In the temple of Srirangam, where devotion and divine grace intertwined seamlessly, the evenings were filled with an air of sanctity. The lamplighter, a humble yet dedicated servant, went about his duties lighting the temple lamps. His devotion to the Lord was evident in his meticulous work, as he ensured the temple glowed with the divine radiance of countless lamps.
One evening, during his rounds, he noticed something peculiar. The sanctum sanctorum, the garbha griha, which housed the grand idol of Lord Ranganatha, was vacant. The lamplighter was taken aback. The Supreme Lord, revered by millions, was missing! How could this have happened in the holiest shrine of Vaishnavism?
He immediately began searching, and soon his ears caught a melodious voice echoing through the temple corridors. It was Nampillai, the great Vaishnavite acharya, reciting verses from the Divya Prabandham. His recitation was so mesmerizing, so filled with devotion and divine wisdom, that it captivated not just the human hearts but also the divine.
Following the sound, the lamplighter arrived at the assembly where Nampillai sat, immersed in reciting the Azhwar Pasurams. And there, amidst the gathering, stood none other than Lord Ranganatha Himself! Enthralled by the beauty of the verses, the Lord had temporarily left His sanctum to listen to His devotee’s heartfelt rendition.
The lamplighter, though a simple man, was deeply aware of his duties and the sanctity of temple rituals. Seeing the Lord standing amidst mortals, he was both shocked and exasperated. He strode forward and, in a firm yet respectful tone, chided the Almighty, “My Lord! What is this behavior? Have You forgotten Your place? You belong in the garbha griha, not wandering around the temple, no matter how captivating the verses are! It is time for the lamps to shine in Your presence. Please return at once to Your sanctum!”
The Lord, amused by the lamplighter’s devotion and sense of duty, smiled. He understood the lamplighter’s concern and his unwavering commitment to the temple’s sanctity. With a gentle nod, Lord Ranganatha returned to His rightful place in the sanctum.
This story beautifully illustrates the relationship between the Divine and His devotees. It emphasizes the humility of the Lord, who is ever eager to partake in the devotion of His worshippers, and the unwavering dedication of those who serve Him with love and discipline.
A possible hymn that Nampillai might have been reciting is:
> "பரிபுரமணவாளா! உனக்கின்னமோ புகழே?"
(Paripura Maṇavāḷā! Unakkiṇnamō Pugaḻē?)
(“O Lord, who is complete in all attributes! Is there any glory left that you have not already attained?”)
This line from the Tiruvaimozhi (10.5.1) captures the unparalleled greatness and humility of Lord Ranganatha. It praises the Lord's willingness to engage intimately with His devotees and His readiness to forsake divine protocol for their sake.
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