31. A Miracle of True Devotion

Sri Appayya Deekshitar was a revered scholar, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. One day, the Chola King invited him to his court and honored him with a luxurious shawl. Aware that Deekshitar had no interest in material possessions, the king grew curious about how Deekshitar would treat such a lavish gift. To satisfy his curiosity, he discreetly assigned someone to follow Deekshitar and observe his actions.

Upon returning home, Deekshitar bathed, anointed himself with sacred ash, and sat before the sacrificial fire to perform a Yajna. As the ritual progressed, he took the expensive shawl and, without hesitation, placed it into the flames as an offering. The spy, astonished by what he had witnessed, hurried back to the king and recounted everything.

Outraged, the king summoned Deekshitar and demanded an explanation. With calm composure, Deekshitar replied, “I have offered the shawl to Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram.” The king, convinced that Deekshitar was lying, scoffed at his response. But Deekshitar remained unshaken. “If you doubt me, O King, check it for yourself,” he said.

Determined to uncover the truth, the king traveled to the temple of Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram. He ordered the sanctum to be opened and as he stepped inside, he was stunned beyond words. There, draped over the sacred idol of Lord Nataraja, was the very shawl he had gifted to Deekshitar! Overcome with remorse, the king fell at Deekshitar’s feet, begging for forgiveness. This story beautifully illustrates the boundless power of true devotion. ❁❁❁❁