After revealing the sacred mantra to the people of Śrī Raṅgam, Rāmānuja became renowned throughout South India as a saint of limitless compassion. Yet his humility and devotion continued to deepen. One day, he heard of another exalted Vaiṣṇava saint named Tirukottiyūr Nambi, who lived in a small village called Tirukottiyūr. It was said that this great soul possessed profound knowledge of the inner meaning of the Aṣṭākṣarī mantra and the essence of surrender (śaraṇāgati).
Hearing this, Rāmānuja desired to receive instruction from him. Gathering a few disciples, he set out on foot for Tirukottiyūr. But when he reached the saint’s residence and requested to be taught, Tirukottiyūr Nambi did not immediately accept him. Instead, he said, “You are not yet ready to receive this truth. Go back and purify your heart.”
Rāmānuja bowed respectfully and returned to Śrī Raṅgam. Months later, he came again—walking the long distance once more with faith and patience. But each time he came, Nambi sent him away, saying, “Not yet, not yet.”
This happened seventeen times. Still, Rāmānuja did not become discouraged. He thought, If this great devotee rejects me again and again, I must be still unfit. Let me continue to serve the Lord until he calls me ready.
On the eighteenth visit, Tirukottiyūr Nambi finally smiled when he saw Rāmānuja approach. “Ah,” he said, “now your humility has made you worthy.” He took him aside to a secluded place, and there, in the quiet of night, he began to speak the confidential teachings of śaraṇāgati—total surrender to the Lord’s will.
He explained that the path to liberation is not through knowledge, austerity, or argument, but through complete dependence on the Lord’s mercy, just as a child depends entirely upon its mother.
When he finished, Nambi said, “This truth is rare and precious. Guard it well, and reveal it only to those whose hearts are free from pride.”
Rāmānuja bowed deeply and said, “Master, your mercy is beyond measure. Whatever you teach, I will follow with my life.”
As he departed, he reflected deeply upon these teachings. The long walks, the rejections, and the waiting had all been part of his purification. By the eighteenth journey, his heart had become as soft and pure as the lotus in the Lord’s hand.
Later, when Rāmānuja spread the doctrine of śaraṇāgati across the land, he always remembered his teacher’s patience and mercy. To him, Tirukottiyūr Nambi was the embodiment of the Lord’s hidden love—a reminder that surrender is the essence of all devotion.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Perseverance is the path to grace.
Rāmānuja’s eighteen journeys to his teacher show that sincerity never goes unrewarded. The Lord tests faith to strengthen it. - Surrender, not scholarship, is the key to liberation.
Even the greatest knowledge must bow to humility. Salvation comes not from knowing but from depending on the Lord completely. - A true teacher gives when the disciple is ready.
Tirukottiyūr Nambi’s repeated refusals were not rejection but divine timing—each visit polished Rāmānuja’s heart.
Reflections
This story reveals how the journey of devotion is shaped by patience and surrender. Śrīla Prabhupāda often said, “We must be eager for the truth, but not anxious. When we are ready, Kṛṣṇa sends the right teacher.”
In Rāmānuja’s eighteen visits, we see the transformation of the heart—from the persistence of effort to the sweetness of surrender. Spiritual growth cannot be forced; it blossoms naturally when the soul becomes soft with humility and trust.
Tirukottiyūr Nambi’s mercy and Rāmānuja’s perseverance remind us that the Lord’s grace may delay, but it never denies.
Source:
The Life of Ramanujacarya by Naimisaranya Dāsa, Chapter Seven: “The Deliverance of Tirukottiyūr Nambi.” Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1986.
