Iraiyanar (Tamil: இறையனார்), literally meaning "the Lord" and also a common name of Shiva, was a legendary poet of the Sangam period who is believed to have composed verse 2 of Kurunthogai.[1] He is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva of the temple at Madurai, known as 'Aalavaai Sokkar' or 'Sokkanathar'.[1] Verse 3 of the Tiruvalluva Maalai, praising Valluvar, is also attributed to him.[2]