பக்கம்:சிவன் அருள் திரட்டு (தேவாரம் திருவாசகம் திருப்புகழ் திருஅருட்பா).pdf/264

244 The horses that had cost the King a fortune became jackals again at midnight. It was a miracle. They ran out of their stables into the streets, created a pandemonium, wrought havoc and disappeared. When the King heard the news he became furious again. He was now convinced that his Chief Minister had played a trick upon him. He ordered his arrest and torture to recover the lost money. The Saint was led to the sands of the river Vaigai under a scorching sun and was tortured. Again, he uttered pathetic prayers and appealed to his master singing the Padigams “Paarodu Vinnnnaay.” (urrQrmG sosovSMus) and “Sodhyé Sudars (GSTSPGuo S-Gr) The Lord gave his commands to the river-goddess, the Ganges, to rise abnormally and flood the city. The people could not guess the cause of the untimely flood. The astonished and bewildered king and his courtiers realised that it was a punishment for illtreating the Saint. He ran to Maanickavaasagar and pleaded for mercy and help. The flood gradually receded. Under his direction orders were given to the inhabitants to repair the embankment. Each one was ordered to repair an allotted portion. Everyone, except an old woman named Vanthi, who sold Pittu —a sweet edible, was engaged in the repair work. She was so much devoted to the Lord, that she would make an offer first to him and then sell to others. She was too old to do her share of the repair work. As she was in distress she appealed to the Lord for help. Lord Siva, out of compassion, appeared as a labourer before her and offered his services in return for some Pittu. with a basket on his head, he sang, danced and then flung the mud on the banks of the river. He ate her offerings, sat idle for a while, and then sang and danced, while the others were seriously engaged in their task. The King’s servants found the breach in the portion of bank where the Lord was working and reported the matter to the King.