THIRUNINDRAVUR
There was once a merachant. He was very wealthy but very
miserly. He never used to spare a single rupee for a good cause. His name was
Dhanapal. He lived in Thirunindravur. His realatives despised him because he
never did charity or helped them even during emergency. Nor did he enjoy any
comforts for the fear of losing his wealth.
It
is the nature of Lakshmi Devi to move frequently from one place to another.
Hence she came to be called Chala. This is the reason why todays pauper becomes
tomorrows millionare and vice versa. Danapal too turned poor. His realtives,
spouse and children snatched away his wealth. Relatives respect only those who
are wealthy. Wealth alone commands respect.
The poor are derided as foolish and stupid. The wealthy are extolled as
wise. This is todays world. A miserable Dhanapal went to his purohit and
mourned his grief. The purohit then recited a story.
Once upon a
time Krishna worshipped Lakshmi along with his wife Sathyabhama. He questioned
her “ Oh Lakshmi, Why do you not stay still at one place. Why do you keep
moving from one person to another?”
She then said. “ I do not stay with the following persons:
1)
Those who do not do charity.
2)
Those who gamble, drink wine and kill animals.
3)
Those who go to prostitutes
4)
Those who lie at the court, misers, always angry
5)
Those who usurp others’ wealth, feel jealous of
others
6)
Those who are proud of their wealth
7)
Those who are sadistic about others’ miseries
8)
Those who praise themselves
9)
Those who spend money on extravaganzas
10)
Those who are indifferent to cows, brahims and
devas
11)
Those who are lazy, vicious, atheists,
unenthusiastic
12)
Those who hate Gods and His devotees.
Krishna then asked her “ May you tell us where you wish to
reside always?
I shall reside at
1)
Those places where service to sadhus take place
2)
Those who are righteous
3)
Those who are generous and charitable
4)
Where there is Thulasi and Bilvam
5)
Where there is cleanliness
6)
Where lights are lit in the evening
7)
Where the ringing of the bells and conch is
heard during the worship of Vishnu
8)
Where there is the chanting of the Vedas, slokas
9)
Where there is humility
10)
Where there is love
11)
Devoid of anger and jealousy
12)
Where nobody cries, or fights or ridicules.
The purohith recited this story and pointed to Dhanapal that
lakshmi left him because he was a miser. Worship Vishnu at Thirunindravur and
may you be bestowed with wealth again “ , said the purohith. Dhanapal began
worshipping Lakhmi at Thirunindravur every Friday. He became wealthy again but
this time he was sure to donate for many good causes. As Mahalakshmi chose to
stay permanently at Thirunindravur the place came to be called “ Thiru” “
Nindravur”.
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