EshwartheGod: Nalvar

The word "Nalvar" in Shaivam refers to Thirugnanasambhandar, Thirunavukkarasar alias Appar, Sundarar Alias Nambi Aaroorar, Manivasagar (in the respective order in the above picture). They are also known as the Samaya Aachariyas.

Thirugnanasambhandar & Thirunavukkarasar lived in the same period then is the period of Sundarar. Manivasagar's period is not confirmed whether before Thirugnanasambhandar & Thirunavukkarasar or after Sundarar.

Four Marghams:

There are four types of Marghams (the way of worshipping God) told in Shaiva Samayam

1. “Sathputra” Margham – Loving & worshipping Shiva as Father (Father – child)

"சற்புத்திர மார்க்கம்” என்பது சிவனைத் தந்தையாக நேசிப்பது.

Thirugnanasambhandar comes under this margham

2. “Dhasa” Margham – Worshipping and loving Shiva as his Slave (Master – Slave)

"தாசமார்க்கம்" என்பது சிவனுடைய அடிமையாக இருந்து வழிபடுவது

Thirunavukkarasar comes under this margham

3. “Sagha” Margham – Worshipping and loving Shiva as Friend (Friend – Friend)

"சகமார்க்கம்" என்பது சிவனைத் தோழனாக நேசிப்பது.

Sundarar comes under this margham

4. “Nayaga Nayagi” Margham – Worshipping and loving Shiva as lover (Mister – Mistress)

"நாயகநாயகி மார்க்கம்" என்பது சிவனையே காதலனாக நேசிப்பது.

Manivasagar comes under this margham

Entrance in Thillai:

The Nalvar entered the abode of Thillai ( Chidambaram) through the four different main entrances. They sang hymns of Thevaram and Thiruvasagam on Lord Natraja & Mother Sivakami and worshiped them in their own marghams. They entrance details are as below: