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Once Ramanuja was giving a discourse. In the discourse, he was explaining the 10 pãsurams that Nammãzhvãr had sung on Tirupathi. At that time, as soon as he told the meaning of the line “Sindhu poo magizhum Thiru Venkatam”, he addressed his disciples as follows-“Srinivasa, also known as Thiru Venkatam, is very much pleased by the service done with flowers(pushpa kainkarya). That is the reason why a lot of fragrant flowers bloom in this mountain. Nityasuris also perform archana with flowers of high and rare fragrance.Is there anyone who can willingly go to the mountain of ThiruVenkatam(Thiruvenkatamalai), grow a garden filled with fragrant flowers, make garlands with beautiful and fragrant flowers and Tulasi, and do service to Lord Srinivasa who loves such service?”

Questioned thus by Ramanuja, none volunteered due to fear of the cold temperature and unwillingness to leave Ramanuja. One of Ramanuja’s disciples, named Ananthãzhvãn thought to himself - “Is it right to disobey the orders of the most compassionate Guru due to fear of the cold climate there? Is this the mark of a disciple? Only the work assigned by the Guru will elevate the disciple. How can one be called a disciple at all, if he disobeys his Guru? We must bear even the most severe cold and do service to ThiruVenkatam as per the order of our Guru.” Having decided thus, he prayed to his Guru - “Master! Guro! I am willing to do the service for Lord Srinivasa with flowers. Kindly bless me with this kainkarya(service).”

On hearing these words, Ramanuja spoke thus -“You who are unwilling to disobey the orders of the Guru, is the only person who is filled with virtues(Ãtmagunam).” Having thus praised him, Ramanuja sent him to the mountain of ThiruVenkatam(Thiruvenkatamalai).

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