Swamy Ananthazhvan and the Tiger at Tirumala Hills–
This incident happened few hundreds years ago in Tirumala when the temple was very difficult to approach .Many wild animals used to move freely near the temple . Swamy Ananthazhvan the ardent devotee of LORD VENKATESHWARA was once having a holy dip in the Swamipushkarini pond .
While he ascended the steps, he was astonished to find that his upper cloth got entangled on the ears of a tiger resting on a tree. As he was trying to retrieve his upper cloth, the tiger remained motionless.
The disciples who were along with their master told Ananthazhvan that the tiger obviously did not want to release the upper cloth as it was desirous of the touch of the upper cloth of Ananthazhvan who could deliver the tiger from bondage of the world.
They pleaded their gurujee to confer heavenly boon on the tiger. Ananthazhvan was compassionate and blessed the tiger and got his upper cloth released. Later they found the tiger was found dead on the way.
The disciples performed the last rites to the tiger. When the disciples entered the sanctum sanctorum along with Ananthazhvan, they were surprised to find the form of a tiger in the Garbhagriha.
The Lord humorously mentioned to Ananthazhvan,” Swamin !! You have started blessing even tigers with Moksha which is difficult even for Devas. ??? What work will the Lord have thereafter? Ananthazhvan may carry out HIS work himself on the Holy Hills and the Lord may return to Srivaikuntam.”
Ananthazhvan with humble obeisances prayed to the Lord and submitted that it was only because of the Grace of the Lord he was able to pray for the tiger and there were so many animate and inanimate beings who are serving LORD on these Hills seeking Moksha and as a bhagavatha he was only praying for their upliftment.
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures : Courtesy Google images
