The true worship

You cannot say Kadhir was even from middle class let alone well to do.He had a small job in the city corporation and equally small family of wife, one child and aged mom.It was a struggle each month to make both ends meet within his limited income.Nevertheless Kadhir was a man of integrity, a rare thing these days, especially when many of his colleagues made money by improper means.He was never tempted and luckily his wife was also a good natured girl managing the household carefully.She made no demand on her husband.

He was living in a rented portion.A small second hand flat had come up for sale.His house in the village would fetch him some sum.But it still fell short of his requirement even after takng into account his wife’s jewelry.There was none to help him.His mom said”Kadhir, do not worry.Go to Murugan temple and pray to Him sincerely .He alone can help you and will surely show a way out of the problem”He is not given to visiting temples much but in deference to his mom’s wishes he went in the evening.

It was not very crowded He had thoughtfully kept Rs10 in his pocket to drop in the donation box (hundi).There were a few beggars sitting on both sides of the entrance pleading for alms.Some of them young, some hale and hearty and some lame and halt.He ignored them and went inside to see an old woman crouched against the wall.Her eyes were half closed and she looked frail and emaciated.He heard a low voice’Ayya, I haven’t eaten for the last two days.I am unable to bear the pnags of hunger. I feel giddy and unable to get up.Can you please give me some food.”

She looked slightly older than his mother.He felt pity for her but he knew he had no money to spare and the ten rupee note was intended for putting in the hundi.He lingered a bit torn between two minds but wrenched himself away to the sanctum even as he heard the piteous pleas for help.There was a tug in the heart but he steeled himself when he thought of the flat for sale.

The Lord Muruga with his two consorts was in all splendour with flowery decorations and glowing lamps.Kadhir devoutly prayed for the divine help to find the funds for purchase of the flat.With the prayer over he came out to reach the tall hundi(donation box).It was slightly high and he tried to drop the ten rupee note inside it.But it fell out.He took it and tried again.Mysteriously this time also the tenner did not go into the hundi but dropped to the floor.When he failed the third time also , he paused to think why this hurdle is happening.Is it one way of the God telling him that somebody’s need is greater than His.His mind went back to the old woman and her weak state.

Without second thought he rushed to her to see her lying on the floor with her eyes closed.He rushed to nearby food stall and got some food and a cup of tea.He woke her up gently and gave her the food sitting by her side as he would do to his mom.The old woman recovered and blessed Kadhir’You will be prosperous in life.You have a golden heart.May Lord Muruga bless you, my raja.” At that time the temple bell tolled loudly.He was immensely happy that he could bring a smile on her face and that the money was well spent.

When he went back home, the flat owner was waiting for him to tell that in view of his urgent need for money he was willing to accept the sum Kadhir could pay immediately and the balance in instalments.Kadhir was rendered speechless and his mind went back to the old woman at the temple.