In
his 40 years at Tiruvannamalai, there was only one occasion that Sri Seshadri
left this place, and that was only for just one hour. The story goes like this:
In
the village of Seelaippandal, a Dikshidhar was doing puja in the house of one
T.S. Jagadeesa Iyer. He was considered as a “Guru” and the people in the
house showed immense affection and regard for him. But
because of his past karma, the thought of dishonesty grew in him. On two
occasions he stole a hundred rupee note and a gold necklace weighing 8
sovereigns from the house and buried the same beneath the sanctum of the
village deity. Three
months elapsed. Even though a thorough search was conducted in the house, the
lost articles could not be found.
Jagadeesa
Iyer used to reside at Sannidhi street in Tiruvannamalai and when he had work
visited Seelaippandal by horse drawn cart six miles distant. Once when he was
on his way to the village, Sri Seshadri Swamigal asked if He could accompany
him in the cart. Jagadeesa Iyer replied “This is Your vehicle. Please get in
and we shall go”.
On
the way Jagadeesa Iyer mentioned to Swamiji about the theft in his house.
Swamiji replied that the stolen articles would be found that day. As soon as
they reached Seelaippandal, Swamigal said, “The thief is in your house. The thief
is in your house. There is a dog. I am leaving” and with these words He hastily
left the house and returned to Tiruvannamalai on foot.
After
Sri Seshadri Swamigal left Seelaipandal, the village officials gathered at
Jagadeesa Iyer’s house and disclosed that the Dikshidhar had been seen digging
at the sanctum of the village deity and it looked suspicious.Then they persuaded
the Dikshidhar to come and made him confess.
The
entire village crowded near the temple of the village deity. The Dikshidhar called,
“O! Goddess! Even though I had taken refuge under You, You betrayed me! See
what I will do to You”. He then tore the idol from its foundation and retrieved
the cash and jewellery that had been buried underneath. Jagadeesa
Iyer was content that his stolen property had been returned.
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| Young Sri Seshadri Swamigal |
