76. nIril kudhiththEnO kaNapuraththALaip pOlE

One an acharya was crossing the Kaveri river in a small round boat. It was late in the night and was very dark. The river was also showing sings of flood. While in the middle of the river, the boatman told the people in the boat "It appears that we are overloaded and are now at risk of submerging. If one or two people who can swim well jump into the water, then the boat can be saved. Otherwise we will all drown".

As the water rapids were strong, no one stepped forward. At that time, a lady called Kanapuraththal told the boatman "May you live a hundred years. Please save our acharya who is in this boat and take him safely to the other side". Saying so, she jumped into the water.

Eventually the boat reached the other side. However, the acharya was very sad and said many times "We lost a lady unnecessarily in the water". Hearing that, Kanapuraththal cried from the river "Swami! I am safe here. I managed to reach a small island. Please do not worry".

The acharya became very happy and with the help of the boatman rescued the lady and brought her to the shore. She fell at the acharya's feet and said "Swami! It was you who came in the form of an island with grass to save me". The acharya was pleased and told her "If that is your faith, then let it be so".

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I consider my acharya as everything and was willing to sacrifice myself for the acharya's sake like Kanapuraththal?"