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Important Teachings Of Saint Appar

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Saint Thirunavukkarasar, popularly known as Saint Appar, was a 7th-century Tamil poet-saint and one of the most prominent Nayanars (devotees of Lord Shiva) in the Bhakti movement in South India. His life and teachings revolved around devotion to Lord Shiva and are celebrated in his hymns and songs. Some of the important teachings of Saint Appar include:

  1. Devotion to Lord Shiva: Saint Appar's primary teaching was unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. He emphasized that true liberation (moksha) could be attained through single-minded devotion to the divine.
  2. Rejection of Caste Discrimination: Appar advocated the idea of equality and rejected caste-based discrimination. He considered devotion and sincerity to be more important than one's social status or birth.
  3. Pilgrimage: He strongly encouraged pilgrimage to Shiva temples, particularly the seven Moksha-puris (temples believed to grant liberation), as a means of deepening one's spiritual connection with the divine.
  4. Simplicity and Renunciation: Saint Appar believed in leading a simple and renunciant life. He renounced his family and worldly attachments to devote himself fully to Lord Shiva.
  5. Bhakti and Surrender: He emphasized the path of bhakti (devotion) and surrender to God as the most effective way to achieve spiritual growth and liberation.
  6. Namasmarana: Appar promoted the practice of nama japa, the constant repetition of the divine name (particularly the name of Lord Shiva, "Om Namah Shivaya") as a means to purify the mind and attain union with the divine.
  7. Compassion and Service: He stressed the importance of compassion, kindness, and service to fellow human beings as a way to express one's devotion to the divine.
  8. Tolerance and Interfaith Harmony: Saint Appar was known for his tolerance towards other religious traditions and encouraged interfaith harmony. He believed that God could be worshipped in different forms and names.
  9. Poetry and Music: He composed many devotional hymns and songs in praise of Lord Shiva, which continue to be popular in South Indian classical music and serve as a source of spiritual inspiration for devotees.

Saint Appar's teachings and devotional hymns, often referred to as "Thevaram," continue to be revered and sung by devotees in Tamil Nadu and have had a profound impact on the Bhakti movement in South India. His life and teachings exemplify the power of unwavering devotion, simplicity, and the pursuit of spiritual truth.