A couple who did not have children worshipped Vighneswara for many years and then the womangave birth to a baby girl. Even when she was a baby, shewould be seen looking at the image of Vighneswara inthe house for long hours. The expression on her face was such that it was as though the Lord was beckoning her.
Her parents called her Sundari, meaning beautiful; infact she grew up to be a beauty. She also proved to bewell behaved and intelligent. She went out of her way inextending help to others.
No wonder, there were many suitors for her hand.And they included young men from wealthy families andsons of rich persons. In fact, her father wondered whethera reigning king himself would not seek her hand inmarriage.
When Sundari came to know that her parents wereseriously contemplating hermarriage, she went andprayed to Vighneswara:.Please save me from thisdilemma. Right fromchildhood, I have onlybeen thinking of you. Iwon.t be able to lead afamily life. I implore, pleasemake me an old woman! Only then will I be able tocarry on a life of service tohumanity.
Lo and behold, Sundari was suddenlytransformed to an oldwoman, with wrinkledcheeks and a burrowedforehead. Her parents werereduced to tears. .What. sall this, Sundari?
Father! My dear mother! I.m no more a young lady, nor am I beautiful. You.ve brought me into this earth, andLord Vighneswara has blessed me to be of service to humanity. I shall share my knowledge with people whoare unlettered. I will also seek knowledge fromintellectuals. I am starting on a pilgrimage. Please blessme with all success in my mission!.
Having heard of the people.s praise of the old woman, the ruler of the kingdom came to meet her.O king!. She addressed him. .You are duty bound to protect the peopleand their wealth and property. It is also your duty toprovide protection to young women. Did you expect tomeet such a woman when you came here?.
The king was taken aback as he listened to the oldwoman. He took off his crown and unsheathed his sword, and fell at her feet. .O Devi! By merely looking at yourface I have gained theknowledge of Truth. Yourwords have erased myignorance. From today, Ishall serve my subjectswithout any official insigniaof royalty!.
