Velaiyar

Velaiyar Biography

Velaiyar was a spiritual leader, writer and Siva devotee who lived in Tamil Nadu in the 18^th century. He was the son of famous spiritual leader and author, Kumara Swamy Desikar and family is known for many scholars and artists who have made several literal contributions to Tamil. He belonged to Desikar family in Kanchipuram, which later converted to Christianity with Swaminatha Desikar who lived in Valavanoor in the late 19th century. Siva Prakasar, Karunai prakasar and Gnambikai ammal were his siblings and Perur Santhalinga Swamigal was his brother-in-law. Among the four siblings only Velaiyar had direct descendants and the legacy of his family was carried forward by Sundaresanar, S.V.S. Rathinam and Swaminatha Desikar and the latest descendants being Thomas Rathnam and Vincent Therraisnathan. Swaminatha Desikar who got converted to Christianity was his grandson.

Velaiyar was born on 10 May 1768 in Kanchipuram. Though he was married he lived the life of a sage. He has compiled 7 Tamil books. His siblings - Siva Prakasar and Karunai prakasar too were great spiritual leaders and writers. When his brother-in-law Perur Santhalinga Swamigal renounced his family life, Gnambikai ammal returned back and stayed with Velaiyar. She also played a significant role to bring up Velaiyar’s son - Sundaresanar. Velaiyar was married to Meenatchi Ammal and settled down at Mailam.

Mayilathula, Nallur puranam, Mayilai thirattai mani maalai, Ishta linga kaithala maalai, Veera singhathana puranam, Namchivaya leelai and Paarijatha leelai are his literal contributions to Tamil literature. Along his brothers, he travelled across Tamil Nadu visiting many holy places and Siva temples. He attained moksha at Perumathur at the age of seventy two.

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Updated: July 09, 2014