Mahaperiyava also possessed a great sense of humour that may not be known to many. He once lamented to one of the devotees, Sri Vedagiri - that Adi Shanakra was fortunate to have an unquestioning disciple Sri Thodakashta and it is not easy to get such disciples. Vedagiri in his earnest told Paramacharyal that he will do whatever Acharya says but Mahaperiyava told him that it will not be that easy. However Vedagiri was insistent. Mahaperiyava then to pointed out to Vedagiri an old Brahmin widow in the crowd of devotees assembled outside. True to the then prevailing tradition, the old lady was dressed in a white saree with a shaven head and shining Vibhuthi in the forehead. Mahaperiyava told Vedagiri to go to that lady and enquire whether she was sumangali . Vedagiri was very hesitant and reluctant to do so, as was naturally to be expected. Mahaperiyava told him it was not be easy to be a Thodakashta. Not to disown his own words in such a short time, Vedagiri summoned all his courage and came before that old lady. She was with a few of her family members who seemed able bodied too. Praying all the Gods, he can remember, Vedagiri feebly asked the lady Neengal Sumangaliya ? expecting a barrage of blows physically or verbally. The ladys face brightened up immediately and she said with a glee yes and also wondered how He knew about it. Confused to the hilt, Vedagiri came back to Mahaperiyavaand narrated him the entire thing. Yet he could not figure out what had happened and how the lady could agree with Mahaperiyavas poser. Mahaperiyava solved the mystery by explaining that Sumangali is village in Tanjore district and the lady hailed from there. (you can now read that question again and appreciate the appropriateness.)
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 04:34:20 +0000
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