Saliya Nayanar

Saliya Nayanar (c. 7th century CE) is one of the 63 Nayanars — a devotee of the saliya (weaver?) community remembered in the Periya Puranam for his devotion to Shiva.

Background

Of the trading and artisan communities of the Tamil country, Saliya’s devotion is recorded in Sekkizhar’s hagiography.

Spiritual Contribution

Counted in the canon of 63; his observance is kept in the Nayanar liturgical calendar; the tradition remembers his steadfast worship.

Legacy and Impact

His image stands in the Nayanar friezes of South Indian Shaiva temples.

Verification notes

• Canon-membership is documented; the community’s identification and life-details vary among tellings and are not asserted here.
• Audited against the canonical Nayanar list (September 2026).