172 Sundarar was about to be married and when the preliminary ceremonies were being performed, Lord Siva appeared in the guise of an old man. Sacred ashes were smeared on his body, and a garland of Rudraksha hung around his neck. The old man told the gathering that he had a suit against the bridegroom. His claim was that Sundarar was his bold slave according to a deed executed by the latter's grandfather. Hence he could not marry without his consent. Sundarar disputed this claim and rebuked the old man saying that he was mad. Those present at the marriage expressed their view that Sundarar’s argument was sound. The aged man produced a document. Sundarar snatched it from his hands and tore it to pieces. That put an end to the ceremony; but the arguments continued. The old man replied that he belonged to Thiruvennainallur (g)(5G sugèrosoruisbéu gotif). Sundarar called him a mad man and demanded that they should go to Thiruvennainallur and have the dispute settled with the help of the wise men there. Before the assembly the old man presented his case. He also said that the document destroyed by Sundarar was only a copy and he could produce the original to prove his case. He produced the original deed which was read out to the assembly. A close examination of the document revealed that it was a genuine one. The signature and the agreement proved true. They were now interested to know the place from where he came. He told them that he lived in Nallur and asked them to follow him, walking at first fast, and then faster and faster. Sundarar felt a sudden force. A splendour burst out before him and he had the immutable vision of Siva and Parvathi seated on the sacred Bull. Sundarar ran forward in ecstasy and saluted the splendid vision. He then realised the truth. He was now a true slave of Siva. Siva had come to possess his Jiva. He cried aloud in rapture. Because Sundarar had quarrelled with him, the Lord himSelf called him “Vanthondar" (susãroomson Lif), the devotee who used harsh words and wished him to sing His glories
