Sage Nandanar was an untouchable and one of the 63 Nayanars.
His devotion showed that man-made rules and restrictions are not applicable to
Shiva. He does not look into the caste of devotee before blessing Him.
An untouchable caste farm worker, Nandanar was craving to
have a sight of Lord Shiva at Sivalokanathar Temple in Tirupunkur. However, his
Brahmin landlord would not permit him to enter the temple, as his entry would
pollute the sanctity of the temple.
One day, pushed by his desire to see the Shivling in the
temple he stands before the outer gate of the temple and looks.
However, the big murti of Nandi Bull in front of the sanctum
sanctorum obstructs his sight.
Nandanar cries and pleads to Siva to remove the obstacle so
that he can at least have a glimpse of Shiva from a distance.
Suddenly, the huge murti of Nandi bull moves out of the line
to enable Nandanar to see the Shivling.
Nandanar has his darshan and in ecstasy, he sings in praise
of Shiva.
Shiva gives him instant moksha and his soul merges with the
Shivling before the eyes of the onlookers of higher caste who had denied him
entry to the temple.
There is also another story of Sage Nandanar purifying himself
by fire at Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.