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Govindan was the maternal uncle of Sri Ramanuja. Before Sri Ramanuja took to ascetic life, they had been studying together. Govindan had once saved Sri Ramanuja’s life while they were travelling to Kasi with their Guru Yadavaprakasa. After that incident, Ramanuja went back home while Govindan continued his journey to Kasi with his Guru. When Govindan dipped in the Ganges and emerged out a Lingam was in his hands. So, he was called as ‘Shivalingam Kai konãrndha Nãyanãr’(one who brought the Lingam in his hands). There after he took to Saivam and settled in Kãlahasti.

Sri Ramanuja, after taking to ascetism, settled in SriRangam and became the Guru for all Vaishnavites. Sri Ramanuja desired to have Govindan as his primary disciple. So he sent Tirumala Nambi (One who taught Srimad Ramayana to Sri Ramanuja), to bring back Govindan. Tirumala Nambi brought Govindan back to his old belief and took him to Tirumala (Tirupati). Govindan considered Tirumala Nambi as his Guru and served him with fervent devotion.

At that time Sri Ramanuja went to Tirumala and stayed for a year. Sri Ramanuja witnessed/observed the Guru Bhakti of Govindan and was very much pleased. One day Sri Ramanuja was watching Govindan making the bed for his Guru. After arranging the bed, Govindan lay down on the bed for a few seconds and then left. Sri Ramanuja was taken aback by what he saw. He described the event to Tirumala Nambi.

Having verified the truth of the incident, Tirumala Nambi said, “Don’t you know that it is a sin to use the articles of one’s Guru and that it will lead to hell?” Govindan replied humbly, “ I do know that. But what do I care for my welfare? I am concerned only about my Guru’s comfort. I lay down only to ascertain if the bed was comfortable for my Guru to take rest.”

Hearing this reply, both Sri Ramanuja and Tirumala Nambi were extremely pleased. Such was the Guru Bhakti of Govindan!

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