Kannappa, also known as Thinnan, was a legendary devotee of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. He is considered one of the 63 Nayanars, or saintly devotees of Shiva.
Kannappa was born in a tribal community and was initially known as Thinnan. He was a hunter by profession and lived in the forests near the sacred temple of Lord Shiva in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
Kannappa's devotion to Lord Shiva was unparalleled. He would offer his daily kill as a sacrifice to the deity, and one day, he decided to offer his own eyes to the lingam as a sign of his unwavering devotion.
The story goes that Kannappa plucked out his own eyes and placed them on the lingam before realizing that he had made a mistake. Lord Shiva was so moved by his devotion that he appeared before Kannappa and granted him divine vision.
Kannappa's devotion and sacrifice are considered exemplary in Hindu mythology and are often cited as an example of true devotion and surrender to God.
Kannappa's story is often depicted in temple art and folklore, where he is shown with a bow and arrows, symbolizing his hunting background, and with his eyes covered by a cloth, symbolizing his blindness after plucking out his eyes.
Kannappa is worshipped by devotees as a symbol of unwavering devotion and surrender to God. His story is often told to inspire people to have faith and trust in the divine.
Kannappa's devotion to Lord Shiva is considered so powerful that it transcended traditional norms and rituals. His sacrifice of his own eyes is seen as a symbol of his complete surrender to the divine will.
Kannappa's story is often retold in devotional songs, poems, and literature in South India, where he is revered as a saintly figure and a symbol of true devotion.
The story of Kannappa is a reminder of the power of faith, devotion, and surrender in the spiritual path. His sacrifice and devotion to Lord Shiva continue to inspire millions of devotees around the world.