Saint Arunagirinathar is also called Saint Arunagiri born in the 15th century at Tiruvannamalai. He is a great saint-poet from during the 15th century from Tamil Nadu, India. He was an avid devotee of Saivam Lord Murugan. His philosophy for compassion and love is reflected in the many important religious texts composed by him.
One of the literary works of Saint Arunagirinathar is a book named Thiruppugazh, (meaning ‘Divine Glory’ or ’Holy Praise’) containing poems in Tamil language in praise of Lord Murugan. Coupled with rhythmic structures and rhymes, his poems are popular for their lyricism. A perfect harmonious blend of devotion and literature is seen in his book ‘Thiruppugazh. In medieval Tamil literature this is one major book know for its philosophical, moral and religious content as well as musical and poetical qualities.
Soon after he was born, his father died. He was looked after his religious mother and sister who inculcated their religious and cultural traditions in him. In his initial years Arunagirinathar pursued a life of dissipated life, suffered from leprosy due to which people avoided him. His sister was unable to continue meeting his financial demands. Upset with this Arunagiri tried committing suicide and later visited Lord Murugan’s temple to seek forgiveness and tried hitting his head against the steps and pillars and even attempted jumping off the temple tower.
As per legends, Lord Murugan prevented him from committing the act, cured him leprosy and showed him the path of piety and reform. Lord Murugan initiated him to be of benefit to mankind by helping him create devotional songs. A statue in Saint Arunagirinathar’s name is constructed at Venjamakoodalur Temple near Karur.
