Jagannath temple, Thirumazhisai,chennai, pic 6--10

Thirumazhisai Alwar was born at Thirumazhisai to Bhargava rishi and his wife Kanakangi after an unusual 12 month long gestation. On seeing that the fetus appeared to be no more than a lifeless lump of flesh, they were filled with sorrow. With heavy hearts, they left it beneath a bamboo bush and continued on their spiritual journey. Lord Narayana appeared with His consort and blessed the lifeless fetus with Their katAksham (sidelong glances) and it came to life as a fully developed radiant child. The child was later picked up and cared for affectionately by a tribal named Thiruvalan. Thiruvalan and his wife Pankaya chelvi were overwhelmed by the grace of Perumal for this child that appeared just like a golden deity…

However, their happiness was shortlived. The child refused to eat or drink anything, and the couple longed to see their child drink or eat something. This took place for quite some time and this unusual news spread everywhere and attracted lots of people to see and be blessed with the darshan of this divine child, who is growing and developing like any other normal child without eating anything. When a simple pious farming couple paid a visit, they brought some cow’s milk with them and the old lady lovingly placed the child on her lap and offered the milk saying “Oh our beloved thirumazhisaiyE, the one who came amidst us by the grace of Sriman Narayana, please take this milk and remove our worries, dear!” To everyone’s astonishment, the child began drinking the milk. The couple came daily to offer the milk to the baby. On one such occasion, the child Alwar signaled to the couple to consume the left over milk. The moment they drank the milk, they regained their youth. The young old couple, later were blessed with a male child called “Kanikkannan” who at a later stage became a close friend/ardent disciple of Thirumazhisai Alwar.