𝔎𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔦: The virtue of infinite love

Chapter 2

"Skin dark as young mango leaf is wilting.

Yellow patches spread all over me.

The night is as long as several lives.

All those are the singular dowry my good heart brings as

 she goes over to the cool basil of my lord, 

the Dark One with the wheel that cuts down demons"

intoned Vishnucittar with unwavering devotion. With each uttered word infused with the very essence of his soul, the sanctified tulsi leaves clutched within his grasp effulged with augmented luminosity, as if extolling his unswerving fidelity. The surroundings, enveloped in oblivion, retreated into nonexistence, leaving nought but the omnipotent presence of Perumal. Every sensory perception, every dermal pore chanted in unison, resounding with the sacred epithet—Perumal, Perumal, Perumal!

The ambient milieu was enlivened by the fervour of his adoration. The hallowed effigy ensconced within the innermost sanctum emanated a resplendence surpassing mortal discernment. As the luminosity abated, the primordial silhouette of Thirumal materialized—his divine soles bedecked with auspicious emblems: a celestial standard and regal parasol. Adorning his chest, the resplendent Srivatsa, cascading locks akin to sylvan garlands (vanamala), and the illustrious Kaustubha gem. Four hands clasping sacred paraphernalia: the sonorous conch (shankha), the incisive discus (chakra), the formidable mace (gada), and the ethereal lotus (padma). Ornamented with armlets, garlands, gemstones, diadem, and earrings fashioned in the likeness of a mythical Makara. His sable-blue complexion, infinite as the astral firmament!

Eyes evoking lotus-strewn pools, accompanied by a smile that surpasses even the celestial pantheon. Perumal, stepping forth from his sacred enclave, traversed the courtyard where his dearest adherent lingered, incessantly invoking his hallowed name. Oh, the rapture he experienced! At last, he could bestow his benediction!

"Thirumaal perumaikku nigaraedhu... Thirumaal perumaikku nigaraedhu Undhan thiruvadi nizhalukku inaiyaedhu Perumaanae undhan thirunaamam Pathu peyargalil vilangum avathaaram," Periyalvar melodized with ineffable devotion. His resounding voice permeated the courtyard, embellishing his unswerving faith and tenderness. Kamalnayan, a witness to this poignant spectacle, found himself overwhelmed by an inundation of love surging from his core, pouring forth through his ocular orbs, akin to the sun's subtle rays piercing the umbrage of a luxuriant, stygian forest.

"Vishnucittar," pronounced Padmanaban, drawing nearer. "Wilt thou not pivot and grant me thy countenance, having summoned me through an extended supplication? I have arrived at long last. Wilt thou not meet my gaze?" queried Thirumaal in a playful tone. Vishnucittar, awestruck, fumbled with his floral garland, turning about in haste. "Prabhu!" he exclaimed, his countenance suffused with reverence and uncontainable joy.

The epiphysis of Srinivasa's sacred lotus feet precipitated a fervent descent, while the tears of Periyalvar drenched Aazhiyan's resplendent footprints. The majestic spectacle evoked reminiscences of Padmakshi's celestial anointment with the ethereal Amrutam, as she materialized in her resplendent Gajalaxmi Swaroop!

Venkateshwara, with a tender caress, bestowed upon Vishnucittar his divine benediction. "Dearest soul," Thirumaal solemnly conveyed, "I have a formidable task for thee to accomplish." Vishnucittar, overwhelmed by a sense of profound reverence, responded, "Oh, Prabhu! To fulfil thy divine command is an exalted honour that surpasses mortal comprehension! I beseech thee, command me, and I shall wholeheartedly embark upon its fulfilment, my Lord!" Ranganatha, with a gentle smile, disclosed his desire, "I wish for thee to participate in the esteemed competition organized by the illustrious Pandya king, Vallabhdeva!" Vishnucittar's countenance furrowed with consternation, as he expounded, "Indeed, it is an egregious transgression to deny thy request, my Lord. However, I confess with deep remorse that I am unworthy to partake in this competition. Even erudite scholars who have dedicated their entire lives to unravelling the mysteries of the Vedas have succumbed to defeat in this endeavour. How can I, an unlettered pauper, presume to enter such a contest?"