The devotional poetry of Thirunavukkarasu Nayanar has been shaping the lives of generations of devotees over the centuries. His works (4 th , 5 th and 6 th Thirumurai of Shaivam literature) are greatly celebrated for highlighting the impermanence of life, importance of surrender and Lord Shiva’s grace.

On this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, we contemplate Thirunavukkarasar’s first composition, in which he seeks refuge in Lord Shiva to deal with a debilitating stomach illness afflicting him.

This year’s rendition is the portrayal of a story. A story of how two people came together to worshipSivaperuman. The painting portrays every detail around the Pathigam Kootrayinavaaru, where Appar(Thirunavukkarasar) is lamenting his pain with Sivaperuman. His sister Thilagavathiyar looks on as sheconstantly thinks of her brother even when she is performing her duties at the temple. Sivaperuman in allhis glory can be seen with Ambal at this temple holding hands – this is depicted with both of them as thecenter focus of the painting.Sivaperuman has a story of his own at this auspicious location which is portrayed by what he is holding inhis hands, and the Vaganam (vehicle) he sits on, with Suryan (Sun) and Chandran (Moon) at this feet. Inthis Tripura Samharam manifestation he destroyed 3 cities ruled by Asuras, which symbolize our humanlimitations. Every detail is here because it happened, every piece added to remind us of our history.