Superior Devotion – Story
Sri Ramanuja’s disciple, Ananthalvan, was picking flowers and making garlands for Lord Balaji in Tirupati Garden.
Wanting to test him, Lord Balaji sent a priest and asked him to tell him that he had been ordered to come immediately to the shrine.
Priest also came and called Ananthalvan.
Ananthalvan said “I will come”.
But, he didn’t go as said.
It’s been a long time since evening. After that he went to the Shrine carrying the flower basket on his head.
The Lord balaji angrily told Alanthalvan:
“You did not come here when I called. What if I send you out of these hills as you disobeyed my order?“ The Lord said.
Ananthalvan humbly said:
“My guru Sri Ramanuja had ordered me to pluck the flowers and make garlands. Guru’s order is higher than God’s order. I have no compulsion to serve you in violation of it. You too have come to this mountain like me! You and I have equal rights in the mountain. If you want, you can live longer than me. That’s all”.
He replied suddenly but humbly.
The Lord Balaji smiled and said:
“I performed this drama to show the world your devotion to Guru. Let everyone know that the Guru is more exalted than the God”
The Lord blessed him.
(Noble heart of a Sanyasi – Story! READ HERE!)