The charioteer of Indra, Maathali had a daughter by name Gunakesi. He was in search for an apt groom for her. Though he made sincere efforts he could not find a suitable person even amidst the Devas, Kinnaras, gandharvas. He then visited the city of snakes, Bhogavathi.There he met Vasuki, the king of sanakes and found his son Sumukha , a suitable match for his daughter. But vasuki with tears in his eyes said “ Iam very sorry to inform you that my son will not live long. He has consatant threat from the most powerful Garuda.”
Mathali came back to Swarga and reported the matter to Indra so that he might offer Sumukha some nectar. Indra refused. Vasukhi was very depressed more so that the Devas used him to churn the Mandara mountain to get nectar. Mathali then consulted Narada. Narada then said “ May you take refuge under the feet of the Lord Narayana. It was He who gave nectar to the Devas. He is the Saviour of the helpless, Protector of the needy. He is the bestower of all Fortune. Sumukha immediately on hearing this went into penance. The Lord Sundararaja mounted the Garuda and gave him darshan. As He glanced mercifully at Sumukha the Lord spoke to Garuda as follows: “Garuda is Veda. Through Garuda ( Veda) one can perceive Me. Pakshirajan ( Garuda) is my vehicle while Nagaraja is My bed. Sumukha , may you bow down to Garuda and thus attain long life. And “Garuda”, May you not harm Sumukha in anyway for it is the duty of one to protect those who have surrendered at their feet.” Saying so the Lord took Sumukha ( who was in the snake form) by His toes and put him around Garuda’s neck. Garuda and Sumukha thus became friends and Mathali happily married off Gunakesi to Sumukha. It was Lord Sundararaja of Nagapattinam who bestowed Sumukha with long life, health and a good wife. Those who worship Lord Sundararaja of Nagapattinam will be bestowed with all the above three.
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