The Life
Amaraneedi, a wealthy merchant of Pazhaiyarai, served Shiva's devotees and freely gifted koupinas (loincloths) to ascetics at Thirupugalur. To reveal his devotion, Shiva came as a young Brahmachari wearing the sacred ash, carrying two loincloths on a staff, and left one in Amaraneedi's care. Returning, He demanded its exact weight in gold as surety. When Amaraneedi placed the single loincloth on a balance, all his gold and treasures could not equal it. Understanding this was no ordinary guest, Amaraneedi offered himself, his wife and son upon the scale, praying that if he had truly served Shiva's devotees the pans might come level. At once the balance held even. Shiva appeared with Uma, blessed the devoted family, and granted them a place at His feet.