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80. thOL kAtti vandhEnO battaraip pOlE

It is not clear what event is the basis for this vArththai from Thirukkolur Ammal. One possibility is as follows.

When Namperumal goes out in a procession in the streets of Srirangam, due to the large crowds, there will be some people in front that will hit the ground with long belts to clear the crowd. In some instances the belt would accidentally hit a devotee. It is said that one time the belt hit Parasara Bhattar on his shoulder. Bhattar'd disciples got angry and used harsh words against the person using the belt. Hearing that, Bhattar told his disciples "They were only doing their duty. There is no mistake in that. Besides, what's wrong in being hit by those in the service of the Lord". He then told the person who hit him "What you did was correct. When I got hit on one shoulder, I should have offered my other shoulder also to you. That was my mistake and I feel bad about it. Now I am showing you my other shoulder". The person who had used the leather belt became ashamed and apologized to Bhattar.

It is the quality of a Srivaishnava to show patience and mercy to anyone who errs against them. Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I show these qualities any time like Bhattar did when he offered his other shoulder?"

Azhvar Emberumanar Jeeyar Thiruvadigale Sharanam

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