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DECEMBER, 1905.] STORIES OF THE TAMIL VAISHNAVA SAINTS.
A few days after this a siddha named Suktihara was riding on a tiger through the air, and happened to pass above the place where Tirumalli was sitting, when the tiger suddenly stopped unable to proceed. The siddha then discovered that the reason of this was that Tirumalli's thoughts on God were so concentrated and strong, that they created a material resistance in the air, which the tiger was not strong enough to cross. The siddha being amazed at this, looked and saw Tirumalli sitting silently near the tank. Then the siddha descended and approached and saluted Tirumalli offering him a valuable cloak, and begging him to throw away his rags; but Tirumalli refused, at the same time causing to appear before the siddha's eyes another cloak even more beautiful than the one offered. Then the siddha presented Tirumalli with his necklace, thereupon Tirumalli took his lotus-seed chain, and held it up before the eyes of the siddha, when it appeared like diamonds and rubies. By this time the siddha understood that Tirumalli was perfect, and did not want anything, and so took his way.
Presently an alchemist came up to Tirumalli and offered him a pill made of mercury, and said that this pill could change one-carat gold-into any number of carats. Then Tirumalli took some dust off his foot, mixed it with some mud, and made another pill, and told the alchemist to touch any inferior gold with this one. The alchemist doing so found this pill to be of far stronger properties than his own.
After this, Tirumalli, to avoid these interruptions, went into a cave, and there continued his yoga.
While he was there the three Alwars of Tirukoralar were on their pilgrimage together, and as they were passing by this way, they saw at a distance a shining miraculous light. Going to see the cause of it, they found the cave and. Tiramalli seated therein. Immediately through their yogis' power, they were able to recognize each other, and embraced with eyes shining with joy and bodies thrilling with transport. They stayed there for some time; their company together being like the mixture of milk, fruit, and sugar. Their sustenance was undisturbed meditation of God in continuous bliss. The four felt themselves to be as one in their love to God, all being merged in one extasy. After a time the four went to Mailapar together, from whence the three departed on their own way, leaving Tirumalli alone at that place.
Part II.
At the time of Poikhai's birth at Conjeveram, Tirumalli Sai wished to go to that town, and there he remained worshipping in the temples for 700 years. At this place Kanikanan came and joined Tirumalli as his attendant. During this time, one day an old courtezan, suffering from a bad disease and deserted by all, took upon herself the menial work for Tirumalli, hoping to gain merit thereby. As he was engaged in yoga he did not notice her for some time, but one day he opened his eyes and observed her, and by his yogi's powers was able to read all her past history and also her future. Then he asked her what she wanted. She besought him to grant her youth again. He consented, and she became a young woman, but nevertheless continued to work for him. One day a rája happening to see her, fell in love with her and took her away as his wife. They led a happy life together for some years, until the raja began to suffer from the effects of age, while his wife retained her youth. Wondering how this was, and enquiring of her, she told him that it was by the grace of Tirumalli Sai, whereupon he also wished to gain the same favour. His wife then advised him to seek the goodwill of Kanikanan, who came every day to beg alms, and gain his mediation with Tirumalli. This the raja did, but Kanikanan gave him no hopes, telling him that Tirumalli had no regard for anyone, not even for Siva himself. Then the rdja knowing that Kanikanan was a very learned man and a good poet, asked him to compose a poem in his, the rdja's honour. But Kanikanan refused to do this. The raja then became angry, and threatened Kanikanan with punishment, who however paid no attention, but only repeated a stanza in praise of God. Whereupon the raju's anger increased, and he commanded Kanikanan to be banished from the country.
