Compassion is the key

There is no greater human virtue to be practised than the ability to show compassion to all beings.

The Saiva saints are noted for this trait and Sekkizhar’s record contains many instances when they have invoked Siva’s mercy to be bestowed on people caught in deep sorrow caused by an incurable disease, or some tight situations, said Sri R. Selvaganapathy in a lecture.

It is said that during one of his holy tours, Saint Gnanasambandar comes across a girl who is afflicted with a rare disease and is lying in an unconscious state near the entrance to the Siva temple at Pachillaachchiraamam. He learns that she is the daughter of a petty chieftain in that area, who is also an ardent Siva devotee. She was struck by a disease which left her cataleptic for long periods. When the disease did not seem to abate, the chieftain brings his daughter to the Siva temple in the village and prays to the Lord to cure her. It is then that he hears that the child saint Gnanasambandar is heading to this town and he hastens to pay obeisance to him.

The distraught father tells the saint about his daughter’s condition and adds that he does not know any other way except seek Siva’s grace to cure her. Gnanasambandar is moved by compassion towards the father and the daughter, and sings a ‘Pathikam’ in which he pleads with Siva to show mercy on the girl. In the manner of a son making use of his right to question his father, he asks Siva how it was ever possible to give such a disease to the girl belonging to a family who are His fervent devotees. Siva accedes and the girl is cured.

The power of his tremendous devotion is reflected in every word of this hymn.