Pusalar

Pusalar (also transliterated as Pūcalār, Pusala or Poosalar) is an eighth-century Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism.

The primary account of Pusalar's life comes from the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.

He followed the rituals of temple-building, sanctified the ground and lay the first stone of his mind temple on an auspicious day.

The king postponed the date as per the divine decree and hastened to see the magnificent temple of Pusalar, which Shiva favoured over his own.

Pusalar consecrated the temple on the ordained day and continued his worship until his death, when he is said to have attained Kailash, the abode of Shiva.

[2] The Periya Puranam depends on these inscriptions at Kailasanathar temple for telling the tale of Pusalar.

[4] The tale of Pusalar (called Pusala Nayanaru in the account) is also recalled in the 13th-century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha in brief and with some variation.

[1] Hridayaleeswarar Temple, which dedicated to Shiva as Hrudayaleeswarar ("Lord in Devotees’ heart"), was built in Thiruninravur by the Pallavas in honour of Pusalar.