Kaisika Ekadashi Vratham at Thirukkurungudi — A Devotion Beyond Caste & Fear
Srimathe ramanujaya namaha Introduction The sacred observance known as Kaisika Ekadashi falls on the śukla pakṣa Ekādaśī of the Tamil month of Aippasi–Kārthigai On this day, devotees of Vishnu especially Sri Vaishnavas reflect on a remarkable story of faith, surrender and divine grace that is recounted in the * Varāha Purāṇa . The Place & the Perumal Thirukkurungudi , in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu , is one of the 108 Divya Desams — holy abodes of Vaishnava Nambi (an incarnation of Vishnu) with his consort Thirukurungudivalli Nachiyar . Here in this serene village, the annual observance of Kaisika Ekadashi is closely tied to the divine pastime of a mighty devotee. The Story of Nampāduvan A humble devotee named Nampāduvan lived in the environs of Thirukkurungudi. Although born in a low caste ( Bāṇar/chāndāla ), his devotion to Lord Nambi was unshakeable. Every night he would walk with his veena , render devotional songs...