Vandiyathevan’s mind was in turmoil, wondering how that valiant Vaishnavite had arrived there and for what purpose. Yet, he did not let any of this show outwardly.

“What a marvel to speak of! Just a moment ago, I was thinking about you. I look up, and there you are, leaping over the wall. They say, ‘When the giving god bestows, he even pierces the roof to deliver it’—how true that is!” he said.

“Dear boy! You were thinking about me just now? Why should you think about this mere mortal? Even if you had thought of Lord Rama himself, it would have been worthwhile…”

“Your lips deserve only sugar, Swami. First, I did think of Lord Rama. As I came this way, I saw the towering spires of Rameswaram on the far side of the sea. I thought of how Rama worshipped Shiva there to absolve the sin of slaying Ravana…”

“Stop, my boy! Stop!”

“I cannot stop, Swami! Truly, I cannot stop. My legs are weary from walking and standing without rest. Have mercy and sit down with me. After that, shall I tell you whether I thought of Rama? The moment I thought of him, the image of his great devotee Hanuman came to mind. And as soon as I thought of Hanuman, I remembered you. And lo! There you were, appearing before me. Did you leap over the wall alone, or did you, like Hanuman, leap across the very sea to come here?”

“Brother, where is Hanuman, the crown jewel of devotees, and where am I? Hanuman came to Lanka and laid waste to Akshaya Kumara and other demons. I, on the other hand, cannot even chase away a mere cat. Look here! See how a cat has scratched my legs and left them bleeding!” said Azhwarkkadiyan, pointing to the wounds on his legs.

“Alas! Did it come to this? But what was the reason for your battle with a mere cat…?”

“I did not go looking for a fight. It was the cat that picked a quarrel with me…” “How is that possible, Swamiji!”

“I came here searching for you. I deceived the guards at the gate and climbed over the outer wall, leaping down into the courtyard. At the very spot where I placed my foot, that cat had deliberately stretched out its tail. My foot only brushed its tail lightly. Even so, that wicked cat began to attack me with its claws. Brother! Listen to what I say! One may fight with a tiger, one may even fight with an elephant, but never, ever fight with a cat!”

“Swamiji! That secret is now clear to me…”

“What secret?”

“That cat came here to my room. It brushed my forehead with its tail. It played with me, purring affectionately. It did not scratch me with its claws. It attacked and scratched only you! What could be the reason? It must be a fierce Shaivite cat that cannot stand the sight of Vaishnavites!…”

“Oh ho! Is