While Varaguna Pandian was ruling in Madura, just as Indran rules in the heavenly world, he one day went out to hunt lions, tiger, &c., and returning home triumphantly on horseback, rode over and killed a Brahmin, who was lying asleep in the road through fatigue after a long journey. The king came to his palace unconscious of what had occurred but on some Brahmins bringing the dead body to the gate of the palace, and stating how the circumstance had happened, the king was afraid, gave them money, and bid them to whatever was necessary as to funeral obsequies. On these being performed, they learned that the king was afflicted with the Brahmahakhti, an incurable disease; to cure which resort was had to feeding the Brahmins, bathing, giving grass to cows, and the like things, usually had recourse to, but without effect, for the disorder rather increased. Thus the glory of the king became obscured, even as when the serpent Rahu lays hold of the moon in an eclipse. The Brahmins consulted the Vedas as desired by the king, but said, "The Brahmahakhti is incurable, what can we do?" At length, recollecting that every step of progress towards a sight of the Madura god is equal in merit to an Aswamedha yagam, (or sacrifice of a horse) a sight of the god was determined on, at which time a celestial voice was heard, saying, "O king, fear not! when you are pursuing the Chera king you shall come to a place where I am worshipped, named Tiruvadamaruthur, on the river Cauveri; there you shall lose your disease." While the king was rejoicing in this assurance, he heard of an invasion from the Chera king and going out to meet him, the Cheran was worsted, and fled. The Pandian pursued him till he came to the place mentioned and then, while standing under the porch of the temple, discovered that the disease had left him. He entered, and on paying homage to the deity of the place, heard a celestial voice, saying, "O king the disease which seized you waits in the porch of the eatern gate, do not return by that way, but go out of a western gate, and return to Madura." The king rendered homage and by aid of his people made a western porch, with a tower; and bestowing many other presents, returned with his retinue to Madura.

 

 

While there, he felt a strong desire to see the world of Siva in consequence of the many things said about it in the Vedas. Hence he besought the god, saying, "Show me the world where you with your followers dwell." While he was praying the god graciously replied. "I will cause you to see it, even in this place" and accordingly he said to Nandi, glowing with myriads of rays of rays of Siva's world. "Show to Varaguna Pandian the world of Siva." The sacred bullock in consequence presented to the Pandian's view a sight of that world, whereby he saw the tanks of nectar, the lotus flowers like gold, the jewel-like forts, towers, walls and streets, the celestial bands and attendants, with Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, beatified immortals, and his own ancestors besides; which, Nandi showed and explained to him many things and among them the throne of the god and goddess; the effect of all which was to fill the king with joy; he rendered praises unutterable by any tongue and fell down in adoration. The god knowing of this homage gave many tokens of special favour, which the Pandian received, and enjoyed happiness. From this time forwards Madura became reputed to be "both this world, and the world of Siva."

 

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