The divine child grew up and followed in his father's footsteps. Once the father sent him on a ship with a good lot of merchandise and when he came he just brought back sacks full of paddy husks. The father was angry and locked him up in a room and after going to the harbor, threw the husks out. He was surprised to see they were all gold; every dried piece of the husk turned out to be gold dust and also had precious gems in the sack. He hurried home to see his son. He was not in the locked room. His wife gave him a small box the son had given before he disappeared. In it was a palm-leaf manuscript and a needle without an eyelet. On the script were the following words (in English for understanding):
"Not even an eyeless needle will accompany you in the final journey of life."
Pattinathar (Thiruvengadar) realized the philosophy and wisdom of the words, and renounced everything - his wife, his wealth, his kith and kin and all other mundane attachments. With only a loin cloth he left.[3] He sang many philosophical songs to enlighten people on the blissful state of renunciation.[4] He sang about the human life and its complex dimensions, made his lyrics more appealing to the common man.[5] He urged repeatedly not to be attached to the body and its pleasures, for the body perishes and becomes food for animals and worms. Think of God and surrender at God's feet.[6]
Pattinatthar worshiped Shiva at the Srikalahasti temple, which has inspired great poetic and musical works.[7] The samadhi [attained salvation in this place] of Pattinatthar is a historic landmark located on the Ennore Expressway in Tiruvottiyur.[8] It is believed to be around 500 years[9] to 1100 years old .[10]
Inside the Nandrudayaan Vinayagar temple in Devadhanam, Tiruchirappalli