What is "isaignaniyar"

Isaignaniyar (, 7th century), also spelt as Isainaniyar, Isaignaniyaar, Isaignaniar and Isaijnaniyar and also known as Isai-jnani Ammaiyar (Isai-Gnani Ammaiyar), is the mother of Sundarar, one of the most prominent Nayanar saints. She is hereself regarded as a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism, along with her husband Sadaiya Nayanar. She is generally counted as the last in the list of 63 Nayanars. Isaignaniyar is one of the three women female saints. Sundarar is the only Nayanar with both his parents enlisted as Nayanars. The inclusion of Isaignaniyar, streams solely on basis on her association with Sundarar, rather than individual merit. Her sainthood status is seen as a proof of the greatness of her son.