Pandalam king, Rajasekara, went for hunting in the forest adjoining the banks of River Pampa, along with his men. He started hunting courageously in the dense forest which was a sanctuary for many wild animals. After that hunting was over, Rajasekara advised his men to take rest and sat there entertaining himself with the sight of the natural greenish beauty and the waterfalls, of the forest. At that time, he heard a child crying from somewhere in the forest. Surprised, he went round and reached the banks of River Pampa. There he saw a beautiful and divine child, Ayyappa, kicking his legs and crying out, and was in a dilemma whether to take the child to the Palace or leave it there itself. While the King was engrossed in his thoughts, a saint appeared before him and told the King that he need not be afraid of the child and take him to the Palace. The saint further stated that when the child completes twelve years, the King would know his divine history. After uttering these words, the saint disappeared.
Rajasekara was very joyous and he took the child to his Palace and briefed the Queen about the incident. The King and the Queen, having prayed to Lord Shiva for a child, were very happy that they had been blessed with a child. The people also felt happy that a heir to inherit the Kingdom after the King has been found. When the Ayyappa, named Manikanta, began to grow in the Palace, everything began to prosper in kingdom. He was taught all martial arts and vedas and the Guru was surprised at his brilliance and agility and the extraordinary talents. The Guru came to the conclusion that he was not an ordinary child, but a divine power.
After completing his education under the Guru, Manikanta approached the Guru to offer his Guru Dakshina. When Manikanta went to his Guru for his blessings, the Guru told him that he already knew that he was a divine power and he was blessed for having been given an opportunity to have Manikandan as a student. The Guru further told Manikandan that he had one request to make that his only son who was dumb should be given speech. Manikanta called the Guru's son and put his hands on his head and immediately Guru's son had his speech. Manikana requested the Guru not to reveal this to anyone and went to the Palace.
