Mediyaan YuvaAdhipathar Nayanar was a fisherman devotee. He was born in a fisherman family in Nagapattinam. He became the Chief among the fishermen. He was a wealthy man. Fishing was his occupation. Adhipathar had so much of devotion on Lord Shiva that he used to offer the first fish that came in his net.
How did he offer the fish to Lord Shiva? Adhipathar used to put the first fish that came to his fishing net, to the sea thinking that he is offering it to Lord Shiva. Adhipathar made it as a habit to give the first fish to Lord shiva daily.
Everyday, he would catch the fish and give the first fish to Lord Shiva. He felt that Lord Shiva alone gave him the fish for his food and livelihood. So, he used to put one fish back to the sea. After putting the first fish in sea, he would take home the remaining fish for his food and selling.
One day, to test his devotion, Lord Shiva thought to have a test for Adhipathar. Lord Shiva gave only one fish in Adhipathar’s net. Other fishermen got so many fishes in their net but Adhipathar got only one fish. Without any hesitation, Adhipathar put that one fish to the sea as offering to Lord Shiva. That day, he went home without any fish.
Next day again Lord Shiva gave him only one fish. Adhipathar offered that one and only fish to Lord Shiva. That day also he did not get any more fish and so, he went home empty-handed.
This continued for several days. He was hungry for many days. But, he did not stop offering that one fish from his net to Lord Shiva. All his wealth depleted. Adhipahar became poor and hungry without food.
Lord Shiva thought to have a harder test for Adhipathar. Lord Siva decided to give him a golden fish and test his devotion. That day, Adhipathar got a golden fish in his net. Since it was his first and only fish caught in his net, without any second thought, he offered that golden fish to Lord Shiva. Adhipathar had passed the test set by Lord Shiva.
Even at times of poverty and hunger, Adhipathar was not greedy. He did not stop offering the first fish caught in his net, to Lord Shiva. Thus, Adhipathar became the dear devotee of Lord Shiva. This is the story of Adhipathar Nayanar.
Lord Shiva does not see the caste or the status of his devotees. Lord Shiva is attracted towards the innocent, unconditional affection, selfless and whole-hearted devotion. We pray to Adhipathar Nayanar – the Shiva devotee from the fishermen community – in Shiva Temples as one of the 63 Nayanmars.
Article BY- ARJUN SRIVASTVA
Mediyaan Yuva