A sculptor, descended from the great lineage of master artisans of Mamallapuram, now came forward. According to his own creative imagination, he had crafted a small model temple in a new style for constructing black granite sanctums. He now presented this model to the Queen.

The Queen was greatly astonished upon seeing it. Turning to the man standing near Azhwarkadiyan, she said, “Pattar! Have you seen how remarkable this temple design is? My heart overflows with desire to have temples built in this new style at all the important Shiva shrines in Tamil Nadu!”

“Mother! What obstacle stands in the way of your wish being fulfilled? At all the Shiva shrines graced by the hymns of the Tevaram, such sanctums can be constructed. At a mere glance, people will recognize from this temple design that it is a ‘Paadal Petra Sthalam’—a shrine celebrated in song!” said Isana Sivapattar.

“Yes, yes! We must collect all the hymns sung by Appar Peruman, Jnanasambandar, and Sundaramurthi. In every shrine sanctified by their feet and made divine by their songs, such sanctums with towering vimana gopurams should be constructed. These are my two heart’s desires. Yet, I often doubt whether they will ever be fulfilled. If only my lord had not gone west and joined the divine feet of the Lord before his time—if only he had lived a little longer—all my dreams would have been realized…”

“What is lacking now, Mother? Has not the Emperor himself issued an order that whatever you wish should be fulfilled as you desire? Both his sons, even before you voice your thoughts, have already guessed your wishes and are eager to see them accomplished. In such a situation…”

“Even so, my heart does not feel the same enthusiasm now. I hear all sorts of things. Some complain that the royal treasury is being emptied by the temple renovations I undertake. They ask, ‘Why so many temples for Shiva?’ I do not care about what others say. Even the prince in Kanchi…”

When the Periya Piratti spoke thus, Azhwarkadiyan stepped forward and said, “Mother! I am one among those who would ask such questions!”

The Maharani looked at him with some surprise. The others stared intently at Azhwarkadiyan, their faces expressing, “What madness is this?”

Azhwarkadiyan continued, his voice trembling with anger, “Mother! My heart boils within me! Is such injustice possible? Can you, who shine as the very incarnation of Dharma Devi, allow such unrighteousness?”

Standing beside Thirumalaiyappan, Isana Sivapattar said, “Maharani! My brother is always prone to such babbling. Suddenly, he is seized by a fit of madness. I beg you to kindly forgive him!”

In those days, Saivites and Vaishnavites had not split into separate castes. In the same family, there would be both ardent devotees of Shiva and fierce Vaishnavites. The same priest would serve in both Shiva and Vishnu temples. Isana Sivapattar was one of such broad-minded men. Thirumalaiyappan was his own younger brother. The two shared deep affection for each other. Therefore,