Early Life
Thiru Muruga Kirupanandha Variyar, popularly known as Variyar Swamigal, was born on 25 August 1906 at Kangeyanallur, on the northern bank of Palar river and 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Katpadi in the city of Vellore city. He was the fourth of his parents' eleven children.
His father, Siva Thiru Mallayadasa Bhagavathar, was known for his discourses on the ancient Puranas and Ethics, in recognition of which he was conferred the title "Puranethikasa Paarangathar". His mother was Kanagavalli Ammaiyar, and both parents were of the Sengunthar caste that followed Veera Saiva Odhuvar traditions (primarily followers of Siva).
Variyar was taught by his father rather than attending school. By the age of eight, Variyar was capable of authoring Venbas (a form of Tamil lyric) and by his 12th year he had memorized 10,000 poems and authored texts like Ashta Naga Bandham, Mayil, Vel, and Sivalinga Bandams.
He also took lessons from a guru, Thiruppugazh Swamigal, for a few days, and he subsequently looked after the family of the guru for about 25 years.
Variyar Swamigal married Amirtha Lakshmi, daughter of his maternal uncle, when he was nineteen. The couple had no children.
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