Kooratazhvan, disciple of Ramanujacharya, is often compared to Prahlada. And not without reason, for Kooratazhvan had the same concern for others and the forgiving nature of Prahlada. Hiranyakasipu made many attempts on Prahlada’s life and the demons who were employed by Hiranyakasipu were quite prepared to carry out his instructions. But Prahlada bore them no ill will. He simply allowed them to carry out their duty and never once objected.
Kooratazhvan was kind hearted too, said P.T. Seshadri, in a discourse. Kooratazhvan was totally committed to his Acharya — Ramanuja. At the same time, he was a completely forgiving preceptor as far his own sishyas were concerned. Naalooran was Kooratazhvan’s disciple. But he had turned against Kooratazhvan and his instigation was one of the main reasons for the Chola King turning against Kooratazhvan and gouging out his eyes. And yet, Kooratazhvan prayed that Naalooran be forgiven for his sins and be granted moksha!
One day, he saw snake catch a frog. The cries of the frog as it was about to be devoured by the snake made Kooratazhvan so sorrowful that he fainted!
Once, a scholar came to Kooratazhvan for further study. A student of that scholar happened to visit the place where lessons were being given by Kooratazhvan. Immediately, Kooratazhvan switched places with the scholar and pretended to be learning from him. He did not want the student of the scholar to think poorly of his teacher for seeking lessons from Kooratazhvan. A student likes to think his teacher is well read and he may not respect his teacher if he comes to know that his teacher still has to learn many things. That is why Kooratazhvan, to spare the scholar the embarrassment of being discovered learning at his age in life, pretended that he himself was the student.
Usually, if someone does not know something and comes to us for help, we tend to feel superior as the dispensers of knowledge. But it was not so with Kooratazhvan. Saintly persons possess such humility.
