While the old man and his grandson conversed on the banks of the Kedila River, at that very moment, in the village of Thirukanaattumulloor on the northern bank of the Kollidam, two old friends—Azhwarkkadiyan and Vandiyathevan—were engaged in a most peculiar affair. In those days, the northern Kaveri, known as the Kollidam, was considered as sacred a river as the southern Kaveri. During the month of Thula, it was customary for Lord Shiva, enshrined in the temple at Kanaattumulloor, to ascend his bull mount and proceed to the Kollidam’s bank, bestowing his presence and blessings upon the devotees who had come to bathe in the holy waters. Every day at noon, the festival would reach its peak. Worshippers from the surrounding villages would gather in great numbers. Though the Vishnu temple in that village was small, even from there, the Lord would ascend his Garuda vehicle and proceed to the Kollidam’s bank.

Thus, amidst the throng that had assembled on the northern Kaveri for the sacred Thula bath, Azhwarkkadiyan planted a staff of the naaval tree into the earth and began to shout, “Naaval, O Naaval! Naaval, O Naaval! I have come to this Naaval island to wage a debate and prove that the Vaishnava faith is the supreme faith. Let the Saivites, the Saktas, the Advaitins, the Kapalikas, the Kalamukhas, the Buddhists, the Jains—let anyone who wishes come forth to debate! If they win, I shall hoist them upon my shoulders and parade them around the village. But if they lose, they must leave behind everything but their loincloths and depart from here! Naaval, O Naaval!” he cried.

Before him, rudraksha garlands, makara-shaped beads, water pots, earrings, silk garments, and gold coins were heaped in piles. It was clear from these trophies that he had debated many and emerged victorious. Beside him, leaning against a kadamba tree, stood Vandiyathevan, a knife he had fashioned in his hand. Now, all that remained on him was a single cloth around his waist and the knife in his hand. From his appearance, it seemed he had used that knife to frighten away those who had tried to use force against Azhwarkkadiyan. This was further confirmed by the words he spoke, watching a group of Saivites approaching in a noisy crowd.

“Beware! Let those who wish to debate do so fairly. But if anyone dares to lay a hand on this Vaishnavan, they will answer to this sword!” he declared, twirling the blade twice for emphasis. The Saivites, who had approached in anger, now calmed themselves. One among them said, “O Vaishnavite! Do not be proud, thinking you have won the debate today! Go to Thirunaraiyur! There, Nambiyandar Nambi resides, who will defeat you in debate and send you running away in disgrace!”

Alwarkadiyan replied, “Tell your Thirunaraiyur Nambi to come and debate with Anantha Battar of Thirunarayanapuram! If I happen to be there, I shall be present as well!”

Though he repeatedly called out, “Is there anyone else for debate? Is there