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BACKGROUND
There lived in the vicinity of the present temple a brahmin couple-poor, yet very devout, in the seventh century AD. They had
a child, but he was mute-a born dumb, unfortunately. So was deemed an nail driven into the coffin of the parents daily dreary
existence. They wanted to bring him up well and give the best education. but where was the wherewithal. They starved and
so too the child. It appears one day the parents went to the temple with him Leaving the child on the flight of stairs of the
tank, they started the bathing ritual.
The child who was without food for sometime let out a piteous wail for food. It was
indeed heart-rending both in its pitch and purport. There were many in the mandapam there, but none heard its agony. Doesn't the
world turn deaf ear to the genuine peals of agony? Will the heaven too? Haven t the gods move at the piercing cries of
mortals? The boy's painful yell was heard by Mother Uma. It stirred and touched the chord of her sensitive heart. At once
she handed over a cup of divine milk to him. The boy drank to his bellyful well. The parents, who found the signs of his
drinking milk wondered at the occurrence. Elated at this unexpected fortune, they entered the shrine. And lo, the boy in
ecstatic rapture sang the glory of the Lord, all on a sudden. His poetic effusions are found to be the best specimens of
literary pieces. Could he be otherwise? He drank gnanamrit given by Mother Uma. He can't but out step others. His life from
then formed a glittering chapter in the Nayanmar's history. Alas! he lived only for 16 years, but left such a rich treasure, the
world will not "willingly let it die".
This child prodigy became guru to many Nayanmars including Appar, perhaps, for the
gnanamrit given by the merciful Mother. Hasn't she shared half the body of Lord Siva, the Omni compassionate Lord? Hence
that exemplary affection. Later, this place was consecrated by a separate temple built to commemorate this event of that
Saivite prodigy. And is given importance in offering all kinds of pujas along with the august deities.
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