Once Bhattar gave an upanyasam on "vairAgyam" or aversion to worldy things. After hearing this, his disciples gave up many things such as showering, wearing good clothes, etc the next day. When they were at the temple the next day in front of Periya Perumal, they were surprised to see Bhattar dressed up in beautiful clothes, clean shaven, wearing flowers, etc.

They asked Bhattar "Swamin! Did you not give us an extensive lecture on aversion to things of this world yesterday? Hence we are following your advice and not taking care of our body or its external decorations. Then, how come you are well dressed and decorated? Is this the extent of your vairAgyam?"

Bhattar replied "Do you think I have decorated myself for my sake? I have only done this for Sri Ranganathar".

Bhattar added "Do we not decorate the mandapams and pandals when Namperumal comes out in a procession? Is that done for the sake of those structures? No. It is done to please Namperumal. That is why I look like this".