CHIDAMBARAM

ANTIQUITY

Legends embody the life histories of great Siva bhaktas who on realising the glory of the Lord served Him life long, and on whom the Lord bestowed salvation. Among such devout bhaktas, Vyagrapada's episode merits narration for emulation. Vyagrapada was a great Siva bhakta. Not satisfied with mere mental prayers, he decided to make Pushpa Kainkaryam everyday. And throughout his life at it. In pursuance of his ideal, he used to go to far off flower gardens for collection. In his frenzy to offer the best and most in quality and quantity, he was hurrying, as it were, from tree to tree and creeper to creeper early in the mornings. As physical strength has limitations, he was feeling tired with his collection for making garlands-grand and abundant superfluous and charming. To quench his spiritual thirst, he developed the practice of running during the gathering of flowers of different kinds and shapes. Number of garlands increased, yet his ambition did not touch the target. 

So he sighed often and cried now and then. Pleased with this genuine adoration, Lord Siva blessed him with the feet of tiger supposed to run 60 or 70 mph, so that he could roam and run everywhere and anywhere without fatigue. He named him Vyagrapada. What an appropriate name! How kind was the Lord!! Is not Lord Siva called Bhaktavasankar? That Vyagrapada then collected the choicest and adored Him best, say to his heart's content till death. Another is a sage by name Patanjali also was blessed by the Lord to fulfilling his desire of adoring him always. The chief sabha of the temple enshrines their images for venation by the viewers by emulation.

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