Whatever it be, one thing is certain - that Arunagirinathar was a saint of no ordinary attainment as could be assessed from a study of his different works. I leave it to the readers to take what appeals to them. But, at the same time, I could not help writing something about Arunagirinathar's life, as I felt the book would be incomplete without the illustrious Saint's life, especially this being the only English rendering of "Kandar Anubhuti." Hence, I have tried here to collect and consolidate only those versions which have some reliable sources under three headings (listed below) - with, of course, some stress on the view that appeals to me as more intelligible, reasonable, and supported by some kind of evidence. the life of Arunagirinathar) untouched, lest I should add to the confusion which is already there enough. Even the few books that I could obtain and go through made me feel that I better leave this subject (i.e.
I say confusion because different authors say different things without any source, basis, or authority, except their love for the Lord and the Saint. The more one reads, the more confusion is created in one's mind. When one goes through them, one is at a loss to know which is right and which is not. And today, we have a number of versions of Arunagirinathar's life and that too with countless variations in minor details. This has naturally led to much speculation about his life. Nothing definite is known about his birth, caste, etc. As is the case with most of the saints and sages of the past, no authentic record of Arunagirinathar's life is available.