The emperor of the Cholas sought to visit the Srirangam Gopuram temple, of which he had heard much. He got his chariot ready and moved forward many times in six months; but every time a recluse in ochre robes with a rosary around his neck and a halo around his head intercepted the vehicle. When the emperor alighted to honour him, he kept him engaged in conversation which was so enchanting that he forgot his journey and its goal. One day, when he lamented over his failure to fill his eyes with the glory of Srirangam, the Lord appeared before him and said: "Why do you lament? I am the Master who came to you so often as soon as you set out for Srirangam; recognise Me in all, that is the genuine pilgrimage to Srirangam." Consider all whom you meet as the Lord of Srirangam, your Master. Show untarnished Prema (love) towards all who come to you.

- Divine Discourse, Jan 14, 1967.