Sripadarenu
A portion of the paste of the refined camphor mixed with civet oil called Sripadarenu is distributed to the hereditary persons doing service. The practice of pressing camphor on the chin of the Lord is related to a tradition.
A bhakta stated to be Anantalvar, a disciple of Ramanuja, undertook to excavate the tank, now known as Alvar tank, together with his wife. He observed a young person moving only small clods of earth, and being angry, he struck at his chin.
When later he went to the temple to worship, he found blood oozing from the Lord’s chin, felt remorse for his needless act, brought some drugs and applied them to the Lord’s chin. It is because of this that refined camphor is now said to be pressed to the Lord’s chin after his ablution on Friday.
Sripadarenu is well kneaded by hand by the Jiyangar and is divided according to hierarchy. A small quantity is also given to the pilgrims, called kainidi i.e., what is left in the hands as prasadam.
