Long ago, there was a heron who was accustomed to live on the fish of some large lotus-filled tanks. The heron lived in a tank near the southern bank of river Vaigai.
Once there had been a famine in that area, causing the tank to become dry. The heron in the hopes of finding another tank with water and food, came to another lake. This the heron found was full of water, fishes, crabs and all that it would have as food. This tank was near an ashram in which many rishis resided and prayed for the well-being of the world.
The Saathvik character of the rishis, slowly transfused into the heron. It began to listen to the dissertation that were given by the rishis everyday in the evening. This began to make huge changes in the heron.It realized that killing another life for one's own happiness is unforgivable sin. It also became very much interested in going to Madurai, about which the rishis talked very highly about.
So, the heron started to fly day in and out for 15 days (1 paksha). Finally it reached Madurai and came to the potramarai kulam(golden lotus tank). It became even more serene and peaceful there. It decided to stop eating any other creature. Lord Shiva pleased with such a transformation in a five-sensed creature, wanted to test it. He made a fish leap out of the bank in its own accord, as if offering itself as feast to the heron.
Strong instinct urged the heron to devour its prey; but it recollected that the place was holy, and considered that severe punishment would follow. It therefore abstained. Happy with the determination of the heron, lord Shiva appeared there.
The lord asked the heron what he desired. The heron said that it desired two things. First one was that it could reside in the abode of Shiva forever. Second desire was to make no living creature to live or reproduce in that lake, as it would help all other herons to move in spiritual way and not get any sin by eating other lives.
The lord was very happy for the selfless wish of the heron and blessed it that the wishes would come true. We still can't see any living thing in the temple tank of Meenakshi temple.
We learn from this thinking about all is much preferred and accepted by the gods.
Lokha Samastha Sukino Bhavanthu !!
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