72.

Graciously providing fabulous gifts to the Melodious Songs of a Devotee

    When Varaguna Paandyan was ruling the Paandyan Kingdom, a musician known as 
Baanapathiran was regularly performing recitals with 'yaazh' (a sophisticated stringed 
instrument) at Paandyan King's Court in Madurai.

    One day, it dawned on him, that henceforth he should spend the time reciting his yaazh 
only before Lord Civa who provided illumination to the soul. With dedicated love and conviction, 
he was engaged in the noble service of reciting thrice everyday in front of Lord Somasundarar 
(Civan) in the Madurai Temple. As a result, his regular earnings had declined and poverty 
had set in. On perceiving this, Lord Somasundarar arranged to provide regularly some funds 
to Baanapathiran for sustenance and he was leading a contended life. After some time, 
Lord Somasundarar had stopped arranging for the payments. Baanapathiran had become 
poverty stricken once again. One day the Lord appeared in his dream and asked him to go 
and meet one of His devotees, the Chera King who will help him with funds. By telling this,
He also handed over a letter written in Palm Leaf addressed to Chera King. Baanapathiran woke
up 
and to his surprise saw a palm leaf in his hand. He read through the letter and with a great 
delight proceeded to meet the Chera King. Lord Somasundarar also appeared in the dream of 
Chera King, and advised him to provide abundant funds / riches to His great devotee -
Baanapathiran - 
who would be meeting him with His introductory letter.

    The Chera King awoke and with great awareness of his responsibility, asked his messengers 
to find out the arrival of Baanapathiran. The messengers came across Baanapathiran
and took him to the Chera King.

    Sri Cheramaan Nayanaar, the King was an ardent devotee of Lord Civa; invited 
Baanapathiran to his court and perused the divine letter.

    The letter written by Lord Civan reads as under: "This is from Lord Civa that residing in 
the magnificent temple town of Madurai - renowned for the architectural embellishments and 
grandeur. May King Cheramaan who is well known for his meritocracy in providing gorgeous 
gifts to poets may please take note. Baanapathiran is a highly dedicated devotee on par with you.
When he approaches, you may provide him with abundant riches and send him back to me".
    King Cheramaan Nayanaar showed his big treasury and requested that Baanapathiran
may take whatever amount he needed. Baanapathiran bowed in reverence and took funds that 
he needed from the treasury and returned to Madurai. On reaching Madurai, he paid obeisance 
to Lord Somasundarar and lived happily and peacefully, continuing his services to Lord Civan
as before.