may visit any place as per your wish.’ Nandanar was worried, ‘How can I cut the crop over spread over ten acres in just two days and still go to the temple? The work cannot be completed even in ten days.’ He prayed to his dear Lord Ishvara to help him. ‘Oh! Lord Ishvara! You are my refuge. I must have your darshan tomorrow somehow,’ He meditated thus on his dear Lord foregoing food and sleep.
His intense yearning moved the Lord and his prayers were answered. Hundreds of people converged on the field from nowhere, cut the entire crop and filled the bags with the paddy. Then they transported the bags in bullock carts and sacked them in the house of the landlord. By next morning, the entire job was finished Nandanar had no idea who these people were he had never seen them. He wondered who these people were and why they were helping him. He felt very happy that God had helped him in the form of so many people. The master was also happy that the job was completed in such short time. He patted Nandanar on his back and said, ‘Dear Son! Now you may go to Chidambaram and have the darshan of Lord Nataraja.
(Nandanar was longing to see the icon of Nataraja in Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram. A fresco in the temple depicting Nataraja.)
Nandanar was very much tired and somehow reached Chidambaram by walk. As soon as he reached the temple swooned at the door step. He was worried, Oh Lord Ishvara! I have come from such a long distance by walk to have your darshan. But, I am unable to fulfil my wish. I do not know, when this life-breath will stop in this body. The body is like a water bubble. The mind is like a mad monkey. I have come to you walking all the way, relying on these two. Now you may do whatever you wish to do.’ So saying, he fell unconscious at the doorstep of the temple of Lord Nataraja. The same night, the Lord appeared in the dream of the temple priest and told him, ‘One my staunch devotees fell unconscious at the door step of the temple. You extend hospitality to him, provide him with food, shelter and other conveniences and bring him here, thereafter.’
As per the directions of Lord Ishvara, the priest went to the doorstep and found Nandanar lying unconscious there. He gave him the Lord’s Prasadam and sanctified water. After sometime when Nandanar recovered, be brought him to the sanctum sanctorum, carrying him on his back. Nandanar opened his eyes and had darshan of his dear Lord Ishvara. The compassionate Lord looked at Nandanar smilingly and Nandanar merged in Him finally. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, pp. 154-156)