The Saint Poet Maanikkavaacakar is adored as one of
the 'Naalvar' or the 'four Saints' in the Saivite tradition, the other three being Appar,
Sundarar and Sambandar (see Abodes
of Shiva).
Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar (Moovar), are considered
to be the best known of the 63 Saints - The Naayanmaars
- who led dedicated their lives to the worship of Shiva.
The Periya Puraanam, of Sekkizhaar (circa 12th century
CE) extols the miracles associated with the lives of the 63 Naayanmaar Saints, yet it does
not describe Maanikkavaacakar's.
Yet, the Tiruvaacakam and Tirukkovaiyaar are some of his
works, that have been included as part of the Tamil Saivite liturgy, as
one of the chapters of the 12 Tirumurais - the 8th in particular. The Tiruvaacakam
is an outstanding work exhibiting Maanikkavaacakar's devotion to Shiva, and his
philosophy. The Tiruvempaavai and Tirukkovaiyaar are
stunning examples of Tamil poetry centered around bridal mysticism.
Tiruvempaavai, composed
at Tiruvannamalai and Tiruppalliezhuchi
composed at Tirupperunturai
are sung in temples throughout Tamilnadu in the tamil month of Maargazhi. Sivapuraanam,
commencing with the lines 'Namachivaaya vaazhga, Naathan taal vaazhga' is
another of the well known works of the Saint.
