Born as Thinnan, a hunter by trade, his life changed forever when he stumbled upon a hidden Shivan Lingam deep in the forest. Unfamiliar with formal worship practices, Thinnan offered what he knew best ; wild meat and water carried in his mouth. Despite the unconventional offerings, it was the purity of his heart and the sincerity of his devotion that impressed Lord Shiva. This simple hunter was destined to become Kannappa Nayanar, a saint immortalized for his faith and sacrifice.
In a profound act of devotion, Thinnan noticed blood oozing from the eyes of the Shivan Lingam. Unable to bear the sight of the deity in pain, he gouged out one of his own eyes and placed it on the Lingam. When the second eye began bleeding, he prepared to offer his other eye but realized he wouldn’t be able to see where to place it. In a final act of selflessness, he placed his foot on the Lingam to guide himself and offered his second eye.
Moved by this supreme act of devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him, restored his sight, and blessed him with the title Kannappa Nayanar - "the devotee who offered his eyes" (Kanna meaning "eyes"). He was later recognized as one of the 63 Nayanmars, the legendary saints devoted to Shiva.
The Shiva Linga worshipped by Kannappa Nayanar is known as the Vayu Lingam, and it resides in the Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. According to tradition, devotees visiting the temple first pay homage to Kannappa Nayanar at a shrine located on a nearby hill before proceeding to worship Lord Shiva in the main temple.
Kannappa Nayanar’s story is a powerful reminder that devotion is not defined by rituals or customs but by sincerity and love.
Source / Image Credit : Sai Sundaram , Flickr, - Manish Jaishree