And because he lets the boy go, he earns merit and is cured of his human-flesh eating yearnings

Kaisika Dwadashi, the 12th day of the waxing moon after Diwali , is celebrated in many Vishnu temples of South India. During this time, people are encouraged to visit the temple and hear the story from Varaha Purana of Nampaduvan, a “low” caste singer who was caught by a cannibalistic demon known as Brahma-Rakshasa.

Nampaduvan begged the demon to spare his life so that he could go to the temple, promising to return after worshipping the deity. The demon decided to take the risk, and true to his word, Nampaduvan returned after completing the temple rituals. Impressed, the Brahma-rakshasa said, “Rather than eating you, I would rather receive the merits of your visit to the temple.” Nampaduvan

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