Abirami

This is one of Mother Goddess' names, meaning one who is a pleasing, delightful, agreeable and a beautiful person. There is a special temple for her in Thirukadavoor, which is situated in the Tanjavur district. Many saints were born in this place and Abirami Pattar, one such saint born there, became well known for his devotion towards Abirami. As he was always immersed in Her blissful form, he forgot the outer world and some even called him a madman.

The then king of Tanjavur, whose name was Sarobhoji, came to take a bath in the sea on a new moon day in January. Thus he went inside the temple to pray to Abirami. Hearing about the mad person, he wanted to check if what people said about him was true, so the king went to him and asked him what day it was. The saint, who was fully immersed in the blissful light of the Goddess Abirami, half opened his eyes and said that it was a full moon day. Believing the man to be mad, the king went back.

When Abirami Pattar awoke fully, he realized that he had made a mistake and started singing a hundred songs of praise to Mother. When he sang the 79th song about Mother, a miracle took place -the new moon changed into a full moon. Abirami had pulled out one of her ear studs and threw it into the sky, which started to shine like a moon thus making the word of the saint true. King Sarabhoji, seeing the full moon on a new moon day became struck with wonder. He prayed to the saint in great reverence and gave many properties to the temple.