The Life
Paranjothi of Thiruchengattankudi, a general who had fought for the Pallava at Vatapi, renounced war to serve Shiva's devotees, feeding them daily and never eating unless a guest shared his meal; for this he was called Siruthondar, 'the little servant.' To prove his surrender, Shiva came as a fierce Bhairava ascetic and demanded, as his meal, the flesh of a cherished only son, curly-haired, willingly given, cooked by the parents' own hands. Without wavering, Siruthondar and his wife Thiruvenkattu Nangai gave up their son Seeralan and prepared the food. When the ascetic asked them to call the boy to share the meal, they cried out into the empty street, and Seeralan came running, alive. Shiva revealed Himself, restored the child, and blessed the family for their measureless faith.