Nambi Andar Nambi

Summary

Focusing on the Tamil Saiva saint Nambi Āndār Nambi, this article recounts how the hymns of the early Nayanmars were collected and codified. It describes the Saiva revival led by saints such as Appar (Tirunavukkarasu) and the political support given by the Chola king Rajaraja I. According to tradition, Nambi was commissioned by the king to recover the ‘Tevaram’ hymns that had been hidden in the Chidambaram temple; after discovering the palm‑leaf manuscripts, he arranged them and wrote music for their recitation. The article sketches Nambi’s life and emphasises his devotion and scholarship. It also notes the broader context of the Bhakti movement, the decline of Jainism and Buddhism in the Tamil country and the growing importance of temple worship and devotional literature. Through these narratives the author highlights Nambi’s role in preserving Saiva literature and shaping the liturgy of South Indian temple ritual.