அடியார்க்கும் அடியேன் - adiyArkkum adiyEn

Lord Muruga once posed some questions to Avvaiyar. On being asked, Avvaiyar said. O Lord Muruga, you know everything. Even then you have asked me these questions. In obedience, I shall explain.

Lord Muruga: Which is the biggest in the world?

Avvaiyar : The world itself is biggest

Lord Muruga: Is this universe the biggest?

Avvaiyar : No, the universe was created by brahma. Hence Brahma is great.

Lord Muruga: If so, is Brahma alone great?

Avvaiyar : No, Brahma was born in the umbilical (navel) of Vishnu.

Lord Muruga: If so, is Vishnu alone great?

Avvaiyar : No, Vishnu slept in the waves of the ocean.

Lord Muruga: If so, is the ocean alone great?

Avvaiyar : No, Agathiyar the great saint drank the ocean.

Lord Muruga: If so, is Agathiyar alone great?
Avvaiyar : No, Agathiyar was born in a pot.
Lord Muruga: If so, is the pot alone great?
Avvaiyar : No, the pot was made up of a little sand of the earth.
Lord Muruga: If so, is the earth alone biggest?
Avvaiyar : Not so, it is only a partial for Aadhisheshan (snake) who carries the world.
Lord Muruga: If so, is Aadhisheshan the snake alone great?
Avvaiyar : Not like that, this great snake is a small ring worn in the little finger of the beautiful hand of Eswari. 
Lord Muruga: If so, is Eswari alone great?
Avvaiyar : No, Lord Siva has given half of His body to Eswari.
Lord Muruga: If so, Lord Siva alone great?
Avvaiyar : No, the Lord Siva Himself lives in the hearts of His devotees. Therefore the devotees are the great ones in the world and their glory is immeasurable.

Aum nama shivaya!

In praise of all the 63 Nayanmars and other great Shaivites!

Nayanmargal - The 63 Shaiva Saints 

The Four Saiva Acharyas - Samaya Kuravar