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APRIL, 1985
151
and evening sun gave it such a divine glow that whoever looked at it remained awe struck.
Arrangements were made for the holy anointment of the image of Lord Gommatesvara. Coconuts were heaped all around. On the day of anointment the people thronged, as far as the image was visible. The ceremony started. Milk was poured from hundreds of vessels but it did not come down the waist level of the image. After milk water was poured from hundreds of jars but that too did not come down the waist level. The devotees were surprised and distressed. It meant that the Lord had not accepted their anointment. But it had not escaped the eyes of the Acarya that an old lady with a little pot of milk was trying to come forward but could not do so due to heavy rush of the crowd. The Acarya instantaneously realised that unless she could come and offer her pot of milk the ceremony would not be completed. Arrangements were made to take her to the rostrum and when she poured her small quantity of milk it reached the feet of the Lord. After that whatever was offered milk or water, reached the Lord's feet. The ceremony of the anointment was completed smoothly without any trouble. The old lady could, however, not be found anywhere after the ceremony. Camundarai raised her image and till now one can see the image of Mother Gulai near the image of the Lord refreshing our memory of the first anointment.
translated by Gita Mukherjee
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