Miscellaneous - Religion   

Merit of service

CHENNAI : Philanthropy is hailed as a virtue because it enables the individual to empathise with the suffering of others. Compassion is the ability to see God indwelling in every being and hence is an opportunity to serve God. As it involves sacrificing self-interest, service helps in overcoming ego, which is the cause of bondage. When its spiritual significance is not understood it will instead of effacing the ego, boost it.

In his discourse, Sri Suki Sivam said service should be done in the name of God or others. This can be seen in the life of Appoothi Adigal, one of the 63 Saiva Nayanmars who was a contemporary of Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) and a great devotee of this saint. Sekkhizhar in the Peria Puranam states that when Appar during his pilgrimage went to Thingaloor, where Appoothi Adigal lived, he was surprised to see on reaching a booth, where water was supplied to passers-by, the name `Tirunavukkarasu' inscribed on it. On enquiry he learnt that Appoothi had named his children, and also roads, wells, tanks and groves instituted by him in the same name. Curious the saint went to his house.

Appar was accorded the hospitality shown to a devotee and when he enquired why all his charities were not in his name, Appoothi flew into a rage because he thought that he had slighted the saint. Only after he learnt his identity, which Appar revealed with all humility, did Appoothi Adigal apologise for his mistake and invited him for dinner. And, the incident that happened then was a testimony to Appoothi Adigal's unalloyed devotion to Navukkarasar, which elicited divine grace.

Appoothi's wife prepared the feast with enthusiasm, and she bade her eldest son to fetch plantain leaves from their garden to serve the food. The boy felt honoured for having been given a chance to serve Appar, and when he cut a leaf a snake bit him. He rushed to his mother, and handed over the leaf and fainted. Greatly agitated the couple, who did not wish to upset the service, wrapped the boy in a mat and entertained the saint. It was only when he wanted to give sacred ash to the boy before eating that they had to perforce disclose the truth. Touched by their devotion the saint sang a hymn in praise of the Lord, and the boy came back to life. God thus graced him for his selfless service.

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