One day, some
thieves stole some costly ornaments and articles from the palace and came to the temple of
Vinayaka where Pattinathar was doing penance, to share the booty among themselves. They
wanted to present something to Vinayaka. They took out one pearl necklace and placed it on
the neck of Pattinathar
mistaking him for Vinayaka. Pattinathar knew nothing about these incidents, as he was in
deep meditation. Next morning, Pattinathar was
arrested by the soldier-, and brought before the King with the pearl necklace. Poor
Pattinathar was not able to offer any explanation before the King. Thereupon the King came
to the conclusion that he was the culprit and ordered that the man should be sent to the
gallows. When Pattinathar was about to be hanged, he prayed to Lord Siva and sang a song.
Immediately the gallows caught fire and were burnt to ashes. When the King came to know
about this, he was very much afraid, fell at the feet of the Sage and begged him to pardon
him. The King soon received Jnanopadesa from Pattinathar and became a saint. |
