Enathinathar

Yenathinathar, also known as Yenatinata, Yenathi Nayanar, Yenadhinatha, Yenadinath, Yenadinatha Nayanar and Yenadhinatha Nayanar, was a Nayanar saint hailing from ezhakula Nadar clan, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the ninth in the list of 63 Nayanars. In 1901, P.Sv. Perumal Nadar formed at Aruppukottai

Life The life of Yenathinathar is described in the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars. His name "Enathinatha" means "Lord of the Generals". Eyinanur is located on the banks of river Arisil, south-east of Kumbakonam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A brilliant swordsman and a general in the Chola military himself, he was also the tutor to the Chola princes in swordsmanship. He was a Shaiva, a devotee of the god Shiva. He became rich owing to his prowess and spent his wealth on serving the devotees of Shiva.

The tale of Yenathinathar (called Yenandhinatha in the account) is also recalled in the 13th-century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha in brief and with some variation. He is said to have worshipped his prana-linga (the body considered as the abode of Shiva) by wearing the Tripundra and rudraksha beads. He was the ruler of Elapura and defeated neighbouring kings, making them his vassals and collecting tributes from them. When the kings learnt about his respect for the Tripundra and rudraksha, they sent a warrior wearing the Tripundra and rudraksha with their armies to combat him. When the duel between Yenandhinatha and the warrior commenced, Yenandhinatha noticed the Shaiva symbols and threw his weapons and prostrated to the warrior, who he considered a form of Shiva. As the warrior was about to decapitate the devotee, his sword took the form of a garland and fell onto Yenandhinatha's neck. With the grace of Shiva, Yenandhinatha became invincible and became a powerful ruler.

Remembrance The images of the Nayanars are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.

One of the most prominent Nayanars, Sundarar (8th century) venerates Yenathinathar in the Tiruthonda Thogai, a hymn to Nayanar saints.

Yenathinathar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Purattasi, when the moon enters the Uttara Ashadha nakshatra (lunar mansion). He is depicted with folded hands (see Anjali mudra) and holding a sword in the crook of his arm. He receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals.