Disappearance of the Mutt Elephant
During Swamigal’s camp here, the hay shed near the place where the elephant was staying caught fire one night and nobody noticed it. The elephant, not being able to withstanding the heat from the fire, broke of the chain and ran into the forest. The next morning, the elephant was nowhere to be found and the shed was also burnt to ashes.
Mutt officials searched for the elephant for two days and could not find it anywhere. Later, passers by, informed the mutt officials that an elephant was found lying own near a pond filled with water, situated more than five miles from the camp. Many people including the caretaker of the elephant went there and tried to get the elephant back, but in vain. Finally, Swamigal went to that place. Immediately the elephant came to the shore
and knelt before Swamigal as if it was prostrating before its guru. When Swamigal saw that the elephant was hurt from fire, he patted it softly and slowly and made arrangements for the burns to be treated.
Devotion through Music
A few devotees from Vellore came to have darshan of Swamigal during his stay at Pusamalai Kuppam. They included people from various professions including doctors, lawyers, businessmen and government officials. There were a few in the crowd who were well versed in music. They had brought with them , the tambura and other musical instruments. They were very eager to perform in the august presence of Sri Swamigal.
His Holiness asked them to come to the foot of a hill situated about two kilometers from the place where he was staying. They were gathered there and Swamigal arrived around five o’ clock in the evening. A musical concert started and amongst the artists a Vaishnavite was singing in a melodious voice and everybody was mesmerized by his singing. He was singing a song “SivaDeeksha parula” when Swamigal interrupted him and asked him to explain the meaning of the song. The vidwan hesitated as the song conveyed the meaning that one would not associate with a Vaishnavite. Everyone gathered there started laughing. Swamigal, then explained the true meaning of the song, saying there is no place for humor or prejudice within this song, instead the intensity of the meaning in the song conveyed the intensity of devotion shown by the composer. He advised everyone to practice the same kind of devotion that the composer had shown to any God that was closest to their hearts. The devotees were very happy to have obtained
this unexpected lesson from Swamigal, prostrated before him and promised to conduct themselves per his advice.
Visit to Saint Appaya Dikshithar’s Village
Swamigal visited Adayapalam which was known for its famous resident Appayya Dikshithar who had composed various books in northern language and was well known as a devotee of Siva. This small town is situate five miles near Arani. Swamigal finished his puja in the local Sivan temple and gave a lecture about the life and works of Appayya Dikshithar who had lived there four hundred years ago. He persuaded the local citizens to celebrate one day every year as Dikshithar’s day. He also visited Virijipuram, the
birthplace of Dikshithar. He also emphasized that his descendants should not just boast about the greatness of their ancestor, they should also learn his works and propagate it around the country to make his name remain in this world.
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