I used to visit Kancheepuram quite often for Darshan of His Holiness Sri Sankaracharya Swamigal of Kamakoti Math. On (Saturday) the 1st Jul 1989, I had been there with my wife and daughter at about 9.30 a.m.

At that time, one Muslim came there along with his son by name Gulam Dastagir. Both of them removed their shirts and prostrated in front of Sri Mahaperiaval. Alas! Gulam Dastagir was blind! He had brought a violin with him.

The father narrated the Mahaswamigal that his son Gulam Dastagir was to attend a violin recital competition and, therefore, wanted the blessing of the Acharya. He also asked permission to play the violin in the presence of the Acharya. Sri Mahaswamigal acceded to the request.

A happy Gulam Dastagir played the violin for sometime. Then Sri Mahaperiaval enquired the father about his native place, his children etc. The father replied that he had two sons and a daughter and that Gulam Dastagir was his eldest son. Sri Swamigal also enquired the name of the Guru under whom Gulam Dastagir was trained.

Sri Mahaswamigal then asked His sishya to bring two dhoties, touched them and instructed that they be given both to the father and the son. The Acharya also gave mango fruits to them.

Gulam Dastagir and his father were very much happy over the kindness shown by the Swamigal. The father further requested that the violin be blessed by the Acharya. Sri Mahaswamigal blessed them by touching the violin with his sacred hand.

Both of them again prostrated before the Acharya and took leave with His permission. I could see from the faces of both that they were overwhelmed with joy by the kindness shown and the blessing of the Acharya.

This incident was watched by all the devotees present at that time. Even now it remains green in my memory.

One cannot describe the compassion and benevolence of our Mahaperiaval who blesses all human beings irrespective of caste, creed of religion.