Kooranathan
One evening, after completing their daily routine of feeding the poor at dusk, Kuresan (Koorathazhwar) and his wife, AndAlammA, retired for the day. As they clanged the big brass doorway to their home shut, the sound echoed through the quiet night and reached Kanchi, where Lord Varadaraja and Perundevi Thayar resided. They were slightly startled by the loud noise and inquired about its cause.
The Goddess asked the Lord, "Pray tell, wherefrom does this sound of the night arise, O Sire?"
Devadirajan replied, "It is the doorway of our dear Kuresan's home being shut for the day after the daily alms-giving."
Delighted to hear about Kuresan's piety and charity, the Lord and Perundevi Piratti commanded the Lord's dearest, Kanchipurna or Tirukacchi-nambi, who was also one of Ramanujacharya's mentors, that Kuresan be brought to their presence. Kanchipurna hurried to Kuram, Kuresan's place, to summon him to Kanchi.
When Kuresan learned the purpose of Kanchipurna's visit, he became deeply introspective and remorseful. He was indignant with himself, realizing that the clanging of his doorway had disturbed the Lord and His Consort in Kanchi. He felt conceited and realized that he had been vainly seeking recognition for his charity. This incident served as a wake-up call for him.
Kuresan realized that he had been avoiding an important decision in his life since Ramanujacharya's departure to Srirangam. He had two choices: he could either continue living in Kuram and carry on with his pious yet ineffectual charity, or he could pursue his guru Ramanuja to SriRangam and join him in his life's great mission.
Without any hesitation, Kuresan made his choice. He sent Kanchipurna back to Kanchi and asked his wife, AndAlammA, to renounce all their wealth and belongings. They both decided to migrate to SriRangam and dedicate themselves forever to serving Sri Ramanuja.
On their way to Srirangam, Koorthazhwan sensed a slight trace of fear in his wife Andal's expression and actions. He inquired about the reason for her concern, and she candidly shared her worry. Andal revealed that she was carrying the golden bowl from which Koorthazhwan ate daily, and she feared that they might encounter highway robbers in the middle of the night who could steal it. Her concern demonstrated her deep devotion and commitment to her husband's well-being, a true "Pativratha".
Koorthazhwan, explaining the true essence of their journey, took the golden bowl from her and, with a determined gesture, flung it away. He assured Andal, "There goes your fear. We have surrendered everything, and now we shall continue our journey in peace."
In that moment, Koorthazhwan reaffirmed their complete trust in Swami Ramanuja and their willingness to give up all possessions to attain him. Their hearts filled with devotion, they proceeded with renewed confidence on their path to serve their beloved Swami, Sri Ramanuja, in Srirangam.
Devadirajan
Perundevi
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