Ananthalvan and his wife were digging the lake for the nandavanam. She was near her time, yet she carried basket-loads of earth. The Lord of the Hill could not bear her strain. He came as a young brahmachari, jewelled and soft-limbed, and offered to take the spade.
Ananthalvan refused. “You are born delicate. This kainkarya is mine. Interfere, and I will hit you with this spade.” The youth waited, then took the basket from the lady on the path so she returned too soon. When Ananthalvan learned why, he ran with the crowbar. The boy hid in a banyan, came down on a false promise of mercy, and fled into the temple, shutting the door.
At evening pūjā the priests opened the garbhagṛha. There was no boy. From the beautiful chin of Srinivasa, blood was flowing. The Lord said, “I wanted to share your service. You would not let me.” Ananthalvan applied herbs and camphor. The bleeding stopped.
The crowbar still hangs at the right of the main entrance. Pacchaikarpuram is applied to the chin to this day and given as śrīpādarēṇu. The Lord gave Ananthalvan the śeṣavastra, a diamond ring, and golden earrings as honours.