Once Kanchipurna, a famous saint met Ramanuja and at the sight of Kanchipurna, Ramanuja’s joy knew no bounds. He got up and, offering him a seat, said, ‘Your coming here to-day is due to my good fortune. Boundless is the grace of Lord Varadaraja (God). Finding this ignorant boy of His, lost and wandering helplessly in this forest of Samsara (Cycle of Birth and Death), He has sent you as my guide. I can now enjoy the cool shade of the great sandal tree since you are here. You are my Guru; do accept me as your disciple.’

 ‘Ramanuja, my child,’ said Kanchipurna, on hearing this, ‘I am a Sudra (low caste), and what is worse, an ignorant man. You are a Brahmana and a great scholar. True, I am old in years, but you are old in wisdom. Not being versed in the Sastras, I am passing my life in the service of Sri Varadaraja. I am your servant; you are my Guru.’

 ‘Sir, you alone are really wise,’ Ramanuja replied. ‘If the knowledge of the Sastras only brings about pride of erudition instead of devotion to God, then it is false knowledge; better is ignorance than this. You have verily tasted the real essence of the Sastras; other scholars merely carry the burden, like the ass that carries the load of sandalwood. Please do not forsake me; I take refuge at your feet.’ So saying, Ramanuja suddenly fell at his feet and began to weep. 

Kanchipurna instantly raised him up from the ground and, embracing him in deep love, said, ‘My child, I am blessed to-day by seeing your devotion to God. Very soon will Lord Varadaraja (God) fulfil your desire.’