Viralminda Nayanar  Viralminda Nayanar, also known as Viranmindar (Viranmintar), Viranmintan and Viranminda Nayanar (Viranminta Nayanar), is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the sixth in the list of 63 Nayanars. He was a contemporary of Sundarar (8th-9th century CE). He along with Cheraman Perumal Nayanar are the two Nayanars from Kerala (Malayala Nadu). Viralminda Nayanar is described in legends as the reason Sundarar composed to a hymn to the Nayanar saints, which became the first compilation of the list. The life of Viralminda Nayanar is described in the "Periya Puranam" by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars. Viralminda Nayanar was born Sengunru (Sengkunroor) (generally identified with modern-day Chengannur) in the hilly terrain of Malai Nadu, modern-day Indian state of Kerala. The region was then under the reign of the Chera kings. He is regarded as a historical figure (8th-9th century), contemporary of Sundarar and the Chera king Rajashekhara Varman (Cheraman Perumal Nayanar, reign: 820- 844), both are venerated as Nayanars. He is sometimes regarded as the only Nayanar from Kerala, others consider Viralminda Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar are the only two Nayanars from Kerala. The "mintan"/"mintar" is an honorific in his name. Viralminda Nayanar was a Vellalar, a caste of agricultural land owners. He was a great devotee of Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism. He believed that honouring the devotees of Shiva is a greater form of service to Shiva, than worshipping Shiva himself. He travelled to various temples of Shiva and finally reached Thiruvarur, famous for its Thyagaraja Temple dedicated to Shiva. He saw devotees of Shiva called "atiyar" ("servants") seated in the Devasrayam, the thousand-pillared mandapa (hall) in the temple and prostrated to them and stayed in their company.