Periyava was camping at Sholapur during His 60th Jayanthi. As a part of His Jayanthi celebrations there was a plan to honour Veda Vidwans with a gold coin each from His Hands.
I was a volunteer that time and accompanied the 60 Veda Vidwans by train to Sholapur for His Darshan.
The Mill people in Sholapur had given place for Periava to stay there. When we reached Sholapur we saw that He was seated beneath a tree in that village.
Each of the Veda Vidwans prostrated to Him and they were blessed with a gold coin. A priest from Bangaru Amman temple in Thanjavur had also come to Sholapur with Goddess’ prasadams.
On seeing the priest it occured to Swamigal that he also should be given a gold coin. But alas, the priest’s name was not there in the list!
Then a lady appeared there and told His Kainkaryam person,
“Please hand over this gold coin from my Thali chain to Swamigal!”
The coin she gave was submitted to Swamigal. Surprised, He asked the kainkaryam person to bring her to Him.
But She was no where to be found! And the coin was duly handed over to the temple priest!
Bangaru Amman (The Amman made of Gold) Herself had come to give Her priest a gold coin!
*****
Shankara. Stirring.
Source: I had translated this portion of the tamil interview of His devotee Shri Varagur Krishnamurthy.
