The legendary tale of Kannappa Nayanar, also known as Kannappa, from Hindu mythology, epitomizes unwavering devotion and selflessness towards Lord Shiva. It is intricately linked with the Srikalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Kannappa, a forest-dwelling hunter near the temple of Lord Shiva in Srikalahasti, was devoted to Shiva despite his lack of knowledge about traditional worship practices. His devotion, however, was genuine and wholehearted.
One fateful day, while hunting in the woods, Kannappa stumbled upon a Shiva Lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva, and was instantly drawn to it. Unfamiliar with customary offerings, he expressed his devotion by presenting the Lord with the meat of his hunts.
In a test of Kannappa’s steadfast dedication, Lord Shiva induced a tremor that threatened the temple’s structure. While others fled in fear, Kannappa fearlessly shielded the lingam with his own body, earning the epithet “Dheera,” meaning valiant one.
Witnessing blood and tears flowing from the lingam’s eyes, Kannappa sensed Lord Shiva’s distress and, without hesitation, plucked out one of his own eyes with an arrow to replace the bleeding eye of the linga. When the other eye began to bleed, Kannappa, fearing blindness, marked the spot with his toe before offering his remaining eye. Touched by his extreme devotion, Lord Shiva intervened, preventing Kannappa from rendering himself completely blind, and bestowed upon him divine vision, affirming his place among the Nayanars as Kannappa Nayanar.
The narrative of Kannappa Nayanar holds profound significance, highlighting the paramount importance of pure devotion and selfless love towards the divine, transcending social status or knowledge of religious rituals. Kannappa’s simple yet profound act exemplifies that genuine devotion lies in the sincerity of the heart, rather than in elaborate rituals or offerings. His willingness to sacrifice his sight underscores the depth of his commitment and his boundless love for Lord Shiva. Moreover, the tale emphasizes the inclusivity of divine grace, accessible to all, irrespective of background or circumstance, recognizing and rewarding true
