Small Story 504.

Small Story 504. “Ranganatha’s Mysterious Reunion” Rangan came to the famous Ranganatha temple at Srirangapatna near Mysore. As he stood in the serene halls of the temple, memories flooded back—his very first visit eleven years ago, when he had come from Tirunelveli, the place where he later settled. After a peaceful darshan and heartfelt prayers, Rangan stood talking with his wife, Pankajam Suddenly, a man approached him and said, “Hello, I am Nathan. You missed your bag near the temple. After my prayers, I noticed it lying there.” Rangan was relieved and grateful. The bag contained important documents, wallet, and travel tickets. He thanked Nathan repeatedly. Pankajam smiled and said, “This is all because of the glory of the temple. Isn’t it strange that both your names connect to Lord Ranganatha?” Touched by the coincidence, the two families decided to spend time together. They traveled to Mysore, stayed there, and enjoyed the beauty of the place. After two wonderful days, they parted ways—Rangan’s family returning to Tirunelveli and Nathan’s to Madurai. Rangan fondly remembered those days, nodding to himself at the kindness life sometimes offers. Eleven years later, Rangan visited the same temple again—this time alone. As he was about to leave, the priest called out, “Please give this bag to the gentleman standing there.add He forgot it inside.” Rangan took the bag and turned around. To his astonishment, the man standing there was none other than Nathan—the same person he had met eleven years ago, in the same temple. Nathan was equally shocked. “What a strange coincidence!” he exclaimed. “But where is your better half?” With a heavy heart, Rangan replied, “She passed away in an accident.” Nathan paused, his eyes filling with emotion. “My wife met with an accident two months ago. She is still recovering in the hospital. I suddenly felt an urge to come here and pray.” Rangan gently smiled and said, “I still remember what my wife once said—that this temple would bring things back to normal. I am sure your wife will recover soon.” Just then, the temple bell rang loudly, echoing through the halls—leaving both men standing silently, feeling the unseen presence of Lord Ranganatha and the mysterious ways life connects souls. K.Ragavan 28-1-26