The Life
Pusalar, a poor Brahmin of Thiruninravur, yearned to build a great temple for Shiva but had no means. So he resolved to raise a temple within his own heart: choosing an auspicious mental site, he gathered materials, laid the foundation, raised the walls and tower, and fixed a day for the consecration, every step performed in pure imagination with perfect devotion. Meanwhile the Pallava king had built a grand stone temple at Kanchipuram and set its consecration for the very same day. On the eve, Shiva appeared in the king's dream and said He could not attend, for He must be present at His devotee Pusalar's heart-temple in Thiruninravur that day. Astonished, the king sought out the poor devotee and honoured him; the Lord blessed Pusalar with liberation.