The king ordered Appar to be thrown into the ocean, tied to a massive stone. Left to drown, the saint did not despair. Instead, he floated on the waves, singing the praise of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that he floated to the shores of Thirupathiripuliyur (present-day Cuddalore). Upon reaching the shore, safe and sound, he sang the —a hymn celebrating the glory of the five-lettered mantra (Panchakshara: Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya ) and the safety found in the Lord’s name.
| Tamil Sound | English | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | ங (nga) | ng | Sing | | ஞ (jna) | gn | Gnostic (soft) | | ழ (zha) | zh | "ri" in riyal but with tongue curled back | | ள (lla) | La | Hard L (as in cool) | | ற (Ra) | Ra | Hard R (tap tongue on roof) | | த (tha) | tha | Soft th (as in ere) | Thirunama Pathigam Lyrics In English
Translation: O Lord with the bestowed boons, O Lord with the most beautiful appearance, O Lord with the crescent moon on Your forehead, O Lord with the Ganges on Your head, The holy Ganges residing on Your head, I sing Your praise, O Lord, I sing Your praise. The king ordered Appar to be thrown into