KALIKAMBA NAYANAR

This saint was a Vaisya by caste and lived in Pennagadam in the Chola kingdom. He was doing some service in the temple. He was very devoted to Siva Bhaktas in whom he saw the Lord Himself. His wife, too, helped him in all this.

One day, his former servant came to his house in the guise of a Bhakta. Nayanar, as usual, welcomed him, washed his feet, and worshipped him. But, his wife who recognized the former servant did not join. Nayanar understood her lack of devotion, cut off her hand, and continued his worship of the Bhakta. Practicing this form of Yoga Sadhana, he attained Him.

This saint has dramatically proved the great truth that Sage Narada has emphasized in his immortal work Bhakti Sutras: there is no distinction of caste, creed, or status, among the devotees of God. They do not recognize such differences among themselves: and others, too, shall not entertain such distinctions. It is blasphemy against God. The great devotees have become one with Him. They are all manifest divinity. Whatever might have been their past life, caste, or faith, they have now become divine; hence, such distinctions have no meaning.