Correct Option
The correct option isVellala
Explanation
The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints devoted to Lord Shiva who lived in Tamil Nadu between the 6th and 8th centuries CE. They played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement in South India. A defining feature of the Nayanar tradition was its social inclusivity, with saints hailing from diverse backgrounds, including Brahmins, kings, merchants, and farmers.
Detailed Analysis
- Appar (Thirunavukkarasar): He was born in a wealthy Vellala family in Thiruvamur (in present-day Cuddalore district). The Vellalas were a community of agriculturalists and landowners.
- Religious Journey: Appar initially embraced Jainism and was known as Dharmasena. He later returned to Shaivism under the influence of his sister, Tilakavathi.
- Historical Significance: He is historically renowned for converting the Pallava King Mahendravarman I from Jainism to Shaivism, marking a significant shift in the religious landscape of the Pallava empire.
- Comparison with other Nayanars: While Appar was a Vellala, his younger contemporary Sambandar was a Brahmin. Their association highlights the transcendence of caste barriers within the Bhakti movement.
Key Takeaway
Appar, one of the most prominent Nayanar saints, belonged to the Vellala community and was instrumental in establishing Shaivism in the Pallava kingdom.