Different form of a Devotee!!!

In this first visit of the millineum to Brindavan Sri Swamigal went on a parikrama of the Kshetra - 'Brindavana parikrama' - along with His devotees. Those devotees who followed Sri Swamigal close at His heels chanted 'Radhe Shyam Radhe Shyam' while the rest who followed at a distance sang 'namavallis' along with the Bhagavathars.

Hardly half-a kilometer distance on the 'parikrama' route had been covered when this 'devotee' was found lying right in the middle of the road, facing the direction from which Sri Swamigal and His devotees were coming. No sooner had the 'devotee' spotted Sri Swamigal than he came running towards Him, tail wagging in sign of his affection, as if Sri Swamigal was none but the familiar Master. Going round Sri Swamigal, this 'devotee' then followed the Master, to His left, and a little distance away. Neither the lameness of a leg nor fatigue was a hindrance to following Sri Swamigal! The 'devotee' did not seem to care about these. But when Sri Swamigal stopped a while now and then to give this 'devotee' some rest, as if taking the cue the 'devotee', too, sat aside. The 'devotee' accepted the biscuits then offered by the Bhagavathars but would immediately jump up on his legs as soon as Sri Swamigal started moving.

Enroute, a number of dogs tried to chase and attack him. They barked wildly at him. But, no - not a whimper from our co-devotee! Seeking refuge at this time of danger he would move up and walk a little in front of Sri swamigal. When the other devotees chased away the attackers this 'true devotee' would move back and walk behind Sri Swamigal as he had been! Sri Swamigal asked kindly, "Ennada venum unakku? Um? Enna venum?" (What do you want, dear, what do you want?) There was only a 'Silent response!'

When Sri Swamigal stopped at the banks of Yamuna, sang bhajans and in the evening bathed and performed His 'anushtanams' this unusual 'devotee' sat aside calmly.

This devotee with a different form followed Sri Swamigal upto Sri Rangaji Mandir before leaving the Master 'physically'.

Many Mahans have sung - 'jnamaliyir kedai...' , 'Naayinum kadaiyen...' to the Lord, holding themselves lower than a dog. However, in Brindavan, this devotee showed that the difference in form was not a block to understand and feel the Presence.