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The village cattle owners
sent their cowherds with him along with the starving quadrupeds. With the departure
of Gopayya, there descended adversity in the life of Tirupathamma. Her
mother-in-law aided and abetted by her jealous, in scrupulous daughter fried her
alive day in 'and day out. Life became a living death, and every minute a torture
that sapped her life. She was then afflicted by a skin disease, horrible in nature
and unendurable even by any strong willed too. Neither medicine, nor treatment
was extended. To crown, as it were she was kept in a dingy, stinking cow
shed-none to look after her needs. An aged attendant by name Papamma, the only
humanist she banked upon for help was out of station. So she tasted Yamayatana
while living. Yet her faith in God and his benignty never waned She, clung to
the Lord's feet awaiting her earthly Lord's return.
He
came and learnt what was meted to her. Entrusting her to the care of that good
old woman, he went again to bring the cattle home. Alas! he did not. In the act
of saving cows from a dreadful tiger he met with his death. Telepathic news of
his tragic end came to her. She at once decided to burn near self in Yogagni, like
Mother Sati, possible only to Devatasris. The elders of the village community
at last witnessed the terrific end of Tirupathamma's
burning herself in Yogagni.
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