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# New Floods

"Ponniyin Selvan"

of Kalki Krishnamurthy

English Translation

by Indra Neelameggham

Part IA New Floods (chapters 1 – 30)

Edited by Nelson Rajkamal 2013

Translated 1990

By

Indra Neelameggham

Salt Lake City, Utah.

With much thanks to

R.Neelameggham and

Elizabeth Ramadorai

for editing help.

Translation Copyright Indra Neelameggham

A Guide To Pronouncing

More or less phonetic spelling is used for proper names, place names and literary works. Tamil words are used

when inevitable. English spelling for place names use the more popular anglicized version -- Tanjore instead of

Tanjavur -- when applicable.

The letters zl are used to denote the Tamil alphabet/sound . There is no known way to symbolize this in

English. Thus the name `Cho a' is written as Chozla. It can be pronounced with the Z silent as in Chola, Paluvoor

etc.

(For further details on Chozla history of this period, refer to Colas by Prof K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Madras University Historical

Series 9, 1955, reprinted 1984, University of Madras, India.)
Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan

Part I -- New Floods [Part A]

##

Chapter

1 Aadi Festival

2 Azlvar-adiyan Nambi

3 Vinnagara Temple

4 Kadamboor Fort

5 The Gypsy Dance

6 Midnight Meeting

7 Laughter And Hatred

8 Who Is In The Palanquin?

9 Wayside Chitchat

10 The Astrologer of Kudanthai

11 Sudden Entry

12 Nandini

13 The Waxing Moon

14 A Crocodile On The River Bank

15 Vanathi's Tricks

16 Arulmozli Varma

17 The Horse Galloped

18 Idumban Kari

19 Battlefield And Forest

20 The First Enemy

21 The Curtains Parted

22 Velaikara Battalion Of Velirs

23 Amudan's Mother

24 A Cuckoo And A Crow

25 Inside The Fort

26 Danger! Danger!

27 Court Poets

28 Iron Grip

29 "Our Guest"

30 Art Gallery  

#

### Chapter 1 -- Aadi Festival

_**  
**_

_**We welcome our readers to get into the boat of**_

imagination and go sailing down the flood of sourceless,

endless time. Let us travel a century for every second and

quickly reach the times of a thousand years before the

present.

In the southern end of Thirumunaipadi, which lies in

between the Thondai Kingdom and the Chozla Kingdom,

about two leagues far to the west of Thillai Chittrambalam,

(Chidambaram Town) there spreads an ocean-like

reservoir. It is known as Veera Narayana Lake. It is about

a league and a half long north to south and about half a

league wide east to west. Time has twisted its name: for

these days the reservoir is known as Veeraanatthu Lake.

In the windy months of Aadi-Aavani (August), when new

floods fill the reservoir to almost overflow, anyone who

looks at the Veera Narayana lake will surely recall with

pride and astonishment the splendid deeds of our ancestors

in Tamil Nadu. Did those ancients do things merely for the

welfare of themselves and the people of their own times?

... They fulfilled tasks that would benefit thousands of

future generations in their sacred motherland.

On the 18th day of the month of Aadi, in the early hours of

the evening, a young warrior, mounted on a horse, was

riding down the banks of this ocean-like Veera Narayana

Lake. He belonged to the Vaanar clan which is famous in

the history of the gallant Tamils.

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan was his name. Having

travelled a long distance and being worn and weary, his

horse was walking along rather slowly. The young cavalier

did not seem concerned about this. The sprawling reservoir

had so enchanted his heart!

It was common for rivers of the Chozla Kingdom to run

with flood waters touching both banks during the Aadi

month festival of Padhinettam Perukku. The lakes fed by

these rivers would also be filled to capacity, with waves

jostling and colliding upon their embankments. Waters

from the river called North Cauvery by the devout, but

commonly known as Kollidam, rushed into the Veera

Narayana Lake, through the Vadavaru stream and made it

a turbulent sea.

Seventy four floodgates on the lake distributed the bounty

via aqueducts to distant tracts of the country side. With

these irrigation waters from the lake, activities such as

ploughing, sowing and seed transplanting were being

carried out as far as the eye could see.

Here and there, the song of farmers who were ploughing

and women who were transplanting created a pleasant and

joyous music. Listening to all this, Vandiya Devan was

riding quite slowly, without prodding his tired horse. As

soon as he had climbed the embankment, he had started

counting the floodgates with the intention of finding out if

popular claims, which declared the lake to have seventyfour

floodgates, were true! After having come about one

and a half leagues along the bank, he had counted seventy

gates.

Aha! How huge is this lake? How wide and how long? Can

we not say that the tanks built by the great Pallava

monarchs in the Thondai Kingdom are mere ponds and

pools compared with this immense reservoir? Did not

Prince Raja-aditya son of King Paranthaka who conquered

Madurai, think of building this great tank to conserve the

waters of the North Cauvery which were going wastefully

into the sea? And did he not execute his thinking into

action? How great a genius he must have been! Who can

we compare to his brave nobility! During the battle at

Takkolam, did he not, riding an elephant go to the

forefront and single handed, enter combat? And in the

course of that confrontation did he not receive enemy

spears on his chest and give up his very life? And because

of it did he not get the title Deva who reposed atop the

elephant as he departed for the heavens meant for the

brave? These kings of the Chozla Dynasty are remarkable!

They were just as just as they were brave! And as in justice

they excelled in the veneration of their Gods.

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan's shoulders swelled with

pride when he thought of his good fortune in having

received the friendship of a Chozla prince of such a

dynasty. Just like the waves that dashed against the banks

of the lake because of the swift western breeze, his heart

too bubbled with gratification and pride. Thinking all such

thoughts Vandiya Devan reached the southern end of

Veera Narayana Lake.

There he could view the panorama of the Vadavaru stream

separating from the North Cauvery and falling into the

lake. For a short distance inside the embankment, the lake

shore was silted forming a sandy beach. A number of

casuarina trees and wood-apple trees had been planted on

the beach so that rising flood waters would not destroy the

embankment. Nanal reeds had grown thickly along the

water's edge. From a distance, the scenic view of the

rushing waters from the tree lined North River merging

into the lake in the south-west, seemed like a colorful,

newly created painting. Vandiya Devan saw a few other

things that increased the pleasing joyousness of this

enchanting scene. Was it not the day of the Aadi Festival?

Crowds of people from nearby villages, dragging their

carts covered with canopies of sandal-colored, supple

coconut-leaves, were coming there. Men, women, children

and even several elderly folks all wearing new clothes and

vividly dressed in various ways had come. Bunches of

fragrant flowers, such as the hearts of country cactus,

chrysanthemum, jasmine, gardenia, champaka and

iruvatchi decorated the braids of women.

Several had come with families bringing stewed rice and

fancy picnic foods. Some stood by the water's edge and ate

their picnic rice-dishes from platters of plantain-flower

petals. Others, more brave, had ventured further into the

water to cross over to the bank of the Vadavaru. Some

children threw the platters from which they had eaten into

the floodgates and clapped their hands with laughter to see

the petals float through the gates to be rushed onto the

canals. Some mischievous young men plucked the flowers

off the heads of their loved ones and threw them into the

water, merely to see them being cast upon the shore.

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan stood there watching all this

for a while. He listened with an eager ear when some of

the girls with pleasant voices sang. They sang traditional

boat-songs and flood-songs as well as folk songs like

Kummi and Sindhu.

Come, oh ye young maidens,

Look at the North river bubbling by!

Come watch, oh ye friends,

Look at the White river rushing by!

Come, oh come all ye girls,

To look at the Cauvery tumbling by!

Such flood-songs pleasingly flooded the ears of Vandiya

Devan. Others sang ballads about the bravery and fame of

Chozla kings. Some girls sang of Vijayala Chozla who had

fought in thirty-two battles and had worn his ninety-six

body wounds like ornaments. Others sang acclaiming the

bravery of his son, Aditya Chozla, and how he constructed

sixty-four Shiva temples all along the Cauvery - from

where it rose till it mingled into the sea. One girl sang the

fame of King Aditya's son, Paranthaka Chozla, who had

not only conquered the Pandiya, Pallava and Chera kings

but had also sent an army to Lanka to hoist his victory flag.

When each girl sang, several people stood around her

listening with rapt attention. They applauded with loud

shouts of "Ah, ah" and expressed their happiness!

An elderly woman noticed Vandiya Devan who was sitting

on his horse and listening to all this. "Thambi! You seem

to have come from a long distance; you are tired! Come

down from your horse to eat this stewed rice," she said.

Immediately several young girls noticed our youthful

traveller. They whispered amongst themselves about his

appearance and laughed merrily. Vandiya Devan was

overcome by a certain mortification on one side and

delight on the other. For a moment he considered

dismounting and eating the food offered by the old

woman. If he did so, the young maids would surely gather

around to tease and laugh.

So what? Is it easy to behold so many beautiful maidens in

one place? Even their laughter and teasing would be

heavenly music. In Vandiya Devan's eyes all those girls on

the lake shore appeared like the heavenly nymphs Ramba

and Menaka!

At the same time he noticed something towards the southwest

along the flow of River Vadavaru and hesitated.

About seven or eight large boats with white, spreading

sails filled with the breeze were coming swiftly like white

swans floating with wide-spread wings.

All the people engaged in various merriments turned to

avidly look in the direction from which the boats were

coming. One of the boats came forward more swiftly and

reached the lake shore where the embankment turned west.

Several well-built footmen carrying sharp & shiny spears

were in that boat. Some of them jumped on to the lake

shore and started shoving the people with shouts of "Go!

Move!" Before being pushed around too much, the people

picked up their containers and belongings and quickly

started climbing upon the bank. Vandiya Devan could not

understand any of this. Who were these men? Who were

coming in the sailboats behind them? Where were they

coming from? Perhaps they belonged to the royal

household?

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan approached an elderly man

leaning upon his cane by the bank. "Sir, whose men are

these? And whose boats are those coming behind like a

school of swans? Why are these footmen chasing away the

people? And why are the people hurrying away?" came his

questions, one upon the other.

"Thambi! Do you not know? There is a flag flying in the

middle of those sailboats. See what is embossed on it!"

said the elder.

"Seems like a palm tree."

"It is a palm tree! Don't you know that the palmtree-flag

belongs to the Lord of Pazluvoor?"

"Is it the great warrior, Lord Pazluvoor, who is coming?"

asked Vandiya Devan in a startled voice.

"It must be so. Who else could raise the palmtree-flag and

come?" said the elderly man.

Vandiya Devan's eyes opened wide with immeasurable

surprise as he looked towards the boats. Vallavarayan

Vandiya Devan had heard much about Lord Pazluvoor.

But, who would not have heard about them? The names of

the brothers - The Elder Lord Pazluvoor and The Younger

Lord Pazluvoor -- were renowned from Lanka in the south

to the Kalinga Kingdom in the north. Pazluvoor, situated

on the northern banks of the Cauvery near the city of

Uraiyoor was their capital. Even from the times of

Vijayala Chozla, the Pazluvoor Family had won heroic

fame. They had a lot of give and take with the royal family

of the Chozlas. Because of this and also because of their

nobility, bravery and fame the Pazluvoor clan had all the

distinguishing characters of a royal family. They also had

the right to carry their own pennant.

The elder of the present Lords of Pazluvoor had fought in

twenty-four campaigns. During his times he had won

acclaim as having no equal in war in the Chozla Kingdom.

Since he had now crossed the age of fifty, he no longer

entered the battlefield directly. Nevertheless, he now held

several eminent positions in the government of the

Chozlas. In the Chozla Empire, he was the head of finance;

head of food supply. He had the authority to levy taxes

according to political needs. He had the right to call upon

any princeling, nobleman or squire and order them thus:

"This year you shall pay this much tribute" and the powers

to implement such orders. Therefore, next to Emperor

Sundara Chozla he was the most powerful man in the

Chozla Kingdom.

Vandiya Devan's heart brimmed with an eagerness to meet

this powerful, illustrious and noble Lord of Pazluvoor. At

the same time he recalled the words uttered in privacy by

Prince Aditya Karikala, at the new Golden Palace in

Kanchi City.

"Vandiya Deva, I know you to be a brave man. At the

same time I trust you to be intelligent and give you this

immense responsibility. Of the two letters I have given

you, deliver one to my father the Emperor and the other to

my sister the Younger Pirati. (Pirati is the term used to

refer to princesses of the ruling house.) I hear all sorts of

rumors about even the senior officials of the kingdom in

Tanjore. Therefore, the contents of my letters should not

become known to anyone. Even the most eminent persons

should not realize that you are carrying letters from me. Do

not get into quarrels with anyone on the way. You should

not merely avoid conflicts of your seeking; but also not be

involved in disputes thrust upon you. I very well know

about your courage. You have proved it several times.

Therefore, there shall be no loss of valor in escaping from

duels forced upon you. Most important, you should be

particularly careful about the Lords of Pazluvoor and also

my Young Uncle Madurandaka. I do not wish them to

know even who you are! They should definitely not know

why you are going!"

The Crown Prince of the Chozla Empire and the

Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Armies, Prince

Aditya Karikala had told him all this. The Prince had

repeatedly advised Vandiya Devan about how he should

behave. Since he recalled all this, Vandiya Devan

suppressed his desire to meet Lord Pazluvoor. He whipped

his horse to move on quickly. In spite of the prodding, his

tired horse merely plodded ahead. Having decided to spend

the night at the Kadamboor fortress of the noble

Sambuvaraya, he resolved to procure a better horse before

resuming his journey the next morning.

*****

## Chapter 2 -- Azlvar-adiyan Nambi

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan rode down the embankment

and turned his horse towards the southern path; his heart

danced with joy: like those sailboats skipping across the

waves. The excitement buried deep in his heart seemed to

erupt outward. His intuition said that he was going to meet

adventures experienced by none in one lifetime.

What joyous delight even as I approach the Chozla

Kingdom! What wonders will the fertile, bountiful land

beyond Kollidam hold? How would the men and women

of that country behave? How many rivers? How many

reservoirs? How many clear streams? How wondrous

would be the river Ponni (Cauvery) praised in song and

epic? How enchanting would be the flower laden punnai,

konnai and kadamba trees on its banks? Would not the

wink of the lily and the blue-lotus or the blossoming

welcome of a red-lotus be a pleasant sight? How

magnificent would be the spectacular temples erected by

these devout Chozlas along both banks of the Cauvery?

Aha! Pazlayarai! Capital city of Chozlas! Pazlayarai that

turned Poompuhar and Uraiyoor into small country towns!

What of its palaces, towering columns, armaments, guard

houses, busy markets, Shiva temples of granite and

towering Vishnu temples?

Vandiya Devan had heard about the captivating devotional

poems - Thevaram & Thiru-vaaimozli - sung by music

experts in those temples. He was soon to have the fortune

of hearing them. That was not just it -- he was soon to

attain favors beyond his wildest dreams. He was to

personally meet Emperor Paranthaka Sundara Chozla, who

was comparable to the God Velan in valor; who was as

handsome as Manmatha the God of Love. Furthermore, he

was soon to meet the Emperor's beloved daughter, an

incomparable jewel among women, the Younger Pirati

Kundavai!

Hopefully there would be no interruptions along the way.

So what if there are obstacles? I have a spear in hand, a

sword at my waist, armor on my chest and courage in my

heart. But the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, my

Prince, are strict: do not enter into any skirmish until the

assigned task is completed. It is pretty trying to obey that

order! I have followed it thus far in my travels. A mere

two-day journey remains. I must be patient until then.

Travelling with the intention of reaching Kadamboor Fort

before sunset, Vandiya Devan soon reached the Vaishnava

temple in the town of Veera-narayana-puram. Since it was

the day of the Aadi Festival, a large crowd of people had

gathered in the woods and glades around the temple.

Vendors selling jack-fruit, banana, sugar-cane and various

other edibles had set up shops. Others sold flowers such as

lotus buds for worship of the Gods as well as blooms to

decorate the braids of women. Mounds of tender coconuts,

myrrh, candy, jaggery, betel leaves, pressed rice and

puffed grain were on display for sale. Fun-games and other

amusements were in progress here and there. Astrologers,

expert palm readers, soothsayers and magicians who cured

poison-bites: of these there was no dearth. Amidst all this

Vandiya Devan noticed a large gathering standing on one

side and he heard loud noises of argument among people

in its middle. An immense urge rose in him to find out

what the argument was about. He could not control it!

Stopping his horse by the roadside near the crowd, he

dismounted. Signaling the horse to wait, he parted the

crowd and walked right in.

It surprised him to find only three persons involved in the

debate. Even though they were merely three men, the

crowd around them periodically cheered their chosen

favorites rather loudly. Vandiya Devan realized the cause

for this commotion and watched to find out the reason for

the argument.

One of the debaters seemed to be an exceptional follower

of the Vaishnava faith: he wore the sandal-paste namam

markings of the sect all over his body; he had styled his

hair into a topknot on his forehead. A short staff was in his

hand; his short, squat frame seemed quite strong.

The other was a follower of Shiva, wearing broad ashen

marks on his devout body.

The third wore ocher robes and had completely shaved all

the hair off his head. He was neither a Vaishnava nor a

Saiva: he seemed to be an Advaita philosopher beyond any

sect.

The Saiva devotee was saying, "Oh you Azlvar-adiyan

Nambi! Give me an answer to this! Did not Brahma try to

find Shiva's head and Vishnu search for His feet? Unable

to see neither head nor foot did not both seek the sanctuary

of Lord Shiva's auspicious feet? That being so, how can

your Thirumal Vishnu be a greater God than Lord Shiva?"

Hearing this Azlvar-adiyan pounded his staff saying, "Well

fella! You fanatic Saiva dust-worshiping priest! Stop your

nonsense. Recall that your Shiva gave boons to the tenheaded

Ravana, King of Lanka. Did not all those boons

turn to sawdust when confronted by Sri Rama, an

incarnation of our Thirumal Vishnu? When that is so, how

can your Shiva be a greater God than our Thirumal?"

At this the ocher-clad monk who believed in the Onesupreme

Being, intervened to say, "Why do you both argue

wastefully? There is no end to your arguments about Shiva

being a bigger God or Vishnu being greater. Only while

you are involved in these pagan rituals of devotion will

you quarrel about Shiva and Vishnu. The path of

Knowledge is greater than devotion. Then there is the state

of Absolute Knowing, beyond even Knowledge. When you

reach that state there is no Shiva and no Vishnu. All

existence is the Supreme Being. Do you know what Sri

Sankara the Teacher says in his dissertation on the

scriptures ...."

At this point Azlvar-adiyan Nambi interrupted, "Stop it

you fellow! Do you know what your Sankara who wrote

all those explanations for the Upanishads, the Bhagavat

Gita and other scriptures finally say?

Sing of Govinda, Sing of Govinda,

Sing of Govinda, Oh foolish mind!

He said it three times! It is to dumbheads like you that he

refers when he mentions foolish minds." The crowd

responded to this with thunderous clapping, mocking

laughter and loud cheers of "Aha, oho".

The monk did not stay quiet. "Hey you with the topknot on

the forehead! It is correct that you refer to me as a foolish

mind. You hold an ordinary wood-staff in your hands; you

are surely a wood-brained wastrel. It is surely because of

my foolish mind that I have come to talk with a wastrel

like you."

"Oh Sir! This is not an ordinary wood-staff. If need be it

has the power to break open your shaven head," and saying

this Nambi raised his staff as the crowd cheered him.

The Philosopher interrupted. "Dear fellow! Stop it! Keep

the staff in your own hands. I shall not be angry even if

you hit me with your stick. Neither will I dispute with you.

That which hits is Supreme! That which is hit is also

Supreme! If you lay hands upon me it is like hitting your

own self!"

Upon hearing this Nambi announced, "All of you watch!

The Supreme is going to serve the Supreme a hallowed-hit.

I am going to hit myself with this staff," swirling his staff

he moved towards the monk.

Watching all this, Vandiya Devan wondered if he should

grab the staff from the fellow with the topknot on his

forehead and serve him a few smacks from it. However the

monk seemed to have suddenly disappeared. He mingled

into the crowd and vanished! At this the Vaishnava

supporters in the crowd cheered even louder.

Azlvar-adiyan turned towards the Saiva devotee, "You

foot-dust worshipper, what do you say? Will you continue

this debate or would you too run away like the monk?" he

said.

"Me? I shall never run away like that philosopher spouting

mere words. Did you think of me also as your Kannan

(Krishna)? Is not your Krishna the same fellow who

received beatings from the butter-churn because he stole

butter from the homes of milkmaids? ..." Before the Shiva

worshipper could finish, Nambi interrupted.

"Why sir? Did not your Shiva carry loads of dirt for the

sake of dry pudding and get beaten on his back? Have you

forgotten that?" Swirling his staff he approached closer.

Azlvar-adiyan was a stocky, well-built brute. The Shiva

devotee was an emaciated man. The cheering supporters in

the crowd were ready to enter the tussle. Vallavarayan

Vandiya Devan felt that he must stop this absurd rumpus.

He came forward and said, "Sirs why are you arguing? Do

you have nothing better to do? If you itch for a fight, why

not go to Lanka? There is a big war going on there."

Saying, "Who is this fellow trying to make peace?" Nambi

quickly turned towards him. Some people in the crowd

liked Vandiya Devan's fearless mein and charismatic face.

"Thambi! You tell them." They cheered, "Tell these

quarrel mongers the truth. We will support you."

"I will tell the facts I know. There seems to be no quarrel

between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu-Narayana. Those

two seem to be quite friendly and pleasant towards each

other. Then why are these two men arguing?" Hearing

these words of Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan the people

snickered.

The Shiva devotee commented "This boy seems to be

intelligent. But jovial words cannot end the argument. Let

him answer this question: is Lord Shiva a greater God than

Vishnu or is he not?"

"Shiva is a great God. So is Thirumal Vishnu. Both are

equal. Worship whomever you want. Why quarrel?" said

Vallavarayan.

"How can you say that? Where is the proof that Shiva and

Vishnu are equal?" chided Azlvar-adiyan.

"Proof? I will give you proof. Last night I had been to

Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu. At the same time Shiva

came visiting. Both were seated on equal thrones. They

seemed to be of equal height. Still, to avoid any doubt, I

measured their height with my arm ..."

"Young man! Are you mocking me?" roared Azlvaradiyan.

"Yes, Thambi yes. Tell us more!" applauded the crowd.

"Upon measuring them, I found both to be of exactly the

same height. Without stopping at that I asked both Shiva

and Thirumal directly. Do you know what they said? `Hari

and Shiva are one and the same. Those who don't know

this should have their mouths filled with dirt!' Saying it

they gave me this fistful of dirt to throw in the mouths of

the idiots who quarrel about it." Vandiya Devan opened his

fist to show a handful of dirt. He then threw it among

them. Upon this all hell broke loose. The men in the exited

crowd started picking up dirt and rubble and began

throwing it at each other. Azlvar-adiyan also entered the

fracas with shouts of "Idiots! Unbelievers!" and used his

staff. A great disturbance and commotion was about to

erupt. Luckily, a stentorian announcement thwarting all

this, was heard nearby.

"Best of warriors, bravest of the brave, he who destroyed

the very roots of the Pandiya army by attacking furiously,

he of the victorious spear, he who engaged in twenty-four

combats and wears sixty-four battle-wounds on his sacred

body, the Chozla Secretary for Finance and Food, the lord

who can levy taxes, The Elder Lord of Pazluvoor, is

announced. Make way! Make way!" A thundering voice

made the announcement.

The heralds who made these announcements came first.

Then came the drummers. Behind them came men carrying

the palmtree-flag. Next marched several smart footmen

bearing lances and spears. Behind all these men came a

dark, well-built man seated on a finely decorated elephant.

The sight of the warrior on the elephant looked like a dark

cloud resting atop a mountain peak. People stood on both

sides of the roadway and watched. Vandiya Devan guessed

that the man seated on the elephant was Lord Pazluvoor.

Behind the elephant came a palanquin with silken drapes

pulled close. Before he could wonder who could be inside,

Vallavarayan saw a fair hand full of bracelets and bangles

come out and slightly part the curtains. The dazzling face

of a girl could be seen inside the palanquin: like the moon

shining forth from behind a shifting cloud cover.

Though he was a connoisseur of the beauty of womankind,

though her captivating face seemed like the radiating full

moon, for some reason, Vandiya Devan was not happy to

see that face. An irrational fear and disgust took hold of

him. At the same time the woman's eyes focussed on

something near Vandiya Devan. The next instant the

horrified sound of a girl's scream was heard. The screens

pulled shut once again!

Vallavarayan looked around him. His intuition said that the

lady had screamed upon sighting something nearby. He

searched around again. Azlvar-adiyan was leaning back on

a tamarind tree just behind him. He saw that the fanatic

Vaishnava's face had turned undescribably horrible and

ugly. His heart filled with irrational surprise and revolt.

*****

### Chapter 3 -- Vinnagara Temple

Sometimes trivial incidents lead to events of great

significance. One such incident now occurred to

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan. Remember, he was standing

by the roadside to watch the procession of the Pazluvoor

Lord and his entourage? His horse stood a little away form

him.

Some of the men walking towards the end of the Pazluvoor

retinue sighted the horse. "Dear chap! Look at this mule!"

said one of them.

"Don't say mule. Say mare," corrected the other. "Set the

semantic research aside! First of all find out if it is a

donkey or a mule!" said a third man. "Let's check it out!"

said yet another as he approached the horse. He tried to

jump on its back, but the intelligent horse realized that this

was not its master; it refused to let him mount.

"Hey! This is a troublesome horse. It will not let me

mount! Perhaps only a prince of well established lineage

can ride it! Well then, Tanjore Muthuaraya will have to

come back!"

His friends laughed at this witticism. Tanjore Muthuaraya's

dynasty had vanished a hundred years ago! Now, a flag

bearing the tiger symbol of the Chozlas flew over Tanjore.

"The horse may think so. However, if you ask me I would

say that a fully alive Thandavaraya is better than a dead

Muthuaraya from Tanjore," said another undaunted man

named Thandavaraya.

"Thandavaraya, find out if this pesky horse that wont let

you come near is really a horse! Perhaps it is a dummy

dance-horse come in for the temple festival," said another

prankster.

"Ok, let's examine it," saying this Thandavaraya twisted

the horse's tail. The proud horse kicked its hind legs

several times and began running amok. "Hey, the mule is

running away! It really is a mare!" shouted the man and

with cries of "Ooi, ooi," they began to chase the horse even

further.

The horse began running helter skelter amidst the festive

crowd. People trying to avoid its hooves moved away in a

hurry. Even so, some of them were kicked down. The

horse ran wild. All this happened within a few seconds

right in front of Vandiya Devan. From the expression on

Vallavarayan's face, Azlvar-adiyan, the Vaishnava,

surmised it to be his horse.

"Thambi, did you see the work of those Pazluvoor brutes?

What happened to the boldness that you showed in front of

me? Could you not show your valor against them?" he

pointed out.

Vandiya Devan felt a piercing outrage. Yet, he grit his

teeth and remained patient. The Pazluvoor men were a

large group. There was no point in confronting the whole

lot. Neither did those men wait for him to pick a fight.

Laughing over their pranks with the horse they had quickly

marched ahead.

Vandiya Devan started walking in the direction in which

the horse had gone. He knew that his horse would run for a

while and then stop. So he did not worry about it. He felt

that one day he should settle the score with those arrogant

men of Pazluvoor and the idea became firmly etched in his

mind.

His horse stood in a clearing beyond the tamarind grove,

wearing a saddened expression. As he approached it, the

horse neighed; the speechless creature seemed to say,

"Why did you part from me and subject me to these

travails?" He quietened the horse by patting its back and

then led it back towards the road.

Several persons of the festive crowd asked, "Thambi why

did you bring this unruly horse here? See how it has kicked

us?" Others pacified them with words like "What will this

young man do? What could the horse have done? We have

to blame those Pazluvoor rogues for this mishap."

Azlvar-adiyan waited at the roadside. Vandiya Devan

frowned. What nuisance is this... It seems as if this fellow

will not let go.

"Thambi, which way are you going?" asked Azlvar-adiyan.

"Me? I plan to go a little ways west and then a bit to the

south; then go around east to travel southwest."

"I am not asking all that. I meant, where do you plan to

stay tonight?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Perhaps, if you were planning to stay at the fort of

Kadamboor Sambuvaraya, I have an assignment to be done

there ..."

"What! Do you know magic or witchcraft? How did you

know that I was going to Kadamboor Palace?" asked

Vandiya Devan.

"What is so surprising about it? Tonight, several

dignitaries from various places are going there. Lord

Pazluvoor and his retainers are also going there."

"Is that true?" said a surprised Vandiya Devan.

"Yes, it is true. The elephant, the horses, liveried footmen

and other honors were from Kadamboor. They came to

receive Lord Pazluvoor; all such protocols are always

observed wherever he goes."

Vandiya Devan became thoughtful. The opportunity to

stay in the same lodgings as Lord Pazluvoor was not easy

to come by. He may even chance to make the acquaintance

of that esteemed warrior. However, the experience with the

unruly retainers of the Lord still rankled bitterly.

Azlvar-adiyan interrupted these thoughts in a begging

voice, "Thambi, will you do me a favor?"

"How can I help you? I am new to these parts."

"It is a task that is possible for you. Take me along to

Kadamboor Fort tonight."

"Why? Is some fanatic Saiva coming there? Are you going

to debate about the greatness of Shiva and Thirumal to

conclude who is the greater God?"

"No. No. Did you think that getting into arguments was my

only occupation? Tonight there will be a lavish banquet at

Kadamboor. After the feasting there would be several

entertainments: music, pantomimes, miracle plays, gypsy

dancers and mystic oracles. I wish to see the gypsy dance

and hear the oracle."

"Even then, how can I take you along?"

"Say that I am your servant."

Vandiya Devan felt that his earlier doubts were confirmed.

"Find someone else for such deception and fraud. I do not

need a servant like you. Anyway no one will believe it;

from what you say, I doubt if they would even let me into

the fort tonight."

"Aha! That means you are not going to Kadamboor upon

invitation!"

"Well, I have an invitation of sorts. Kandamaran, the son

of Lord Sambuvaraya, is my close friend. He has invited

me several times to come and stay at his palace if I come

to these parts."

"Is that all! Then even your situation is kind of doubtful

tonight!"

Both kept walking onwards, silently, for a while. "Why are

you still following me?" asked Vandiya Devan.

"I was about to ask you the same question. why are you

following me? Why don't you go your own way?"

"Well it is because of not knowing which way to go.

Where are you going? Perhaps to Kadamboor?"

"No. You said you cannot take me there. I am going to the

Vinnagara temple."

"To the presence of the deity Veera-narayana-perumal?"

"Yes."

"I too would like to go to that temple and worship that

perumal."

"I thought that you would perhaps not come to a Vishnu

temple. It is a temple that should be seen; a deity worthy to

behold. The priest Eshwara Munigal offers services at the

temple. He is a venerable man."

"I too have heard this. But, it is very crowded. Is there

some special celebration at the temple today?"

"Yes, today is the day of the Saint Andal. It is also the

Aadi Festival of Padhinettam Perukku. All these festivities

are because of this. Thambi, have you heard any of the

invocative poems of Andal?"

"I have not heard any."

"Don't. Don't ever listen to her poems!"

"Why this hatred?"

"It is not hatred. Nor is it enmity. It is for your benefit that

I say it. If you ever happen to hear any of the melodious

psalms of Andal, you will drop your swords and spears;

like me, you too will fall in love with Kannan and start

upon a pilgrimage to all the Vishnu temples."

"Do you know any of these psalms of Andal? Can you sing

them?"

"I know some. I also know some of the poems of

Nammazlvar who translated the Vedas (scriptures) into

Tamil. I am going to sing some of them at the shrine. If

you wish, you can listen. Here comes the temple." By now

they had reached the Vinnagara temple.

Paranthaka Chozla I, a grandson of Vijayala Chozla, had

won the title Conqueror of Madurai and Lanka. He was the

monarch who established the foundations of the Chozla

Empire. He achieved historical fame because he covered

the roof of the temple at Chidambaram with gold. Besides

titles like Jewel among Chozlas, Greatest of Warriors, he

also had the honored name of Veera Narayana.

During Paranthaka's times, the Rashtrakutas in the north

were powerful monarchs. He expected them to come from

Manyaketa (roughly present day Maharashtra) and invade

the territories of the Tamils. Therefore he stationed a huge

army, led by his eldest son Prince Raja-aditya, in the

Thirumunaipadi Territories north of the Cauvery.

Prince Raja-aditya had a brilliant idea while his large

numbers of soldiers waited in idleness, with nothing to do.

Using them he wished to fulfil a major undertaking for the

benefit of the population. Enormous quantities of flood

waters flowing in the Kollidam river were going

wastefully into the sea. Wishing to make use of these

waters, he made his soldiers build a huge, spreading

reservoir. In honor of his distinguished father he named it

the Veera Narayana Lake. He then established the town of

Veera-narayana-puram on its shores and also built a

Vinnagara temple.

The Sanskrit term Vishnu Griha meaning Abode of

Vishnu, became Vinnagara in Tamil. Does not Sri

Narayana, i.e., Vishnu recline upon the primeval waters in

sublime meditation? Therefore, it was customary in those

days to build Vinnagaras on lake shores so that the deity

would protect the reservoir. Therefore, the Prince

constructed a temple for Veera-Narayana at Veeranarayana-

puram.

It was to this temple that Vandiya Devan went in Azlvaradiyan's

company. At the sanctum sanctorium Azlvaradiyan

began singing. He sang a few devotional poems by

Andal. He then sang a few verses of Nammazlvar:

Praise, praise,praise the Lord,

Gone is the curse of this wretched life;

There is nothing left here for Lord Yama,

Who created the hells of despair and death;

These creatures of the ocean-colored Lord,

Reckoned on this earth, the sorrows of these times;

See, they have come to worship him,

Serve him with dance and song;

We saw, we saw, we saw,

We saw things pleasing to the eye;

Come, Come all ye worshippers!

Come adore him, come here to salvation;

Follow the path of these souls dear to Lord Madhava,

Live on this earth with dance and song of his glory.

When Azlvar-adiyan sang these songs, tears overflowed

from his eyes and streamed down his cheeks. Vandiya

Devan listened attentively. Though tears did not stream

from his eyes, he was very moved. His biased opinions

about Azlvar-adiyan were somewhat transformed. This

fellow is very devout, he thought.

Several others listened to the songs with interest. The

temple trustees came to listen. The priest Eshwara Munigal

heard them with tear laden eyes. The priest's son, a mere

child, stood nearby and listened with rapt attention.

Azlvar-adiyan sang ten such poems and then stopped with

these words:

These be merely parts

Of Thennan Gurukoor Maran Sadagopan's

Devotional compositions

numbering one-thousand and twenty

which would melt any devout heart.

The priest's son whispered something into his fathers ears.

Wiping his tear-laden eyes the priest came forward to ask,

"Sir, it is said that Gurukoor Sadagopa known as

Nammazlvar has sung more than thousand such poems. Do

you know them all?"

"I do not have that fortune. I know just a few of his tenliners,"

replied Azlvar-adiyan Nambi.

"I entreat you to teach this child all the songs you know,"

requested the priest.

In later years this town was to attain several honors. The

boy with the childish face shining with devotion would

grow up to be known as Nadamuni Adigal the foremost of

Vaishnava teachers. He would go to Gurukoor, the blessed

town from where Nammazlvar hailed; search and collect

all thousand poems; set them to music; sing them and

along with his disciples popularize those songs all over the

country. Alavandar who would be born as the grandson of

Nadamuni Adigal would perform several miracles.

Even the great Saint Sri Ramanuja himself would come to

visit this hallowed place of their birth. When he comes he

will be amazed by the Veera Narayana Lake and its

seventy-four irrigation-gates. He would wish to establish

seventy-four monastic seats to spread the holy word of

Lord Narayana's grace and benevolence to all the populace

in the same fashion that the reservoir distributed its

bountiful waters through seventy-four irrigation canals for

the welfare of the people. Later seventy four such

monastic-teaching-seats or pitams would be established.

Let us leave it to scholars to describe all these magnificent

happenings of Vaishnava history and return to our hero

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan.

When they came outside the temple after their worship,

Vandiya Devan said "Sir, Mr. Nambi! I did not realize that

you were such a devout and learned person. If I had

annoyed you with my impudence please forgive me."

"I forgive you Thambi. Say, will you now do me a favor?"

"Did I not say that I cannot help you on your request? Did

you also not agree?"

"This is something else. I will give you a small note. If you

stay at Kadamboor Fort, you must find an appropriate time

to give it to someone."

"To whom?"

"To the lady who was in the closed palanquin behind Lord

Pazluvoor's elephant."

"Mr. Nambi! Whom do you take me to be? Am I the

fellow for such activities? If anyone but you had uttered

such words to me ..."

"Thambi! Don't be agitated. If it is not possible you can let

it be. Go your way. However, if you help me in this matter,

my help might be useful to you at some later time. There is

no harm done. You can go."

After this Vandiya Devan did not tarry any longer. He

jumped on his horse and sent it galloping towards

Kadamboor.

*****

#### Chapter 4 -- Kadamboor Fort

The horse had by now rested well and become quite

energetic. Within a few hours it reached the gates of

Kadamboor. Lord Sengannan Sambuvaraya was an

important Chozla nobleman in those days. His castle gates

resembled the entrance of a large city-stronghold. The

towering walls on both sides of the gate curved around like

a fortress.

A number of elephants, horses, large bullocks as well as

grooms to hold, feed and water these animals stood near

the gates. Here and there men stood with flaming torches

to provide light; oil pourers were ready to add oil to the

lighted torches. Sighting all these bustling activities,

Vandiya Devan felt a bit dismayed and hesitant.

Something special seems to be taking place here; why have

I come here now ... At the same time he felt an

overpowering urge to find out what the special occasion

was. The fortress gates were wide open although men

holding long lances stood near the gates. They looked like

the messengers of Yama, the Lord of Death.

The dauntless youth decided that the best thing to do

would be to ride boldly and go in; any hesitation on his

part would alert the guards to stop him. He translated his

thoughts into action. But what a disappointment?! As soon

as the horse neared the gates, lances crossed in front to

obstruct the way and stop him. Four men came forward

and held onto the horse's reins. One of them peered at

Vandiya Devan. Another held up the flaming torch to light

his face.

With anger darkening his face, Vallavarayan Vandiya

Devan asked "Is this customary in your town? Stopping

guests at your gates ...?"

"Who are you? Impudent fellow. Where do you come

from?"

"Are you asking me my name and town? Thiruvallam in

the Vanakapadi Kingdom is my town. Once upon a time,

soldiers in your country were proud to tattoo the names of

my ancestors on their breasts. My name is Vallavarayan

Vandiya Devan! Do you know?"

"Why did you not bring a liveried herald to announce all

this?" said the gate-keeper. Others around him laughed.

"Whoever you are, you cannot enter! All the expected

guests have already arrived. The Master's orders are to not

let in anyone after that," said their leader.

Hearing this altercation, some footmen who were standing

nearby came closer. "Hey! Is this not the same mule that

we chased into the festival crowd?" said one of them.

"Donkey, not mule," corrected another. "Look at the

starched up fellow sitting on his donkey," added another.

Vallavarayan heard these words. He had been thinking,

why get involved? Perhaps I should go away quietly.

Maybe I should show the token bearing the seal of Prince

Aditya Karikala and then go in. When I have the signet of

the Prince, the Commander-in Chief of the Northern

Armies, none in the regions between River Pennar and

Cape Comorin can impede my way. It was in the midst of

these ponderings that he heard the mocking words of the

Pazluvoor lackeys. Immediately deciding his course of

action, he said "Let go of my horse. I am going back."

The gate-keepers let go of the reins. Vandiya Devan

employed both his legs to apply a sudden pressure to the

underbelly of his horse. At the same time he drew his

sword from its scabbard at his waist. The swirling sword

flashing like swift lightning in his hand appeared like God

Vishnu's spinning Chakra (discus). The horse galloped

forward into the fortress. The men in the way seemed to

suddenly fall down. Lances and spears were thrown apart,

clanging noisily. The horse flew amidst the gossiping men

of Pazluvoor. The totally unexpected, lightning attack

scattered the men in all four directions.

Several other actions took place immediately: The fortress

gates banged shut thunderingly. "Catch him! Hold!" shouts

arose; spears rubbed against swords making a "clang,

clang" noise. Suddenly the drums announcing danger,

boomed "dadam, dadadam". Several men -- maybe twenty,

thirty, fifty or even more -- surrounded Vandiya Devan

and his horse. He jumped down to the ground; swirling his

sword in all directions he shouted "Kandamara!

Kandamara! Your men are killing me!"

Hearing his words, the men were stunned into hesitation

and moved away a little.

At the same time a thundering voice was heard from the

upper balcony of the palace tower. "What is that noise out

there? Stop it!" Several persons were standing there,

looking down on the disturbance below.

"Master! Some fellow has broken our guard and entered

here. He is shouting the young master's name," replied the

gate-keeper. "Kandamara, go find out what the commotion

is about," said the thundering voice from the tower.

Vandiya Devan surmised the voice to be that of Lord

Sambuvaraya.

He and the men surrounding him waited for a while.

"What is all this about?" a young voice said. The men

parted to make way for a youth coming hurriedly. He

noticed Vandiya Devan who stood there twirling his

sword, like God Muruga after killing the Demon Soora.

"Vallava! Is it truly you?" he said in an emotional voice

and ran forward to heartily embrace his friend.

"Kandamara because you repeatedly insisted, I came to

your house. I received this warlike welcome here,"

Vallavarayan pointed to the men around him.

Kandamaran said to his men, "You idiots! Move aside.

Your brains are like budding shoots on a pounding block."

Kandamaran took hold of his friend's hand and led him

hastily into the castle. His feet did not stay put on earth;

and his heart danced with joy. What can captivate the heart

of a youth more than a true friendship from his youthful

days? Yes, of course there is a thing called kaadal (love).

But being in love has as much sadness and pain as joy and

pleasure. In the cheerful friendship of youth there is not

even a shadow of sadness. All is heart pleasing happiness.

"Kandamara, what is all this hustle and bustle about? What

is happening here today?" asked Vandiya Devan.

"Oh! I'll explain what's happening here afterwards.

Remember the days when you and I were at the army

garrison near the Pennar river? Remember your wishes

`We must meet Lord Pazluvoor, I must get the

acquaintance of the great Lord of Mazluvoor, I must meet

that one and this one'? That lord, this lord, every fellow -

you can meet them all here tonight," said Kandamaran.

He then took his friend up to the upper chambers where the

guests were seated. He presented him to his father Lord

Sambuvaraya and said "Father! I have mentioned several

times about my friend Vandiya Devan of the Vaanar Clan.

This is he." Vandiya Devan bowed and greeted him with

reverence. However, Lord Sambuvaraya did not seem too

happy about it.

"Is that so? Is he the fellow who created all that

disturbance at the palace gates below?" asked the father.

"He was not the cause for the disturbance. It's those idiots

we have for gate-keepers" said the son.

"Still, he need not have arrived in this sensational manner;

today of all days and that too hours after darkness," said

lord Sambuvaraya.

Kandamaran frowned. He did not wish to continue the

debate with his father. He led Vandiya Devan aside. He

presented his friend to Lord Pazluvoor, seated on a lofty

throne amidst the other guests, and said "Uncle! This is my

dear friend Vandiya Devan. He is from the noble Vaanar

clan. He and I were on guard duty at the army base north

of the Pennar river. In those days he would often express a

wish to `See and meet the bravest among warriors, the

great Lord of Pazluvoor' and would often ask `Is it really

true that he has sixty-four war-wounds on his body?' I

would tell him `One day you can meet him and count

them'."

"Is that so Thambi? Will you not believe it unless you

personally count them? Such distrust? You suspect that

none but one of the Vaanar clan can be brave?" said Lord

Pazluvoor.

Both friends were startled. They had not expected the

nobleman to thus misconstrue their words of praise.

Vandiya Devan felt irritated. Without showing his feelings

he said "Sir! The fame of the brave Pazluvoor clan has

spread from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas. Who am I to

doubt it?"

"Good reply. Intelligent fellow" muttered Lord Pazluvoor.

With a feeling of having escaped with that, the friends

went out. Lord Sambuvaraya called out to his son and

whispered, "Serve your friend some food as early as

possible and tell him to go and sleep in some secluded

spot. He seems tired after a long journey!" Kandamaran

shook his head angrily and walked on.

Later Kandamaran took his friend to the inner chambers of

his mother. Several women were gathered there. Vandiya

Devan bowed low and greeted Kandamaran's mother. He

surmised that a girl hiding shyly behind her was

Kandamaran's sister. He had imagined all sorts of things

based upon Kandamaran's descriptions of his younger

sister. In a way, he was now disappointed. His eyes

searched around among those women, with an eagerness to

find the lady who had come in the palanquin with Lord

Pazluvoor.

*****

##### Chapter 5 -- The Gypsy Dance

Both friends came out from the inner chambers. A voice

from inside called out, "Kandamara! Kandamara!"

"My mother is calling me. Wait right here. I'll be back

instantly," said Kandamaran as he went inside once again.

The voices of several women talking all at once, the sound

of questions being asked one upon the other and

Kandamaran answering them with some confusion could

be heard. He also heard the women inside laughing gaily.

The thought that they were perhaps laughing at him caused

some shame and anger in Vandiya Devan. When

Kandamaran came out, he took hold of his friend's hand

and dragged him onwards saying, "Come let us look

around our palace."

He showed him all the beautiful moonlit terraces, music

rooms, dance halls, storage rooms, well furnished

chambers, living quarters, audience halls, turrets, towers,

stables and other places. After a while Vandiya Devan

asked, "Kandamara, you made me wait outside your

mother's chambers and went in again. At that time what

was so special to provoke the laughter and joy inside?

Were the women so happy to see me, your friend?"

"They were all very happy to meet you. In fact my mother

and others liked you a lot. But they were not laughing

about you ..."

"Then why the laughter?"

"You know the Lord of Pazluvoor? At this age, after all

these years he has recently married a very young girl. He

has brought her here in a covered palanquin. Apparently he

has kept her locked up in his own chambers without

sending her to the inner apartments in the palace. One of

the maids who saw the girl by peeping in through the

window, came and described her beauty. That is the cause

for the laughter. They were discussing if she was a

Singhala girl, a Kalinga lady or perhaps a maid from

Chera. You know that the ancestors of the Pazluvoor clan

originally came here from the Chera country?"

"I have heard it too. Perhaps you had told me earlier.

That's OK! Kandamara, how long is it since Lord

Pazluvoor married this mysterious beauty?"

"It must be less than two years. He has not left her alone

for even a short while from the time he married her! He

takes his ladylove along wherever he goes; in a closed

palanquin! In fact there has been a lot of sniggering about

it all over the country. Vandiya Deva, won't there be

ridicule and derision if men who are past a certain age get

involved in such entanglements with women?"

"I do not think that is the reason. Kandamara, shall I tell

you the real reason for the laughter? Generally women are

envious. Don't think I am belittling the women in your

family. All womankind is like that! The women of your

household are dark-colored beauties. However, Lord

Pazluvoor's beloved is rosily-fair and golden hued. That is

why these women do not like her; they are making up

stories about her...!"

"Hey! What is this wonder? How do you know about her

complexion? Why, have you seen her? Where? How did

you see her? If Lord Pazluvoor knows of this, your life is

not yours!"

"Kandamara, I am not afraid of all that. You know it.

Moreover, I have not done anything improper. I was

watching, one among the crowd on the roadside, when

Lord Pazluvoor and his retinue went past. The elephant,

horses, livery, footmen, drummers -- I believe all these

were honors sent by your family to receive him. Is that

true?"

"Yes we had sent all those accolades. So what ...?"

"So what? Nothing. I was just comparing the reception that

you accorded to Lord Pazluvoor and the welcome given to

me; nothing else ..."

Kandamaran laughed lightly, "We gave him the tribute and

honor due to the official who levies taxes. A welcome

appropriate to a great warrior was given to you! Sometime,

with God Muruga's grace, when you become the son-inlaw

to our house we shall give you the honors due to a

bridegroom and welcome you."

He then added, "But, you were about to say something

else; we were sidetracked. Oh yes! You were saying that

Lord Pazluvoor's beloved was very fair and light in color.

How did you know that?"

"Lord Pazluvoor was coming seated on the dark, huge

elephant from Kadamboor Fort: like Yama, the God of

Justice seated upon a huge water-buffalo! All my thoughts

were concentrated on him. While I was building dreamempires

about one day becoming famous and powerful like

him, a covered palanquin followed him. Even as I

wondered about who could come in a covered palanquin, a

hand from inside parted the curtains. I could barely see the

face within. The hand and face were golden-hued. That

was all I saw. From what you said just now, I realize that

she must be the beloved of Lord Pazluvoor."

"Vandiya Deva, you are a lucky fellow! It is being said

that no man has glimpsed upon that Young-Queen of

Pazluvoor. You could at least see her hand and face for a

second. From what you saw, can you guess anything about

the nation which gave birth to that beauty?" asked

Kandamaran.

"I did not ponder about it at that time. Now that I think of

it, she is perhaps a woman from the Kashmir country; or

she is a beauty who hails from the distant lands across the

sea like Java, Kadaram (Malaya), Yavana (Greece-Rome).

Maybe she is a princess from Arabia: I believe that women

in that country are hidden behind veils from birth till

death."

At that moment, the sound of musical instruments could be

heard somewhere nearby. Several kinds of drums, flutes,

pipes and instruments like salli, karadi, parai, udukku

were being tuned together. "What is that noise?" asked

Vallavarayan.

"The Kuravai Koothu (gypsy dance) is about to begin. The

drums and flutes are being tuned in preparation. Would

you like to watch the gypsy dance? Or, would you like to

eat early and sleep well?"

Vandiya Devan recalled Azlvar-adiyan mentioning the

gypsy dance. "I have never seen the gypsy dance; I must

surely see it," he said.

When they walked ahead a little and turned, they could see

the stage being set for the dancers. The guests were

gathering in front of the stage. The stage for the gypsy

dance was set in a wide courtyard spread with clean-white

sand and situated in a spot surrounded by the palace walls

and the towering battlements of the fort. The stage was

decorated with colorful drawings of cocks, peacocks,

swans and parrots. They had further decked the stage with

several fragrant flower garlands, red-rice popped white,

colored millet, yellow turmeric and other powders,

kunrimani (small red berry-beads), and other vivid

decorations. Tall oil-lamps and flaming torches tried to

drive the darkness away. But the swirling fragrance from

smoldering frankincense and smokey torches created a

misty screen dimming the lights. The musicians sat on

both sides and in front of the stage and played their

instruments with gusto. The fragrant flowers, sweet

smelling incense and the drum beats all together made

Vandiya Devan feel light-headed.

After all the important guests were seated, the nine

maidens who were to perform the gypsy dance came on

the stage. They wore the tight fitting clothes and

ornaments suitable for dancing; they had bell-filled anklets

on their feet; brilliant red hued flowers of the hill country,

flowers favored by the God Muruga, decorated their

hairstyles. A long garland woven with such flowers thrown

upon their shoulders, seemed to bind them to each other as

they stood upon the stage. In their hands they daintily

grasped beautiful parrots made of sandalwood painted a

vivid green.

After greeting the audience they began to sing and dance.

They first sang a few verses in praise of God Muruga.

They sang of the brave deeds of Muruga; and they sang of

his victorious spear which killed the demons Soora-padma

and Gaja-mukha and then dried up the vast ocean. They

sang of how he chose for his bride, a maid from the Tamil

country, a gypsy maid from the hills who was guarding the

millet fields, even as heavenly nymphs offered prayers to

marry the young warrior-God. Their song celebrated the

grace and benevolence of Velan, i.e., Murugan who bears

the spear. The lyrical songs, the fast paced dance, the quick

drum-beats, enchanting flute all in combination bewitched

those who were watching. With the following words of

prayer the dance concluded:

Let hunger and disease be destroyed;

Let enmity be routed;

Let rain and fertility increase;

Let bounty grow boundless.

The maidens stepped off the stage and moved away.

Next, a man and woman dressed as oracles -- thevar-aalan

and thevar-aati, came on stage. The divine-man and

divine-woman wore blood-red clothes. They had brilliant

garlands made of blood-red oleander flowers. They had

painted their foreheads with bright red kumkum powders.

Even their lips seemed blood-red because they had chewed

the betel leaf and areca-nut. Their eyes seemed blood-shot!

The Velan Attam or oracle dance, began calmly enough.

They danced by themselves and with arms linked together.

As time passed the tempo and passion increased. The

divine-woman picked up a spear from the side. The man

tried to pry it from her hands; and she would not let go.

The dance became more frenzied: finally the man leaped

across the resonating stage, jumping high, he plucked the

spear from his companion. With an expression of fear on

her face she moved away behind the screens.

The divine-man now danced all by himself with more and

more rapid movements. He acted the part of the God Velan

killing the demon Soora. Soora's head was chopped off

repeatedly. But the severed-head grew back again and

again. Velan grew angrier and angrier as the head came

back again and again. Sparks flew from his eyes. In the

end Soora fell dead. Thevar-aalan threw his spear down.

By now all musical instruments were quiet. Only the little

hand-held drum, the udukku could be heard. A priest stood

near the stage fanatically beating the hand-drum. Each part

of Thevar-aalan's body shuddered. Those in the audience

whispered to each other: "The spirit has materialized."

Soon the priest looked at the frenzied Thevar-aalan and

said, "Vela! Muruga! Commander of the Gods! Lord who

killed Soora! Please reveal your divine predictions to us,

your devotees."

"Ask fellow! Ask whatever you want! I will reveal all!"

replied the delirious man. "Will the rains be good? Shall

we have plenty of water? Will the land be bountiful? Will

our desires be fulfilled?" asked the priest.

"The rains will be in season. The waters would be

abundant. The land will be fruitful and desires will be

fulfilled! But you have not made offerings to my Mother!

The Goddess desires a sacrifice. The Mother-Goddess

wants a sacrifice!" shouted the dancer in delirium.

"What sacrifice?" asked the priest.

"Will it be offered if I ask?"

"Yes, we will offer it. We shall surely offer the sacrifice."

"She wants the blood of royalty! She thirsts for the blood

of a prince from a thousand year-old dynasty!" shouted the

frenzied dancer in a horrible voice.

The dignitaries seated in front of the stage -- Lord

Pazluvoor, Lord of Mazluvoor, Lord Sambuvaraya and

others, they looked at each other. Their eyes seemed to talk

a secret language. Lord Sambuvaraya seemed to make a

sign to the priest.

The priest stopped beating his hand-drum. The dancer

dropped upon the stage like a felled tree. The woman

dancer ran in to help him out. The audience dispersed

silently. Somewhere outside, the howling of wolves could

be heard.

Vandiya Devan, who had been watching all this with some

agitation, looked towards the direction in which the

howling wolves were heard. There, atop the outer ramparts

of the fortress, he saw a head!

It was Azlvar-adiyan's head. For a second he was subject

to a horrifying feeling. It appeared as if the severed head of

Azlvar-adiyan had been placed upon those walls. He

blinked his eyelids to look again: the head was no longer

there! He felt ashamed about the worthless fear that had

taken hold of him. Several other emotions beyond his

experience seemed to agitate his thoughts.

*****

###### Chapter 6 -- Midnight Meeting

After the gypsy dance and the oracle dance, there was a

lavish feast for the guests. Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan

could not enjoy the banquet. His body was tired and his

mind was agitated. His friend Kandamaran, seated next to

him, pointed out the several dignitaries with pride.

Besides Lord Pazluvoor and Lord Sambuvaraya, there was

Thennavan Mazlava-raya Lord of Mazlapadi Mazluvoor;

The Elder and largest land-holder of Kunratoor had come;

then there was triple-crowned Pallava-raya. The Lords

Thanthongi Kalinga-raya, Vanangamudi Munai-raya,

Deva-senapati Poova-raya; that fearless lion, Lord Muthuraya,

double-canopied Raajali, and the chief land-holder of

Kolli Hills -- all these men were there at the banquet.

Kandamaran whispered their names into Vandiya Devan's

ears and pointed them out discretely.

These dignitaries were not ordinary men; nor was it

common to see them all assembled together in one place

like this. Each of them was a territorial chieftain; or they

had earned the distinction of territorial chieftains because

of their bravery. In those days, the title araya or raya which

was derived from the sanskrit word raja or Tamil word

arasa (meaning king) denoted nobility or royalty.

Territorial chieftains and noblemen of equal rank were

entitled to add the suffix rayan or arayan to their names.

They were also called by the name of their town with the

added title. (In fact our hero Vandiya Devan bore the name

Vallava-rayan because he was born in the noble family of

Vallam.)

But, these chieftains did not bear their titles merely

because of their noble birth and thereby enjoy the comforts

and indulgence of palace life. Only those men who were

able-bodied and brave enough to enter the battle-field

could safeguard their titles and territories. Therefore, each

of these men had not only participated in several

campaigns but they also bore the wounds of such warfare

on their bodies. Now, all these men governed their

territories or kingdoms under the suzerainty of Emperor

Sundara Chozla of Pazlayarai. Many of them were

important officials of the Chozla government.

Normally, Vandiya Devan would have felt immense

elation at having seen all these noblemen in the same

place. However, he felt no joy about it. Why have all these

men gathered together here? The question occurred to him

again and again. All sorts of garbled doubts filled his

mind.

With his mind filled with such confusion, he sought his

bed in the isolated spot readied by Kandamaran for him.

Because the palace was hosting several important

dignitaries, a tiny, covered terrace was allotted to him as a

bed-chamber.

"You seem to be very tired. Lie down and sleep well. I will

take care of the other guests and later come to sleep in this

terrace itself," said Kandamaran before going away.

As soon as he lay down, sleep swirled into Vandiya

Devan's eyes. Nitra Devi, the Goddess of Sleep took hold

of him completely. But what use? There is Mind which

cannot be conquered even by the Goddess of Sleep! Even

though his body remained still and his eyes stayed tightly

shut, thoughts buried deep in the mind blossomed into

dreams. Several meaningless incidents, happenings beyond

reason took place in that dream world.

Somewhere in the distance a lone wolf howled. One wolf

became ten wolves; hundred wolves; they all howled

together. While howling they came nearer and nearer and

nearer. In that pitch darkness their eyes burned like tiny

embers. They came closer and closer. Vandiya Devan tried

to turn around and run away to escape. But, on the other

side there were tens, hundreds, no thousands of dogs --

barking loudly, rushing towards him. The eyes of those

hunting dogs glowed like embers. What will happen to me

if I am caught in between these mad dogs and wolves?

thought Vandiya Devan and shivered.

Luckily there was a temple right in front. He ran into the

temple and pulled the door shut, bolting it hurriedly. When

he looked around it seemed to be a temple of the Mother

Goddess. A statue of Kali stood there with a horrible face

and tongue hanging out. A priest rose from behind the

statue. He held a terrible machete in his hands. "Oh! You

have come," he said as he came closer and closer.

"What is the history of your noble family? For how many

generations have your clansmen ruled their kingdom? Tell

the truth!" said the priest.

"The Vallava Rayas of the Vaanar family had ruled for

three hundred years. During my father's times we lost all

our lands to the Vaithumba kings," replied Vandiya Devan.

"Then you are not the right sacrifice. Run away," said the

priest with disgust.

Suddenly Kali turned into a statue of Krishna! Two

delightful maidens came in, singing the psalms of Saint

Andal and danced with abandon in front of the statue.

While he was enchanted with these sights, he heard the

song "We saw, we saw, we saw things pleasing to the eye,"

behind him. Turning around he saw Azlvar-adiyan Nambi.

Yes it was him singing. Oh no. Not him; it was just his

head that sang. The severed head was placed on the

sacrificial alter!

Unable to bear this sight, Vandiya Devan turned away.

Upon turning, he banged his head upon the pillar. The

dream melted away. Eyes opened. But he saw a sight that

seemed to mix reality with dreams.

In a spot directly in front of his terrace, he could see the

fortress walls of Kadamboor palace; he could see a head

on top of these walls. It was the head of that very same

Azlvar-adiyan Nambi. This time he realized that it was

neither a dream nor a hallucination. Because, however

long he stared at it, the head remained there. It was not

merely a head, there was a body behind it. He could easily

detect both hands of Azlvar-adiyan holding on to the wall.

In addition, the fellow was staring rather intensely at

something below, inside the wall.

What is he looking at so earnestly, inside there? ... There is

some kind of deception and intrigue in this. Azlvar-adiyan

could not have come here with good intentions. He must

have come here with vile plans to perform some evil deed.

Is it not my duty, being Kandamaran's dearest friend, to

stop this wickedness? How can I sleep in idleness without

guarding the house of these folks who have fed and housed

me tonight? Vallavarayan jumped up. He picked up a knife

in its sheath lying on his side and stuck it in his waistband.

He walked towards the direction in which he saw

Nambi's head.

Remember, he was sleeping in a corner of the upper

terrace? From there as he walked towards the outer walls

of the palace, he had to go around several turrets, pillars

and decorative rooftops. After walking on for a while he

suddenly heard the sound of voices talking somewhere

nearby. He hesitated. Hiding himself behind a pillar he

peeped down below.

In a narrow courtyard enclosed by tall walls he saw about

ten or twelve men seated comfortably. The towering walls

hid the rising moonlight. However, an iron oil-lamp buried

in the wall gave some light. All the men seated there were

the dignitaries he had met at the banquet earlier; the

chieftains and elder officials of the Chozla Empire.

They must have gathered in this midnight conference to

discuss some important matter. Azlvar-adiyan must be

trying to spy upon what they were saying and doing, by

hanging on the outer walls. There is no doubt about the

fact that Azlvar-adiyan is a very shrewd and clever fellow.

From where he was positioned on the wall, Azlvar-adiyan

could more or less see all the men seated in conference

below. He could hear their talk very well. But the men

seated there could not see Azlvar-adiyan. The courtyard

and palace wall were situated in that fashion! Somehow,

the fellow had chanced upon such a perfect spot.

Capable fellow. No doubt! But all his cleverness will not

work with this Vandiya Devan of the Vaanar clan.

Somehow, I must get hold of that masquerading Vaishnava

fanatic .... but if I am to catch him, I cannot do so without

attracting the attention of the men assembled below. I have

to cross the courtyard before I can reach those walls. There

may be some danger in crossing the courtyard in full view

of those men.

He recalled the words of Sambuvaraya saying "He need

not have come here, today of all days."

These men are gathered here to discuss something

important. It is clear that they do not want anyone to know

what their discussions are about. In such a situation if they

suddenly see me, they will start suspecting me. By the time

I explain about Azlvar-adiyan he would have jumped off

the wall and escaped. All that will remain is the doubt

about me. If they ask, "Why did you, who were supposed

to be sleeping, come here?" what can I reply? I will

definitely put Kandamaran in a delicate position. There!

Even Kandamaran is part of this meeting; he is seated at

the back. If I ask him in the morning I can know all.

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Vandiya Devan

saw a covered palanquin resting in one corner of the

courtyard below him. Is this not the same palanquin that

came behind Lord Pazluvoor and his elephant? That lady

who was in it, who parted the curtains to peep outside, I

wonder where she is now. I believe the old man did not

even send her to the women's apartments. This is the

predicament if somewhat older men marry very young

girls. Suspicion drains their very life. They cannot bear to

be parted from their young wives even for one moment!

Perhaps even now, Pazluvoor's Young-Queen is in this

palanquin! Gosh! Look at the fate of this great warrior! At

this age, he is enslaved by a slip of a girl and is on tenderhooks.

She is not all that great a Rathi, Menaka or Ramba

(heavenly beauties).

No, Vandiya Devan had not forgotten the feeling of

distaste which he experienced when he had seen her by the

roadside. I wonder what this brave Lord Pazluvoor sees in

her? More surprising is this Azlvar-adiyan's madness.

Maybe he is waiting on that wall because this palanquin is

here. What is the relationship between him and her? How

can I know? Perhaps she is his sister; or maybe his

sweetheart. Maybe Lord Pazluvoor forcefully abducted

her. He is capable of doing such things. Maybe this fellow

is wandering around trying to find an opportunity to meet

her and talk to her. Why should I bother about all this. Let

me go back to sleep, thought Vandiya Devan.

Just as he made this decision he heard his name being

uttered down below. Immediately he began to listen with

some interest.

"That fellow who came in saying that he was a friend of

your son? Where is he sleeping? He should not hear

anything that we utter here. Remember that he serves the

Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Armies. Till all our

plans are complete and the time for action arrives, no one

should know about our plans. Even if there is the slightest

suspicion that this fellow knows something, he must not be

let outside this fortress. In fact it would be better to put a

complete end to his activities ..."

Our readers can guess how Vandiya Devan felt upon

hearing these words. But he did not move away from the

spot. He made up his mind to listen to all their talk.

Who was the Northern Commander-in-Chief? It was none

other than the eldest son of Emperor Sundara Chozla.

None other than the Crown Prince, next in line for the

throne. Why should these fellows object to my serving that

Prince? What is it that they are planning that must be kept

secret from the Prince?'

At that moment Kandamaran intervened for his friend:

"Vandiya Devan is sleeping peacefully in the corner

terrace. He cannot hear the discussions in this meeting. He

will not interfere in things that do not concern him. Even if

he hears something he will not hinder your plans in any

way. I will be responsible for that."

"I am happy that you trust him so much. But none of us

know of him or his credentials. That is why I warned you.

What we are going to discuss now is about the rights of

succession to a large empire. Even if one whisper gets out

because of carelessness it may lead to severe

consequences. All of you must remember this," said Lord

Pazluvoor.

*****

Chapter 7 -- Laughter And Hatred

Vandiya Devan made up his mind as soon as he heard the

words `Right to the empire' uttered by Lord Pazluvoor.

What are these men going to say about the rights to

succession? Who are they to discuss it? I must definitely

find out what is happening here. I better sit right here;

there cannot be a more convenient hiding spot. Let the

Nambi go do what he wants. Why should I bother about

him?

Vandiya Devan had surmised earlier that something

mysterious was taking place in that palace. The cryptic

words of Azlvar-adiyan, the arrogant behavior of the gatekeepers,

the frightening words of the frenzied soothsayer --

all these had raised several doubts. Here was an

opportunity to clear all those apprehensions! Why not

utilize the heaven sent chance?

Well! Even Kandamaran, who I considered a dear friend,

has not told the truth. He sent me to bed and has come to

this secret midnight-meeting. I must not let him off easily

tomorrow!

By now, Lord Pazluvoor had started talking. Vandiya

Devan listened carefully. "I am here to announce a very

grave news to you all. That is why Sambuvaraya has

convened this meeting. Right now, the health of Emperor

Sundara Chozla, is cause for great concern. I have secretly

asked the palace Doctors: they have said `There is not

much hope now. He is not likely to live much longer.'

Therefore, we have to decide upon the next course of

action." So said Lord Pazluvoor.

"What have the astrologers said?" asked one of the men.

Another replied "Why ask the astrologers? Hasn't the longtailed

comet been appearing in the evening skies for

several days? Is that not enough?"

Lord Pazluvoor replied to this: "We have consulted the

astrologers also. They postpone the time a little. That is all.

Anyway, we have to now think about who is eligible to

succeed to the throne ..."

"What is left to think about now? Was not Aditya

Karikala coronated as the Crown Prince two years ago

itself?" declared a hoarse voice.

"True. But I would like to know if any one of us was

consulted before the coronation took place. Each one of us

gathered here belongs to well established clans that have

strived for more than a hundred years, for more than four

generations, to acquire the eminence of this Chozla

Empire. My great-grandfather died in the battle of Thirupuram-

biyam. My grandfather lost his life during the war

in Vellur. My father sacrificed his life at Takkolam. In a

similar fashion, ancestors to each of you have given their

lives to establish the greatness of this Chozla Empire.

Young men from our families have died in the battlefield.

Even today, sons from our family and clan are engaged in

warfare in Lanka. But the Emperor did not consult our

opinion for the decision about a successor to the throne.

Even Emperor Dasaratha of the Epic convened an

assembly of his advisors before deciding to crown Lord

Rama as the Crown Prince; he consulted his ministers,

advisors, army commanders and chieftains under him.

But, our Sundara Chozla did not consider it necessary to

consult anyone ..."

"It is correct to say that he did not consult any of us.

However, it is not accurate when the Lord of Taxes says

that the emperor did not consult anyone! The opinions of

the Elder Pirati Sembiyan Madevi and that of the Younger

Pirati Kundavai Devi were asked for. Can Lord Pazluvoor

deny this?" When a member asked this in a mocking

voice, some others of the group laughed.

"Well! You all laugh! I do not know how you can think of

laughter. My very heart burns when I think of it; my blood

boils. I wonder why I should safeguard my life and live

without any sense of shame. The soothsayer who danced in

frenzy said that the Goddess is asking for a sacrifice. He

asked for a human sacrifice; of a prince from a thousandyear

old dynasty. Give me up as the sacrifice. My family is

more ancient than a thousand years. With a blow across

my throat, each of you with your swords offer me as the

sacrifice. The Mother Goddess will be satisfied; my soul

will be satisfied."

Lord Pazluvoor spoke the above words with as much rage

as the frenzied soothsaying-dancer.

Silence prevailed for a short while. The whistling of the

western breeze and the whispering of the trees near the

wall were the only sounds.

"I beg for the patience and forgiveness of the Pazluvoor

King for having uttered some words in ignorance and the

thoughtless laughter that followed. You are our leader

without any equal. We here, are all ready to carry out any

of your commands. We will walk in the path you direct us.

Please grant forgiveness," spoke an emotional

Sambuvaraya.

"I too lost my composure. You should forgive me. Think

of one thing. Two hundred years before today, Vijayala

Chozla broke the power of the Muthuaraya kings and

captured Tanjore. During the battle of Thiru-puram-biyam,

he helped the Pallava army and destroyed the legions of

Madurai Pandiya. From that moment, the Chozla Kingdom

has been growing and expanding day-by-day. The Chozla's

had not acquired this greatness even during the times of

historic Karikala Valava who built the embankments for

the Cauvery. Today, the empire spreads from Cape

Comorin in the south to the Thungabadra-Krishna rivers in

the north. The Pandiya Kingdom, Nanjil Kingdom, the

Chera Kingdom which has not been subjugated by anyone

so far, Thondai Territories, Paagi, Gangapadi, Nulampadi,

Vaithumba Territories, the Chitpuli nation, Bana lands,

Kudagu Hill Territories where river Ponni rises, -- all these

lands are now under Chozla control and are paying tribute.

The Chozla tiger-flag flies in all these countries. By now,

even Lanka in the south as well as Vengi and Rashtrakuta

in the north should have come under our sway. I do not

have to give you the reasons for them not being

vanquished; you know the reasons ...."

Lord Mazluvoor intervened: "Yes. All of us know the

reason. There are two reasons for Lanka, Vengi, Kalinga

and Rashtrakuta not coming under our suzerainty. One

cause is the Northern Commander-in-Chief, Prince Aditya

Karikala; the other is the Commander of the Southern

Armies, Arulmozli Varma."

"I agree with the reasons given by Lord Mazluvoor. For

the last hundred years the practice for appointing a

commander in the Chozla Kingdom was different. Brave

warriors, with the experience of several campaigns would

be selected as Generals of the army and as Commandersin-

Chief. But what has happened today? The elder Prince

is a commander for the northern armies. What is he doing?

He is not planning campaigns against the twin territories of

the Rashtrakutas or against Vengi (modern Eluru of

Andhra) in the northeast. He sits in Kanchi, building a

Golden Palace! I ask you, the bravest warriors born in the

best of clans: till now, has any king in the Tamil Nation

built a Golden Palace for his own dwelling? Even the

most famous Emperor Paranthaka, who conquered

Madurai and Lanka and is now in his heavenly abode, did

not build himself a Golden Palace. He merely covered the

roof of the temple in Chidambaram with gold. But Prince

Aditya Karikala builds himself a Golden Palace in Kanchi,

for his residence! Apparently, the huge palaces from

which great Pallava monarchs ruled their empires for

several generations, are not adequate for the prestige of our

Prince! He builds a Golden Palace! He embeds rubies and

diamonds in the walls of that palace. Not a copper coin

from all the treasures captured from our campaigns in the

Gangapadi, Nulampadi and Kudagu Territories has he sent

back to the treasury in the capital till now."

"Has the construction of this Golden Palace been

completed?"

"Yes. My spies tell me that it has been completed. In

addition letters arrived for the Emperor from his beloved

elder son! He wants the Emperor to come and stay for a

while, in that newly constructed Golden Palace."

"Is the Emperor going to Kanchi?" asked another alarmed

voice.

"You need not have any concern about that. I am there to

take care that nothing like that will take place; my brother,

the Commander of Tanjore is also there. None can enter

the fort of Tanjore without the consent of the Younger

Lord Pazluvoor. None can interview the Emperor without

my knowledge; nor can they give letters. Twice or maybe

thrice, I have stopped letters that arrived for him."

"Long life to Lord Pazluvoor! Hail the Chanakian political

astuteness of the Pazluvoor king! Long life to his bravery!"

such shouts arose.

"Please listen a little longer! Much more than the deeds of

the Crown Prince, the activities of Prince Arulmozli

Varma who has gone to Lanka are peculiar. What do we

know of the rules of warfare? For generations and over

several hundreds of years, what policy have our ancestors

followed? If our armies invade enemy territories, the food

supplies and payments for our armies have to be procured

from those enemy lands. The wealth to pay our army must

be captured in those enemy regions. Excess treasures

should be sent back to the government treasury in the

capital city ... But, do you know what Prince Arulmozli is

doing? He wants food supplies to be sent from here, by

ships, to feed our soldiers in Lanka! For the last one year,

ten times, I have sent such shiploads of supplies."

"Most unusual and peculiar! We cannot tolerate such

illegalities! Never heard of such behavior!" rose several

voices.

"Listen to the reasoning of Prince Arulmozli for this

peculiar behavior. If we try to procure supplies for our

armies from the territories we invade, we would cause a lot

of inconvenience to the civilians and gain the displeasure

of the farmers in that land. Our dispute is with the royalty

of Lanka; not with Lankan populace. Therefore we should

not harass them in any way. After winning our battles

against their royalty, we should rule with the full approval

of those people. Therefore, the food and monies must be

sent from the homeland."

Someone from the meeting intervened by saying, "We

should not demand anything from the nations we have

conquered! We should fall at their feet and worship their

people! I have never heard of such conduct in warfare."

"Ask me about the consequences of such activities!

Because of these undertakings of both the Princes, the

treasury and granary in the royal palace at Tanjore often

become empty! I am compelled to levy more taxes on you

and also collect tributes from all of you. Perhaps that is

why the Chozlas have appointed me as their Tax Official.

If I had not considered the welfare of this country as most

important, I would have given up my positions long ago!"

"Oh no! Never! Your holding these positions gives us

several assurances. Why have you not spoken about these

things to the Emperor?"

"Why not? I have personally spoken to him about it several

times. Every time I am put aside with words like, `Ask the

Elder Pirati. Ask the Younger Pirati.' Remember I told you

earlier, the Emperor has lost the capability of thinking for

himself. Neither does he ask our opinion on important

matters. The words of his elder aunt, the Elder Pirati

Sembiyan Madevi, are gospel to him; after that he wants

me to consult with his beloved daughter the Younger Pirati

Kundavai. I, who have grown grey in the service of this

nation, I, along with other ministers, have to go and stand

in the presence of that slip of a girl -- a girl who has not

crossed the River Kollidam in the north or River

Kudamuruti in the south -- and then consult her opinion.

How is this story? From the days of this Chozla Kingdom

being established, I have never heard of such interference

from women in the politics of the nation. How long can I

tolerate such humiliation? If all of you unanimously agree,

I shall give up my official positions which trouble me to

levy taxes and fill the treasury, and go back to my own

city."

"No! Never. Lord Pazluvoor should not forsake us like

that. The Chozla Empire has been established with the aid

of thousands of brave men shedding their blood over four

generations; such a nation will be torn apart in confusion

within a short time if he does that," said Lord

Sambuvaraya.

"Well then, you should all give me your ideas about what

to do in this situation. What is the solution to this women's

rule which is worse than the power of the amazonian

Queen Alli?" asked Lord Pazluvoor.

*****
Chapter 8 -- Who Is In The Palanquin?

For a while, the men in that meeting talked and argued

amongst themselves. Since several voices were raised at

the same time, Vandiya Devan could not hear anything

clearly.

In a louder voice, Lord Sambuvaraya said, "Don't we have

to answer the requests of the King of Pazluvoor? What is

the point of each one talking like this? It seems to be hours

past midnight. Look at the moon!"

"I have a certain doubt. Some others also, like me, may

have a similar reservation. If Lord Pazluvoor promises not

to be angry, I would like to ask about it," said a hoarse

voice which had spoken once before.

"Is it Vanangamudi Raya, who is talking? Please, let him

come forward into the light," said Lord Pazluvoor.

"Yes, it is me! Here, I have come up into the light."

"It is customary for me to show all my anger in the

battlefield and against my enemies. I have no anger against

friends. Therefore, please ask any question without any

hesitation."

"I will surely do so. The allegations against Emperor

Sundara Chozla, those very same accusations are placed

against Lord Pazluvoor by some people! I may not believe

them, but I would like some clarification," said

Vanangamudi Munai Raya.

"What are they? What charges? Please explain."

"We all know that Lord Pazluvoor married a young girl

about two years ago..."

With an angry voice, Lord Sambuvaraya interrupted: "We

object to such words by Munai Raya. It is totally

indecorous to ask such improper questions of our beloved

leader, our chief guest."

"I request Lord Sambuvaraya to please remain patient. Let

Munai Raya express his reservations freely. It is better to

voice one's opinions in the open than bury them in the

mind. It is true that I married a young girl after my fiftyfifth

year. I certainly accept that. But, I never declared

myself as a reincarnation of Lord Rama who vowed to

have only one wife! I never said that I will wed only one

maid. I love that girl; she returned my sentiment.

According to the ancient tenets of this Tamil country,

willingly, we married each other. What is wrong in that?"

asked Lord Pazluvoor.

"Nothing wrong!" replied several voices.

"I never said there was anything wrong about his marriage.

Who amongst us is monogamous? But ... but ..."

"But what? Ask without reluctance."

"Some people say that in all matters Lord Pazluvoor

consults and acts according to the wishes of the Young-

Queen he married recently. They say that he acts according

to her direction even in matters of the state. It is said that

he takes his Young-Queen along wherever he goes."

A laugh was heard in their midst.

Lord Sambuvaraya jumped up. "Who laughed? Let him

come forward and explain why he laughed!" he roared

while drawing his sword from its scabbard.

"I laughed! Don't be agitated Sambuvaraya!" said Lord

Pazluvoor. He then continued, "Munai Raya! Is it a crime

to take my legally wedded wife wherever I go? It is true

that I take her with me to visit several places. But it is

inaccurate to say that I consider the Young-Queen's

opinion in matters of the state. I have never done that."

"If so, I request Lord Pazluvoor to clear just one more

doubt. Why has this palanquin, which should have stayed

in the women's courtyard, come here to our confidential

meeting? Is there someone inside the closed palanquin or

not? If there is no one inside, how is it that I heard

somebody clearing their throat? Was it the jingle of

bangles that I heard inside, a little while ago?"

When Munai Raya asked these questions, a curious silence

prevailed amidst that gathering. Since these doubts had

occurred to most of them, none spoke against the words of

Munai Raya. Lord Sambuvaraya was muttering something

to himself. But nothing was said.

Tearing the silence apart, in a distinct voice, Lord

Pazluvoor said, "Good question. I am obligated to give an

answer. I shall clear your misgivings before we conclude

our meeting. Can you wait another half an hour? Do you

have that much trust in me?"

"Yes we do. We have complete trust in you, Lord

Pazluvoor," said Sambuvaraya.

"Let no one think that my reverence or loyalty to Lord

Pazluvoor is less than that of anyone else. Since he invited

us to speak freely, I asked. Apart from that I am ready to

obey all his orders. I shall give up my very life if he

commands it!" said Vanangamudi Munai Raya.

"I know about Munai Raya. I also recognize the trust you

have all placed in me. Therefore, let us now come to a

conclusion about the matter for which we convened this

meeting. Let Emperor Sundara Chozla Paranthaka live

long in this world and rule this Chozla Empire for a long

time. However, unfortunately, if something happens to

him: if the words of the palace doctors' come true, if the

omens forecast by the comet appearing in the sky come

true -- we have to decide who is eligible to succeed to the

Chozla throne."

"We request that you state your opinion on this matter.

There is no one here who has anything to say against your

views."

"That is not correct. Each one of you must think and then

express an impartial opinion. Permit me to recall some old

history to your memories. Twenty-four years ago, King

Gandara Aditya who was a great philosopher and devout

soul, died unexpectedly. When he died, his son,

Madurandaka, was a one year old child. The Queenconsort

of Gandara Aditya, the Lady Sembiyan Madevi,

announced to us, the wishes of the King: his younger

brother Arinjaya was to accept the Chozla throne after

him. Therefore, we crowned Prince Arinjaya as the Chozla

monarch. However, fate did not decree that Arinjaya

should sit on the throne for more than a year. When

Arinjaya died, his son, Paranthaka Sundara Chozla, was a

youth of twenty-four. Considering the welfare of the

nation, all of us -- the ministers, advisors, territorial

chieftains the heads of all the clans and leaders of the cities

and districts -- decided unanimously, and crowned Sundara

Chozla. None of us had cause to regret this. Because, until

two years ago, he ruled the nation with justice; he

respected our wishes and opinions and ruled this country

lawfully. Because of him the Chozla power grew to

include all neighboring nations under its sway.

"Now, the health of Sundara Chozla is cause for concern.

In this situation, who is eligible to succeed the Emperor?

Madurandaka, the cherished son of King Gandara Aditya,

is now grown up; he has the intelligence, education, the

character, the devotion to God, all the qualities of a person

worthy of the throne. Sundara Chozla's son, Aditya

Karikala, who is younger to him by one year, is stationed

in Kanchi as a Commander-in-Chief. Who between these

two has the right to succeed to the throne? What is the

code of inheritance among the clans? What is the law?

What is the ancient tradition of the Tamils? Is it justice if

the elder brother's son, Madurandaka inherits the nation?

Or, is it legal for the grand-son of the younger brother to

succeed? Each of you must consider this and clearly state

your decision."

"Madurandaka, the son of the elder brother Gandara

Aditya has the right to succeed. That is legal, justice,

tradition," said Lord Sambuvaraya.

"I agree", "That is my opinion too," so rose several voices.

"Your convictions are mine. Madurandaka deserves the

throne. However, is everyone here ready to support and

further this belief? Are you all ready to sacrifice your lives,

your wealth and very soul for this cause? This very minute,

are you all ready to swear in the name of Goddess Durga

and take an oath of allegiance?" When Lord Pazluvoor

asked this question his voice had a certain harshness, not

heard till then.

Silence prevailed for some time. Lord Sambuvaraya then

said, "We are ready to take such an oath of support.

Before that, we need one clarification. What are the

feelings of Prince Madurandaka? Is he ready to accept the

throne and rule this Empire? We have heard that the

cherished son of Gandara Aditya has forsaken the

pleasures of worldly life and is fully involved in the

devotion and worship of God Shiva. Several persons have

said that he has no interest in worldly kingdoms. We have

also heard that his mother, the Elder Pirati Sembiyan

Madevi is totally opposed to his ascending the throne. We

wish to know the truth about this from you."

"A good point and you raised it at the correct time. I must

clarify this question. I should have explained earlier --

forgive me for not doing so," with this long introduction

Lord Pazluvoor spoke as follows: "The whole nation

knows that the Lady Sembiyan Madevi discouraged her

only son from having any interest in affairs of the state and

raised him as a Saiva ascetic. But, neither nation nor

people know the reason behind such behavior. The Elder

Pirati feared that his very life would be in danger if her son

Madurandaka had any wish to rule the empire ... "

"Aha! Is that so!"

"Yes! To any mother, the wish that the son to whom she

gave birth should stay well and alive is greater than a

desire that he should sit upon the throne of the Kingdom.

Young Prince Madurandaka, who considered the words of

his mother as gospel, turned his mind in the path of

devotion and asceticism. Nevertheless, for sometime, his

mind has slowly undergone some transformation. `This

Chozla Empire is mine; it is my duty to rule the nation!'

such thoughts have taken root and grown in his heart. If he

knows that all of you are ready to support his cause, he is

ready to come forward at a suitable time and openly

declare his intentions."

"What proof do we have for this?"

"I will, without delay, produce proof that will satisfy all of

you. If I furnish such proof, will each of you take an oath

of allegiance to this cause?"

Several of the men said "We will! We will!"

"I hope no one has any other kind of reservation?"

"No! None!"

"Then, I shall show proof. I shall also clear the doubts

raised by Lord Vananga-mudi Munai Raya." With this

declaration, Lord Pazluvoor rose from his seat. Walking

majestically, he neared the closed palanquin.

"Prince! Please part the curtains and grace the outside with

your appearance. Permit these brave warriors, who are

ready to sacrifice their very life, wealth and soul for you,

to gaze upon your face." Lord Pazluvoor spoke in a very

deferential voice.

Vandiya Devan, who was sitting behind the pillar on the

upper terrace and listening to all these discussions with an

overpowering curiosity, now peeped down carefully. As

before, a hand parted the curtains of the palanquin. It too

was a golden hand. It seemed to be the very same fair hand

he had seen once before. But he now realized that he had

surmised the golden bracelet worn by royalty to be a

bangle. A dazzling face, comparable to the full moon,

could be seen the very next instant. A handsome figure,

comparable to Manmatha, the God of Love, stepped out of

the palanquin and smiled.

Aha! Is this Prince Madurandaka, son of Gandara Aditya

Deva? I mistook him to be a woman? I concluded that it

must be a girl, because of the closed palanquin!? But, did

Azlvar-adiyan Nambi also make the same mistake?

Vandiya Devan looked around to see if Nambi was still

thrusting his head above the wall. That spot of the palace

wall was now shrouded by shadows cast by the trees. He

could see nothing.

By now he heard some shouts from below. "Long Live

Madurandaka! Praise the Crown-Prince Madurandaka!

Victory to our brave spears!" They were passionate

outbursts. Vandiya Devan saw that all the men in the

courtyard were now standing; they held their swords and

spears high up above their heads and cheered. Thinking

that it would be dangerous to remain any longer in that

spot, he turned around and hurried back to his terrace and

laid himself down.

*****
Chapter 9 -- Wayside Chitchat

Vandiya Devan had spent all his life until that day, in the

dry lands north of the River Palar. Consequently, he did

not know how to swim in a flowing river. Once, when he

was in the army on border patrol along the banks of the

North Pennar, he waded into the river for a bath. He was

caught in a swollen whirlpool. That sinister and devilish

whirlpool made him go round and round. At the same time

it dragged him downwards. Very soon the whirlpool had

drained all his strength. I cannot escape now; I have to

drown in this whirlpool and die! -- just as he lost hope he

was thrown out, by God's grace. The waves threw him on

the shores and saved him.

When he went back to bed that night in Kadamboor, he

experienced the same feeling he had while caught in the

whirlpool. He felt that with no choosing of his own, he

had fallen into the huge whirlpool of a political conspiracy.

Could he escape from this swirling treachery just as he had

escaped from that whirlpool?

The information he had gleaned from the midnight

meeting at Kadamboor baffled him. The dangers from

external enemies to the Chozla Empire had been overcome

only a few years ago. Prince Aditya Karikala -- brave,

expert in warfare, a veritable Chanakya in politics; with his

intelligence and optimum use of the capable Chozla

armies, he routed the powers of the Rashtrakuta monarch,

King Krishna, from the Thondai lands. In a way the

external enemies were destroyed. Now, internal disruption

and intrigue were raising their head. What would be the

consequence of this internal discord which is more

dangerous than external strife?

Are not the important officials, ministers, chieftains and

famous warriors of the Chozla nation involved in this

frightening endeavor? What kind of persons are the Lord

of Pazluvoor and his brother? What is their power? How

much prestige do they have? What about the others who

met here today? They are all powerful, distinguished and

eminent personalities. Is this the first meeting of this kind?

I wonder; to how many other places has the Prince been

taken in a closed palanquin by Lord Pazluvoor? Aha! The

fact of being married to a young girl in his old age has

served him so usefully in this conspiracy!

Until that day, no doubt about Prince Karikala's eligibility

to the Chozla throne had risen in Vandiya Devan's mind.

He had not even dreamed that a challenge would arise. Of

course, he had heard of Madurandaka, the son of King

Gandara Aditya. He had heard that, like the father the son

was an ardent worshipper of God Shiva. But he had never

heard anything about his rights to the succession or that he

would demand his rights. In fact Vandiya Devan had never

thought about such things.

What is the legality, the justice? Who is truly eligible to

succeed to the throne? Karikala? Madurandaka? The more

he thought about it, he felt that both sides had equal

justification. If it really comes to a confrontation, who will

come out victorious? What is my duty in this situation?

Aha! I started on this journey from Kanchi while building

all sorts of dream fortresses. I desired to attain eminent

positions in the Chozla Empire by pleasing the Crown

Prince Karikala! I even hoped that in due course I would

regain the ancestral territories of my Vaanar clan. The very

limb that I caught hold of, to achieve all these dreams,

seems ready to drop! ... Thinking of all such things when

he came to bed the second time that night, Vandiya Devan

suffered with sleeplessness for a long time. In the end,

towards the late hours of the night just as the eastern skies

were turning light, he somehow went to sleep.

The next morning, Vandiya Devan did not get up even

when the golden-red rays of the rising sun fell piercingly

upon him. He was jolted awake when Kandamaran came

and shook his shoulders. With the courtesy shown to any

guest, Kandamaran asked, "Did you sleep well?" And then

he added, "After all my other guests had gone to sleep, I

came up here and checked; you excelled in service like

Kumbakarna (a mythical hero who slept half his lifetime)!"

Stifling everything that he remembered, Vandiya Devan

said, "All that I recall is coming up to bed after the gypsy

dance. I am just getting up! Oh, ho! It is already so late: it

must be several hours past sunrise. I have to start

immediately. Kandamara, tell your servants to get my

horse ready."

"This is really fine! How can you leave so soon? What is

the hurry? You must stay here for at least ten days before

you go on," said Kandamaran.

"No, my dear fellow! I had news that my uncle in Tanjore

was in a bad shape; his survival itself is doubtful. I have to

go quickly to see him before he is gone. I must leave

immediately." Vandiya Devan said this with total

conviction, without any hesitation.

"You must then stay here for a while, at least when you go

back."

"Why not? We shall think of it at that time. Permit me to

leave now."

"Don't be in such a hurry. We can start after the morning

meal. I shall accompany you till the banks of River

Kollidam."

"How can you do that? You have all sorts of important

guests. How can you leave them and ..."

"I have no guest more important than you ..." saying this

Kandamaran stopped suddenly. "Yes the guests are

important people. But my father can take care of them. The

other officials of this palace can do that. I could not chat

with you even last night. I can rest in peace only if I

chitchat with you for a little while, along the road. I shall

certainly come with you till the Kollidam."

"I have no objection. Your wish. Your convenience," said

Vandiya Devan.

After more than two hours, both friends mounted on two

horses started from Lord Sambuvaraya's palace. The

horses cantered quite slowly. The ride was rather pleasant.

The friends did not seem to mind even the road dust

sprayed upon them by the swift northern wind. They had

lost themselves in old remembrances. After some time

Vandiya Devan said: "Kandamara! Even though I spent

just one night in your house, it was very useful to me. Just

one disappointment. You used to recount all sorts of things

about your sister, while we were on the banks of the North

Pennar. I could not even see her properly! When she

peeped from hiding behind your mother, I could glimpse

about one-eighth of her face! Your sister seems to possess

a shyness and modesty that is more than any one girl's

share."

Kandamaran's lips twitched as if to say something. But no

words came out.

"Still, no regrets. You have invited me to stay with you for

a few days on my way back. I can make her acquaintance

at that time. By that time your younger sister may be able

to overcome her shyness about me. Kandamara, what is

your sister's name?"

"Manimekala."

"Oh! What a delightful name! If her character and beauty

are like the name..."

Kandamaran intervened and said in a forlorn voice, "My

friend! I beg this one thing of you. Please forget my sister.

Please forget all that I mentioned about her to you. Do not

even utter her name."

"What is this Kandamara? Every thing seems topsy-turvy?

Even last night you hinted that I may become a son-in-law

to your clan!"

"It is true that I said it. Since then the situation has

changed. My parents have arranged to wed my young

sister elsewhere. Manimekala has also agreed."

Vandiya Devan cheered within his heart: "Long live

Manimekala." He did not have any trouble guessing who

was selected to wed Manimekala. They must have pledged

her to Madurandaka who stepped out of the closed

palanquin. They are perhaps arranging such marriage

alliances in order to gain strength for the Prince's cause.

Lord Pazluvoor is a dangerous and capable politician.

"Oh! You have contracted one of your rich guests who

came last night as the bridegroom. Kandamara, I have no

surprise about this; nor am I really disappointed. In a way

it was expected."

"Expected? How is that?"

"Who would give their daughter to a destitute-orphan like

me? Which maid will agree to marry a poor fellow who

has neither house nor land. What is the use now if my

ancestors had ruled kingdoms long ago?"

"My dear friend! Enough of this, stop! Don't think so

shoddily of me or my family. What you think, is not the

reason. There is something much more important. You will

agree if you know of it. But I cannot reveal the reason

now. When the time comes you will know."

"Kandamara, what is this? You have been talking quite

mysteriously today."

"Forgive me for that. It is a big secret that I cannot reveal

even to you. Whatever happens, trust me that nothing will

come between our friendship. When it is time to reveal

plans, I will run to you and disclose all the details. Trust

me until then."

"Thanks for the pledge! But what is the situation wherein

you may have to forsake me? And, I am not one to live

upon my faith in somebody else. I trust my own sword and

spear."

"There may be an opportunity to use that sword and that

spear soon. At that time I hope we will fight side by side.

Your dreams also may then be fulfilled."

"What is this? Are you soon expecting some war? Or, are

you planning to enter the battlefields of Lanka?"

"To Lanka? You will be surprised if you hear the details of

the ridiculous campaign in Lanka. I believe we have to

supply the rice and other foodstuffs from Chozla country

for the soldiers fighting in Lanka. Shameful! I am talking

about something else. Be patient for a while. I will tell you

at the right time. Don't kindle my mouth now."

"Alright. If you don't wish, don't tell me anything. Don't

even open your mouth. I think I can see the river ahead of

us."

They could really see the torrents of the immense River

Kollidam at the end of the road. Within a few minutes the

friends reached the river bank.

The fresh floods of the spring month filled that great river.

The far side seemed very distant. Trees on the other shore

seemed like small bushes. Reddish silt laden waters, filled

with rapids and whirlpools drawing fantastic pictures,

thundering joyously, celebrating with a loud roaring sound,

trying to break through the high banks on both sides,

rolling and tumbling towards the eastern sea, rushing

onwards -- Vandiya Devan looked upon this sight and

stood there in amazement.

A ferry boat waited near the landing wharf. Two boatmen

with long poles in their hands waited readily. One

gentleman was already seated in the boat. He appeared to

be of the Saiva sect. Catching sight of the two men coming

upon the bank, a boatman asked, "Sirs! Are you both

coming in this boat?"

"Yes. He will come. Wait for a while."

Both friends jumped off their horses. "I came without

thinking. What can I do with this horse of mine? Can it go

in the boat?" asked Vandiya Devan.

"No need. There! Look! Two of my footmen are following

us. One of them will lead your horse back to Kadamboor.

The other fellow will come with you in this boat. He will

procure another horse for you on the other shore," said

Kandamaran.

"Aha! How thoughtful. You are my true friend."

"You must have thought of the Kollidam as comparable to

the Palar and Pennar rivers. You wouldn't have known that

you cannot cross this river with a horse."

"Yes. Forgive me for under-estimating the rivers of your

Chozla lands. Gosh! What a river! What floods? It seems

to roar like the ocean."

The two friends took leave of each other with a hearty

embrace. Vandiya Devan walked down the river bank and

got into the boat. One of Kandamaran's footmen also

climbed into the boat. The boat was ready to leave. The

boatmen thrust their long poles deep into the water.

Suddenly, from a distance they could hear shouts: "Stop!

Stop the boat!" said a voice. The boatmen hesitated

without pushing their poles. The fellow who shouted came

running up the bank. With one glance, Vandiya Devan

recognized him. He was Azlvar-adiyan Nambi.

Recognizing the newcomer as a follower of the Vaishnava

sect, the gentleman in the boat said "Go! Let the boat go! I

will not come in the same boat as that imposter. Let him

come in the next ferry."

But Vandiya Devan looked at the boatmen and said, "Wait

a bit. Let him also come. There is plenty of room in this

ferry boat. Let us take him." Vandiya Devan wished to

question Azlvar-adiyan and learn more about the

happenings of last night.

*****
Chapter 10 -- The Astrologer Of Kudanthai

River Ponni, born and raised in the Kudagu Hills, after her

childhood was past, wished to meet the Ocean King, her

chosen husband. She went swiftly, crossing hill and dale,

rocky mountain and canyon. As she came closer and

closer, the joyous anticipation of meeting her beloved

Lord, the Ocean King, made her thrive and grow. She went

even further. Two arms grew to embrace the lover.

Spreading her arms wide, she leaped and surged forward.

Two arms were not sufficient for her ardent enthusiasm.

Her loving arms grew into ten, twenty, hundred! Stretching

out all these arms in eagerness she neared the Ocean King.

She was the bride meeting her beloved. Chozla women,

her bridesmaids, dressed her in such wondrous ways. They

clothed her in the beautiful greens of rice-fields. They

decorated her with colorful flowers; and showered her with

fragrant woods. How can we describe the enchanting

kadamba and punnai trees on both her banks: they covered

her with pearls and rubies of flowers.

Who would not be overjoyed to cast their eyes upon you,

dear Ponni? Which maid will not be beguiled by this, your

bridal attire? It is but natural that attractive young girls

should gather around you just as bridesmaids surround a

ravishing bride.

One of the arms stretched out by Ponni or Cauvery, to

reach out for her Lord the Ocean King, is known by the

name River Arisil. The beautiful Arisil flows to the south

of and very close to River Cauvery. One could not easily

view this petite river from a little distance. The groves of

trees, growing thickly on both its banks hide the river. One

could consider the Arisil as a princess who never stepped

out of the enclosed courtyards of a royal palace. There is

no comparison to this beautiful virgin river.

Let our readers forget that it is the inner courtyard of a

palace and come with us to the banks of the Arisil river.

Let them enter these woody groves on its banks. Oh! What

an enchanting sight meets our eyes! It seems to add

radiance to beauty; to add sweetness to nectar.

Who are these divine women, seated on the beautifully

carved barge, constructed like a floating swan? Who is the

radiant jewel among women, seated in their midst, like the

full moon among twinkling stars, like a queen born to rule

all seven worlds? Who is the gentle damsel seated next to

her, playing the veena (lute like instrument)? Who are

these heavenly beauties coming down the stream, mixing

the pleasant melody of their music with the gurgling noises

of the river?

One of them had large eyes shaped like darting fish; the

other was blue eyed; yet another had a face like the

blossoming lotus; another girl had wide dark eyes shaped

like the petal of a blue lily. Ah! The girl playing the

musical instrument, one could watch forever, her soft

fingers dancing over the taunt strings of the veena.

What can we say about the sweetness of the song they

sang? Even the water in the river seemed to be still as it

listened to their melodious music. Even the cuckoos and

parrots on the trees listened quietly. We humans, blessed

with the fortune of being able to listen, why should we not

be enchanted by their song? Let us listen to them:

Walk slowly, walk shyly,

Praise to you, dear Cauvery;

Dress yourself in beautiful clothes:

Fragrant gardens full of humming bees;

Open wide, those large dark eyes:

Dancing fish of deep dark seas;

Dancing does not melt a lovers heart:

Like a good monarch's mace of justice;

When nightingales sing in deep woods;

And peacocks dance amidst flower groves;

Dance gently, dear Cauvery:

You disturb the garlands on Kama's shoulders.

The garlands at his waist are all asway;

What caused it? The very name of your dear Lord:

An expert spear like dart;

Walk slowly, walk shyly,

Praise to you, dear Cauvery.

Where have we heard this delightful Tamil poem? Oh yes,

is it not from The Silappadikaram (an ancient poetical

work)? The poem seems even more enchanting and

delightful when these maids sing it. Perhaps they are the

maids of honor in River Arisil's court? Or is this the magic

of some sorcerer? It entices every beholder.

The barge floated down gently till it stopped near a landing

amidst the woods. Two maidens are getting down. One is

that dignified lady, comparable to a queen of the seven

worlds; the other is her companion who was creating the

enchanting harmony while playing the veena. Though

both are beautiful, there was a difference between the two

of them. One has the dignity of a lotus blossom in full

bloom. The other has the pleasantness of the night-time

water lily. One is the radiant full moon; the other is the

young crescent of late evening. One is the dancing

peacock; the other is a singing nightingale. One is a queen

of the Gods; her friend is Rathi, the beloved of Cupid. She

is the fast flowing turbulent Ganga. Her companion is the

gentle Cauvery.

Without further ado, without leaving our readers in further

suspense, let me introduce these two ladies. The lady with

a certain dignity in her posture is Kundavai, the beloved

daughter of Emperor Sundara Chozla. She is the elder

sister to Arulmozli Varma who would later attain historic

fame as Rajaraja I. She is the lady revered by the people as

the young royal princess, the Younger Pirati. A

distinguished daughter of the Tamils, she laid the

foundations for the greatness of the Chozla Empire. She is

the capable lady who will raise and mould the ambitions of

Rajaraja's son Rajendra and make him the greatest of

monarchs in South Indian history.

Her friend is Vanathi, a noblewoman from the clan of

Kodumbalur chieftains. She came to enjoy the fortune of

being a part of Kundavai's household. In the future she

would attain greatness unparalleled in history. She is now

a young girl, full of modesty and a pleasant gentleness.

After both had alighted from the barge, Kundavai turned to

her other companions and said, "You can all wait here. We

will be back in an hour."

All those maids, who were her companions, were

noblewomen from the households of the aristocrats and

chieftains in the Chozla nation. They had come to the

Pazlayarai Palace, considering it a fortune to be included

as maids of honor to Kundavai. Now, when Kundavai went

ashore with just one girl from among them, saying, "I'll

come after a while," a certain envy and disappointment

could be discerned in their eyes.

A horse drawn chariot awaited their pleasure on the shore.

"Vanathi! Get into the chariot," said Kundavai. When both

were seated, the chariot moved swiftly.

"Akka! Where are we going? Can you tell me?" asked

Vanathi.

"Why not? We are going to the house of the Kudanthai

Astrologer," said Kundavai.

"Why are we going to an astrologer's house, Akka? What

do we have to ask him?"

"What else? To ask about you! For some months now you

seem to be a girl possessed, lost in some dream world,

losing weight. We are going to ask him if you will be

cured of these fantasies and become healthy once again.

We are going to ask him all these things!"

"Akka! Let good fortune be showered upon you! There is

nothing wrong with my health. We don't have to ask him

anything about me. Let's go back."

"No, my dear no! I am not going to ask him anything about

you. I shall ask him about me!"

"What do you have to ask about yourself? What is there to

ask an astrologer about yourself?"

"I am going to ask him if I would ever be married; or am I

going to spend all my life a virgin maid!"

"Akka! Why ask the astrologer about it? You have to ask

your own heart! Just nod you gracious head: princes from

all the fifty-six kingdoms from Cape Comorin to the

Himalayas would come running, vying with each other.

Why, even princes from across the seas from Yavana and

Kadaram will come. I wonder which of these princes will

have the fortune of receiving your hand. You have to

determine that!"

"Vanathi, even if I accept all that you say as truth, there is

one obstacle. If I marry any one of these princes from an

alien nation, I will have to go with him to his kingdom. My

dear, I have a great dislike to go away from this delightful

Chozla Kingdom where the Ponni flows! I have taken an

oath that I will not go to another kingdom from here.. ..."

"That is no obstacle! Any prince that marries you will stay

at your feet as your slave. If you order him to stay here he

will remain here."

"Oh dear Lord! That will be like picking up a rat and tieing

it up in your waistband! How can we retain an alien prince

in our lands? Do you know the consequences of such

activity?"

"Anyway, whatever you say, a person born as a woman

will one day have to be married. Is that not so?"

"No law says that my dear. Vanathi, think of the Lady

Avvaiyar. Did she not live for a long time as a queen

among poets but a virgin maid?"

"Because of a boon from the Gods Avvaiyar became an

old maid in her young age. You are not like that."

"Well if I do have to be married, I think I shall choose an

orphan Chozla warrior for my consort. That fellow will not

have any kingdom. He will not demand that I go to another

nation. He will remain here itself, in this Chozla country."

"Akka, does it mean that you will never leave these Chozla

Territories?"

"Never will I leave. Even if they offer to crown me as a

queen of the heavens, I will not leave!"

"Now I am quite happy."

"How is that?"

"If you move to another kingdom, I will have to follow

you. I cannot be parted from you. At the same time I have

no heart to leave this bountiful Chozla land!"

"If you are married, won't you have to leave?"

"I am not going to marry anyone, Akka."

"My dear girl! What happened to all the advise you were

giving me just now?"

"Am I like you?"

"You deceiver! I know everything! Are you trying to

throw dust in my eyes? You have no great love for this

Chozla land. The Chozla nation you love is bearing sword

and spear and has gone to Lanka to conduct a campaign!

You think that I do not know your secrets?"

"Akka! Akka! Am I so foolish? Where is the sun? and

where is the morning dewdrop? What is the use, if a

dewdrop wishes for the friendship of the fiery sun?"

"The dewdrop is small! And the sun is mighty and bright!

Still, does not the dewdrop impound the bright sunshine in

itself? Tell me?"

Vanathi now replied in a voice filled will cheer and

eagerness: "Are you saying that? Can a mere dewdrop

attain the sun?" Then suddenly she felt depressed. "The

dewdrop wishes to do so; in fact it enslaves the sunray!

But what use? Within a short time it is severely punished.

It dries up in the bright sunlight and disappears without a

trace!"

"That is wrong, Vanathi. The sun recognizes the love of

the dewdrop and merges her into himself. He thinks that

his beloved maid, the dewdrop, should not be seen by

other men. He lets her out again after darkness. Doesn't the

hidden dewdrop appear again every morning?"

"Akka, you are telling me all these stories to cheer me up."

"So! You do say that you need cheering up. There is some

sadness in your heart. All these days you maintained that

`Nothing is wrong'. That is why I am going to the

Astrologer of Kudanthai."

"If there is a sadness in my heart, what is the use of asking

an astrologer about it?" sighed Vanathi.

The house of the Kudanthai Astrologer was situated in the

outskirts of that city, in an isolated spot, besides a Kali

temple. The chariot did not enter the city, but went around

and reached that house. From the way the charioteer drove

his chariot without any hesitation or doubt, it appeared that

he had driven there several times before.

The Astrologer and one of his disciples waited readily

outside the house. The Astrologer welcomed his visitors

with great reverence and courtesy.

"Great lady! A reincarnation of both Kalaimagal (Goddess

of Learning) and Thirumagal (Goddess of Wealth)!

Welcome. Welcome. It is the fortune of my humble abode

that you have come in search of me once again!"

"Mr. Astrologer! I hope that nobody else will come in

search of you at this time?" asked Kundavai.

"No one will come Thaye! Not many people come in

search of me these days. Only when troubles in the world

increase will people seek the astrologer. Nowadays, under

the rule of your esteemed father -- The Emperor Sundara

Chozla -- the people have no troubles at all! They possess

all the comforts and luxuries and live life with happiness.

Who will come in search of me?"

"Do you mean to say that I have some troubles and

therefore, I have come to consult you?" asked Kundavai.

"No. Great lady, no. Which blind fool will say that the

beloved daughter of Sundara Chozla who possesses

immense wealth, has any troubles? Since the people have

no troubles, this poor astrologer is cast into misfortune.

Nobody takes care of him. Therefore you have come here

like a Goddess with solicitude for my troubles. Please

enter and grace my humble house. Look at me, talking

while I detain you here on the doorstep!" said the

resourceful Astrologer.

Kundavai turned to the charioteer and said, "Take the

chariot to the shade of the banyan tree behind the temple

and wait."

Kundavai and Vanathi entered the Astrologer's house as he

led them inside. The Astrologer turned to his disciple and

said warningly, "Wait outside and guard the entrance

carefully. Even if accidentally someone happens to come

by, do not let them enter."

The parlor in the Astrologer's house was decorated to

receive his royal visitors. In an alcove in the wall was a

decorated figure of the Goddess Devi. Two seats were

made ready for seating the visitors. A tall metal lamp was

lit. The floor gleamed with intricate kolam decorations.

Several tablets and palm leaf charts with the scribbles and

symbols of the astrologer's trade were scattered about.

After both ladies were seated, the Astrologer sat down.

"Madam, please tell me why you have come?"

"Sir! Can you not find out even that by your astrology?"

asked Kundavai.

"So be it, Thaye!" said the Astrologer and closed his eyes.

He muttered some incantations and after a while looked at

them saying "Lady, you have come here today, mainly to

ask about the horoscope of this young girl. That is what the

grace of the Goddess reveals to me."

"Aha! Remarkable! How can we praise your powers? Yes

sir! I have come to ask about this girl. She came to the

Pazlayarai Palace about a year ago. For the first eight

months she was very cheerful and happy. Amongst my

companions she was the most joyous, most filled with

playful laughter. For the last four months, something has

happened to her. Often, she seems depressed. She seems to

live in some abstract world. She has forgotten her laughter.

She says that nothing is wrong with her health. If her

parents come and ask me tomorrow, what reply can I

give?"

"Thaye! Is she not the beloved daughter of the Lord of

Kodumbalur? Is her name Vanathi Devi?" asked the

Atrologer.

"Yes; you seem to know everything."

"I even have the horoscope of this young Lady. I have it in

my collection. Please wait a little."

The Astrologer opened an old casket by his side and

searched awhile. He then picked up a palm leaf notation of

a horoscope and peered at it.

*****
Chapter 11 -- Sudden Entry

The town known as Kumbakonam, was known as

Kudanthai or Kudamooku during the times of our story.

Besides the virtue of being a pilgrimage center, it was also

famous because of the Astrologer of Kudanthai. A little

distance to the south of Kudanthai, a majestic view of the

interim capital of the Chozla's, Pazlayarai, with its temple

towers and palace turrets reaching the skies, could be

glimpsed.

The Astrologer of Kudanthai had collected the horoscopes

of all the royal family living at the Pazlayarai Palace. He

had searched amidst this collection and found the

horoscope of Lady Vanathi of Kodumbalur. After peering

at the palm leaf notation of the horoscope for a while, he

stared at the face of Vanathi; then again looked at the

notation. He was peering and staring one after the other,

but did not open his mouth to utter a single word!

With a little impatience Kundavai asked, "What Sir? Are

you going to say something or not?"

"Thaye! What can I say? How can I say it? I had studied

this horoscope once before and could not believe it myself.

I doubted if anything could be like it and kept it aside.

Now, when I behold the divine face of this Lady and see

her horoscope at the same time, I am astounded!"

"Be amazed! Be astounded! After you have been

astounded enough, say something in particular."

"Madam, this is a very fortunate horoscope. I am saying it

with the belief that you will not mistake my words. This is

one step better than even your horoscope! I have never, till

now, seen such a lucky horoscope."

Kundavai smiled. Vanathi said with some shyness, "Akka!

He is calling this most unfortunate girl the luckiest person

in this world! Everything he utters will be like this."

"Amma, what are you saying? If my statements are

incorrect, I will give up my practice!" said the Astrologer.

"No. Mr. Astrologer, no. Don't do anything like that. Keep

predicting such good things to the people. But you are

uttering generalities; you have said nothing in particular.

That is why she doubts you."

"You want me to say something specific? Here, I will say

it. Four months ago, something that appeared to be an ill

omen occurred. Something slipped and fell. But in truth,

that is not an ill omen. It is from that incident that this

Lady will obtain all her good fortune."

"Vanathi, remember what I said? See?" said Kundavai

Devi.

"You must have told him about it before!" said Vanathi.

"Sir, look at the way this girl talks?"

"Let her talk Thaye, let her say whatever she wants now.

Tomorrow when she marries the king of kings ...."

"Yes, talk about such things! Young girls will listen

happily if you speak to them about marriage."

"That is what I have been saying too. If I suddenly raise

the topic of marriage, people will say `This old man has

lost his senses.' That is why ..."

"Where will her husband come from? When will he come?

What is his identification? Can you tell us all these things

from the horoscope, Sir?"

"Oh yes! Why not? I can say it very well." The Astrologer

peered into the horoscope once more. Whether he

examined it carefully or pretended to do examine it, none

can say!

Then looking up decisively he said, "Madam! A husband

for this maid does not have to come from very far! He is

quite nearby. However, that brave warrior is not in this

country now. He has gone across the seas."

Upon hearing these words, Kundavai looked at Vanathi.

Vanathi tried to contain the happiness that bubbled in her

heart; but could not do so: her face showed it.

"Then, who is he? What clan? Any signs to recognize

him?"

"Oh yes. Very clear signs. A prince fortunate enough to

marry this girl, will have the sign of the conch and discus

on his palms."

Once again Kundavai looked at Vanathi. But Vanathi was

looking down, almost hiding her face. "Won't there be

some signs or significant lines on her palms also?" asked

Kundavai Pirati.

"Thaye! Have you ever seen the soles of this girl's feet? ..."

"Sir! What are you saying? Are you asking me to touch her

feet?"

(Greeting a person by touching their feet denotes extreme

humility, or servitude.)

"No! Oh no! I am not saying anything like that! However,

sometime in the future, thousands of princesses, queens

and empresses will pray for the fortune of touching this

noble lady's feet."

"Akka! This old man is teasing me. Is it for this, that you

brought me here? Please get up; let us go" Vanathi said

this with some real anger.

"Why are you agitated my dear? Let him keep saying what

he wants ..."

"I am not saying anything. I am just explaining the

notations in this horoscope. Poets often talk about lotus

feet. Please ask this Lady to show me her feet a little bit.

Her sole will surely have the line of the red-lotus."

"Well! That's enough Sir. If you say anything more about

this girl, she will get hold of my hands and drag me out.

Tell us something about the man who is to be her

husband."

"Yes. Of course, I shall do so. The fortunate youth who

will take her hand will be the bravest among brave; he will

wear the victory garlands from fighting in the forefront of

hundreds of campaigns. He will be a king of kings. With

the praise and support of thousands of kings, he will sit

upon the throne of an emperor for a long time."

"I do not believe your words. How is that possible?" asked

Kundavai. Several emotions -- eagerness, happiness, fear,

doubt, worry -- danced on her face.

"I too don't believe it. He is thinking of something else and

saying all this. He is uttering such words to make you

happy!" said Vanathi.

"If you don't believe my words today, there is no harm.

One day you will believe it. Don't forget this poor

astrologer on that day."

Vanathi asked once again: "Akka, shall we go?" Two tear

drops peeped at the corners of her dark eyes.

"I have to tell you just one more thing. Please hear that

also and then leave. There will be several obstacles and

dangers for the young man who is to marry this Princess.

He will have several enemies ..."

"Oh!"

"But all the dangers and obstacles will fly away in the end.

Enemies will be totally destroyed; the Lord who attains

this Lady will cross all impediments and achieve great

positions. There is something much more important than

even this ... Thaye! I am an old man. Therefore, I can

reveal all without hiding anything. You should look at the

stomach of this girl sometime. If you do not find the lines

and sign of a banyan (ficus) leaf on her stomach, I will

give up my practice of astrology."

"Sir, what is so special about the sign of the banyan leaf?"

"Don't you know who the Lord who reposed on the banyan

leaf is? A son with the aspects of that great Vishnu will be

born to her. Her Lord is likely to have all sorts of dangers,

obstacles, impediments and bad periods. But the son who

is to be born of this Lady will have nothing that is a

deterrent. All that he thinks of will be concluded; anything

he undertakes will be completed; his touch will be golden;

wherever he steps will be under his sway; whatever he sees

will have the tiger-flag flying over it. Madam, the armies

led by her son will flow in all directions, with no

hinderance, like the fresh floods of the Ponni. The Goddess

of Victory will be his bonded slave. The fame of his native

lands will spread across the worlds. The fame of his clan

will last as long as this world exists!"

When the Astrologer spoke these words as if in some

frenzy, Kundavai was looking at him with rapt attention,

listening to every word he uttered. She was startled to turn

around upon hearing the distressed call, "Akka!"

"Something is happening to me," said Vanathi in further

distress. Suddenly she fainted and fell to the floor.

"Sir! Please fetch some water quickly," saying this,

Kundavai lifted Vanathi onto her lap. The Astrologer

brought some water. Kundavai sprinkled the water on her

friends face.

"Nothing will go wrong, Amma! Do not be concerned,"

said the Astrologer.

"I am not worried. This is her habit. This has happened

four or five times till now. She will open her eyes and get

up after some time. Upon waking she will ask if this is the

earth or paradise," said Kundavai.

Then, in a much softer voice she asked "Sir! I came to ask

you something very important. Have you any news?"

The Astrologer's manner changed; he said some words to

her very precisely and quickly.

Then, Kundavai Pirati asked, "I hear that people in the

countryside and cities are talking about all sorts of things.

The long tailed comet has been appearing in the skies for

sometime. Is there some meaning to all this? Is there some

danger to the empire? Will there be any change,

confusion?"

"Lady, don't ask me about that. There is no horoscope for

kingdoms, nations or political events; neither can I predict

anything by astrology about them. I know nothing about

such matters through the science I practice. Perhaps the

seers and philosophers or the devout and ascetic may be

able to foresee something. This poor fellow does not have

such powers. In politics the stars and planets of astrology

have no power." The Astrologer spoke these words with a

certain emphasis, looking at Vanathi who seemed to be

stirring.

"Sir! You talk very skillfully. You don't have to study the

horoscope of a nation. But can you not reveal particulars

about my father and my brothers? Isn't studying their

horoscopes like looking at the horoscope of the nation?"

"I will look into them at leisure and tell you. Thaye, in

general this period is full of confusion and danger. All of

us have to be a little careful."

"Sir! About my father..., the Emperor ... I am quite worried

ever since he moved to Tanjore from Pazlayarai."

"I have told you earlier, Madam. This is a period of grave

danger for the Emperor. All your family has to face great

danger. With the grace of the Goddess Durga all will be

overcome."

"Akka, where are we?" asked the faint voice of Vanathi.

Vanathi, who had her head on Kundavai's lap, blinked her

eyelids several times like the buzzing bee, and looked

around.

"Darling, we are still on this earth. The flower-laden

flying-chariot has not yet come to take us to the heavens.

Get up! Let us get into our mere horse drawn chariot and

go back to the palace."

Vanathi sat up and asked, "Did I faint?"

"No. You did not faint. You took a little nap on my lap. I

even sang you a lullaby. Did you not hear it?"

"Please do not scold me Akka. Without my awareness, I

felt dizzy."

"Yes. You will feel dizzy. Quite dizzy. If this Astrologer

had predicted all those grand fortunes for me, even my

head would feel dizzy."

"Not because of that Akka. You think I believed

everything he said?"

"I don't know if you believed it or not? But this Astrologer

was quite worried about you. I should not take a poor

spirited person like you, anywhere, anymore."

"I said that I did not want to come to this astrologer. You

insisted ..."

"It is my fault. Get up. Let us go. Can you walk to the

doorstep? Or, should I carry you on my hip?

"No. No. I can walk very well."

"Please have a little patience Thaye! I shall give you some

sacrament-offerings of the Goddess. Please receive them

before you go," said the Astrologer as he tidied his papers.

"Sir, you described all sorts of things for me. But you did

not say anything for Akka?" asked Vanathi.

"Amma, I have told everything to the Younger Pirati.

What is there to say afresh?"

"About the bravest of warriors who is to marry Akka ...."

"That dauntless gallant ...." interrupted Kundavai with

some surprise.

"Doubtless. A very capable prince..."

"He who has all the thirty-two signs of good looks; Jupiter

in wisdom; a veritable Saraswati (deity of learning) in

knowledge; handsome as Cupid, Oh no, as Arjuna (epic

warrior)!"

"When will that handsome prince, deserving of the

Younger Pirati come and where will he come from?"

"How will he come? Upon a horse? On a chariot? By

walk? Or, will he rip open the roof and jump down from

the skies?" asked Kundavai with a mocking voice.

"Akka, I can hear the hoof beats of a horse," Vanathi said

this with some agitation.

"You will hear most wonderful things unheard by anyone

else."

"No. I am not joking. Listen."

By now all three could hear the quick gallop of a horse on

the road outside.

"What if you hear it? Won't horses gallop along the road?"

said Kundavai.

"No. It seems to be coming here, to this house."

"OK. Get up. Let us go."

At this time they could hear some confused noises outside

the door. Voices could be heard.

"Is this the Astrologer's house?"

"Yes; who are you?"

"Is the Astrologer home?"

"You cannot enter."

"I will do so."

"I cannot let you."

"I must see the Astrologer."

"Come later."

"I cannot come later; I am in a great hurry."

"Hey! You! You fellow! Stop! Stop!"

"Damn it! Move away! I'll kill you if you stand in the

way."

"Sir! Sir! Please! Please! Don't enter! Don't go in."

The confused shouts came closer, and closer. The wooden

front door opened with a bang. With all this great

commotion, a young man made a sudden entry.

Another fellow was trying to drag him back by pulling at

his shoulders. The youth shook off the hands, stepped

across the doorway and came into the room.

Our readers would have guessed the identity of the

newcomer! Yes, it was our youthful hero, Vandiya Devan.

All the three pairs of eyes inside the house looked at that

warrior.

Vandiya Devan also looked at the people inside; no; he

looked at only one person inside. Not even that. He did not

see even Kundavai Devi completely. He just saw her

golden face. Did he at least see her face completely? -- not

even that! He saw the petals of her coral red lips, opening

slightly with surprise; he saw her wide open eyes

brimming with mischief, surprise and laughter; he saw the

dark eyelashes and eyebrows; he saw the sandal colored

forehead; he saw the rosy dimpled cheeks; he saw the

throat shaped like a smooth conch-shell. He saw all these

at the same time and individually! They became embossed

in his heart.

All this was for just a second. He quickly turned towards

the Astrologer's disciple and said, "Why man, inside ...

Why didn't you say that these ladies were inside the house?

If you had said it, would I have come in like this?" With

these words he pushed the man outside and crossed the

doorstep once again. Even then, he turned to look at

Kundavai once more, before going out.

"Dear me! It seems like the quiet after a raging storm!"

said Kundavai Pirati.

"Listen. The storm has not stopped!" said Vanathi of

Kodumbalur.

The debate between the Astrologer's disciple and Vandiya

Devan was still continuing.

"Sir! Who was that?" asked Kundavai.

"I do not know, Thaye. Seems like a foreigner; looks as if

he is a rough fellow."

Kundavai suddenly thought of something and laughed

brightly. "Why are you laughing, Akka?" asked Vanathi.

"Why am I laughing? We were talking about my

bridegroom -- if he would come on horseback, riding an

elephant or jump down from the roof; I thought of that and

laughed!"

Vanathi was also possessed of an uncontrollable laughter

now. Their laughter rose like waves on the ocean shore.

Because of their laughter even the noises of the dispute

outside stopped.

Immersed in silent thought the Astrologer gave kumkum to

both ladies. After receiving it both women rose and walked

outside. The Astrologer went along.

Vandiya Devan who was standing aside near the doorstep,

saw them and said loudly, "I beg pardon. This genius did

not tell me that you ladies were inside. That is why I

entered in such a hurry. Forgive me for that."

With a pleasant face and mischief- filled, teasing eyes,

Kundavai looked up at him once. She did not say a single

word in reply. She took hold of Vanathi's hand and walked

towards her chariot under the banyan tree.

"The women of Kudanthai seem to have no manners. Can

they not utter even one word in reply to a gentleman who

accosts them?" The words of Vandiya Devan spoken in a

loud voice could be heard by everyone.

After helping them both be seated, the charioteer also

climbed to his perch. The horse drawn chariot moved

swiftly towards the banks of River Arisil. Vandiya Devan

stood watching till the chariot disappeared from sight.

*****

Chapter 12 -- Nandini

Don't we have to disclose how Vandiya Devan, whom we

had left in a ferry-boat on the banks of the Kollidam,

arrived at the doorsteps of the Astrologer of Kudanthai?

The Saiva gentleman, who objected to having Azlvaradiyan

in the boat, turned towards Vandiya Devan and

said, "I let this fellow get in because of you, Thambi.

However, as long as we are in this boat he should not utter

that eight-letter word. If he says it, I shall demand that he

be thrown into this Kollidam! These boatmen are my

men!"

"Sir! Devout Mr. Nambi! Did thy hallowed ears hear it?"

asked Vandiya Devan.

"If this fellow does not utter the five-letter word, I too shall

not utter the holy-name of eight-letters" said Nambi.

(Note: The eight letter word is the name of Vishnu -- namo-

sri-na-ra-ya-na-ya -- worshipped by the Vaishnava

sect; the five letter word -- na-ma-si-va-ya -- denotes Shiva

worshipped by the Saiva sect.)

"Who is this fellow to object to my uttering the fivelettered

holy name of the great God Shiva? No! Never!

Though you may be bound by chains

and thrown into the deepest seas,

Your only companion and hope is

the name na-ma-si-va-ya!"

These words were uttered in a roaring voice by the Saiva

gentleman. Upon hearing it, Azlvar-adiyan began singing

in a louder voice:

I searched, and upon searching found

the holy name,

Na-mo-sri-na-ra-ya-na-ya;

Saying the words, "Siva, Siva, Sivaa!" the gentleman stuck

both his index fingers into his ears! When Azlvar-adiyan

stopped singing, he took his fingers out of his ears.

Azlvar-adiyan looked at Vandiya Devan and asked,

"Thambi, you ask that fanatic Saiva fellow. He is in such

agony when he merely hears God's name! Does not this

river Kollidam wash the lotus feet of God Narayana who

reposes in Srirangam and then come down here? Is it not

because these waters, which have touched the feet of

Narayana, have become hallowed, that Shiva performs

penance while immersed in these waters at Thiru-anaikava?"

Before he could conclude this long story, the Saiva zealot

became very furious and rushed towards the equally

fanatic Vaishnava Nambi. Since both entered into a fist

fight at one end of the boat, it seemed as if the ferry-boat

would soon capsize! One of the men and Vandiya Devan

intervened and separated them.

"Oh, you great and best of devout souls! Both of you seem

to have a wish to drown in the floods of this Kollidam and

go directly to paradise! But I have several other

engagements left on this beautiful earth," said Vandiya

Devan with some disgust.

One of the boatmen articulated his opinion, "I am not sure

if one would definitely enter paradise if he falls into the

Kollidam! But, I guarantee that you would enter the

innards of a crocodile! Look over there!" His finger

pointed at a big crocodile with its terrorizing, wide open

jaws.

"I am not one bit scared about those crocodiles. Would he

not come to my aid, Lord Narayana the original God, who

saved the elephant Gajendra from such a crocodile? Where

would he go?" said Azlvar-adiyan.

"Where would he go? Perhaps he is hiding in the sari-folds

of the milkmaids of Brindavan!"

"Perhaps Shiva is entangled in another predicament: just

like that time when, having given boons to the demon

Bhasma, he was running around with terror; perhaps

Thirumal has gone to save him from yet another such

predicament," retorted Nambi.

The fanatic Saiva replied: "Perhaps this fanatic ignoramus

does not remember how Vishnu's pride was demolished

during the burning of Tripura?"

"Why do you argue like this? I don't know! Why don't

each of you worship the God to whom you are devoted?"

said Vandiya Devan.

It would be appropriate to explain to our readers at this

time, why the Saiva devotee and Azlvar-adiyan argued in

this fashion and why there was a similar wordy duel at

Veera-narayana-puram.

In the ancient Tamil land, for almost six hundred years,

(up till about the tenth century AD) the religions of

Buddhism and Jainism held prestigious sway. Because of

these religions, the Tamil land gained several advantages.

Sculpture, painting, poetry, literature and other such arts

were nurtured and developed. Emphasis was on Sanskrit.

Later the Azlvar's (Vaishnava saints) and Nayanmar's

(Saiva saints) appeared. They sang melodious poems --

devotional songs in nectar-sweet, divine Tamil. They

fostered and developed the Vaishnava (of Vishnu) and

Saiva (of Shiva) sects of Hinduism. Their preaching was

quite powerful. They utilized the power of art, sculpture

and music for their missionary work. Several others set

their songs to divine music and sang them. Those who

listened to these musical poems were enticed, enamored

and subject to fanatic devotion. The Shiva and Vishnu

temple-towns mentioned in such devotional songs acquired

new merit and fresh holiness. Temples, which till then

were built with wood and brick, were renovated and rebuilt

with stone and sculpture. Such holy renovation-works

were undertaken even since Vijayala Chozla's times by the

Chozla monarchs and members of their family as well as

other nobility.

At about the same time an important event occurred in the

Kerala nation. A great soul was born in the village of

Kaladi. At a very young age he gave up worldly pleasures

and became an ascetic. He studied all the sciences and

literature in the northern language (Sanskrit) and became

an expert. He then established the foundation for the

Advaita philosophy, based on the principles gained from

the Hindu scriptures -- Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavat Gita

and Brahma Sutras because of his expertise in Sanskrit.

He, Sankara the Teacher, traveled all over the Indian subcontinent

and established eight religious-seats for

propagating Advaita philosophy. Ascetics who espoused

his philosophy spread his word all over the country.

(Advaita meaning non-dual, advocates the non-dual nature

of existence; that God is only one; and that God and man

are one and the same.)

Thus, in the Tamil lands, during the times of our story

(tenth century AD) there was a great religious revival and

awakening. Certain harmful consequences, arising out of

this revival, also spread throughout the countryside.

Fanatic Shiva devotees and fanatic Vishnu devotees rose

here and there. They entered into fights wherever they met

each other. Sometimes, Advaita philosophers also entered

into these disputes. Wordy duels often turned into fistfights

and brawls.

There is an interesting story that reveals the extent of this

rivalry between the religious sects of those times. A man

from Srirangam, of the Vaishnava sect, was once walking

along the outer walls of the Shiva temple at Thiru-anaikava.

Suddenly a stone hit his head. He was wounded and

bleeding. The Vaishnava man looked up towards the sky.

He saw a crow sitting atop the old temple tower and

surmised that a piece of brick from the dilapidated spire

dislodged by the crow must have fallen on his head.

Immediately he forgot his wound and pain and became

quite delighted. He said, "Oh you devout Vaishnava crow

from Srirangam! Good that you are demolishing this Shiva

temple completely!"

In those days, this fanatic rivalry between the Vaishnavas

and Saivas was widespread. Knowing about this will be

very helpful to readers who may have the intention of

reading further chapters in this story.

When the boat reached the other shore, the Saiva

gentleman looked at Azlvar-adiyan and cursed him with

these words: "May you loose all prosperity and become

utterly destitute," before he went on his way.

The footman from Kadamboor who had come with

Vandiya Devan went away towards the nearby village of

Thiru-panan-thal, saying that he would come back with a

mount for him. Azlvar-adiyan and Vandiya Devan sat

down under a large banyan tree on the river bank. Several

kinds of birds roosting in the thick, leafy branches of that

wide-spreading, large tree raised a pleasing musical sound.

Both of them, Devan and Nambi, tried to pry the secrets

from each other's mouths. For a while they talked of this

and that in a round-about fashion.

"Well Thambi, you did go to Kadamboor without taking

me with you?"

"Even my entry into that fortress was fraught with great

difficulty, Mr. Nambi."

"Is that so? How did you go in? Perhaps you did not go at

all?"

"I did enter. I did go in. If I make up my mind to do

something will I take a backward step? The gate-keepers

stopped me. I goaded my horse to gallop inside and all the

men obstructing my way fell away in confusion. Before

they could rise and surround me, my friend Kandamaran

came to my rescue and took me inside."

"That's what I thought. You are a very courageous fellow!

And then, what happened? Who else had come there?"

"All sorts of dignitaries had come. I do not know their

names. Lord Pazluvoor had come. His young bride had

also come. Dear me! How shall I describe the beauty of

that lady!"

"What? Did you see her?!"

"Yes. Why not? My friend Kandamaran took me to the

inner courts of the women. I saw her there. Amidst all

those women, the Young-Queen of Lord Pazluvoor was

the greatest beauty. Among all the dark-colored beauties,

that queen's face shone like a radiant full-moon. All the

heavenly beauties: Ramba, Urvasi, Tilottama, Indrani,

Chandrani -- all of them must be mentioned only after

her."

"Dear me! You describe her with such rapture! Then, what

happened? Did you see the gypsy dance?"

"Yes. It was very captivating. I thought of you at that

time."

"I was not fortunate to see it. What happened after that?"

"The velan attam (oracle-dance) took place. The `divineman'

and `divine-woman' came upon the stage and danced

with frenzy."

"Did the spirit manifest? Did they declare any oracle?"

"Oh, yes! `All endeavors will be achieved. The rains will

be good; the land will be bountiful,' said the soothsayer."

"Is that all?"

"He then said something about political affairs. I did not

listen to that carefully."

"Dear, dear me! Is that so? You should have noticed

Thambi! You are a young man; you seem to be brave and

courageous. If anybody talks about political affairs at any

place, you should listen carefully."

"You say the truth. I too felt the same thing this morning."

"Why feel so in the morning?"

"This morning my friend Kandamaran and I talked all

along the way as we rode to the banks of the Kollidam. I

believe that after I had gone to bed last night, all the

dignitaries who were at Kadamboor convened a midnightmeeting

to discuss some important political affairs."

"What did they discuss about?"

"That, I do not know. Kandamaran said something in a

cryptic fashion but he did not explain clearly. He said that

some event was to take place very soon and that he would

explain at that time. All his statements were rather

mysterious. Why Sir! Do you know anything?"

"About what?"

"Everybody in the countryside and city is talking about it?

A comet can be seen in the skies and the empire may be

subject to some grave danger; there may be a change in the

Chozla monarchy; this and that ... Such talk has been heard

even in the Thondai lands. Also, I believe that all sorts of

important officials meet together quite often, to discuss

about the `Rights to the succession' of the Chozla throne.

What do you think? Who is likely to succeed to the

throne?"

"I don't know anything about such matters. What

connection do I have with political affairs? I am a devout

Vaishnava; I am a slave to those who serve the Azlvar

saints; I sing the devotional songs that I know and go from

one holy place to the other."

After uttering these words Azlvar-adiyan began singing the

following words:

I spied upon his golden presence;

I saw his divine grace.

Vandiya Devan interrupted him, "Let good fortune be

yours. Please stop this."

"Dear me! You ask me to stop singing these divine Tamil

psalms!"

"Mr. Azlvar-adiyan Nambi! I have a suspicion. Shall I

disclose it?"

"Please do."

"You will not come to beat me up with your woodenstaff?"

"You? Is it possible for me to hit you?"

"I think that all your devotion, your Vaishnava fanaticism,

your psalm singing -- everything is one big deception. I

suspect it to be a big masquerade!"

"Oh! Oh! What talk is this? Offense! Abuse!"

"No offense and no forgiveness. You put on such guise to

hide your womanizing! I have seen some others like you:

who wander around with an obsession for womankind.

What you find in such women, that I do not know! I seem

to dislike any woman I see.

"Thambi, I too know of some men who are crazy about

women. But don't mix me up with such fellows. I am not a

masquerader. Your suspicions are incorrect."

"Then why did you ask me to deliver your note to the girl

who came in the palanquin? That too, how can you lose

your heart to a woman who is married to another? Did you

not want to come to Kadamboor mainly to see her? Don't

deny it."

"I won't deny it. But your reasoning is not correct. There is

a much more appropriate justification. It is a long story."

"My horse hasn't arrived yet. Tell me that story. I can

listen."

"By `story' I do not mean an imaginary tale. It happened

truly. An astonishing account. You will be shocked if you

hear it. Do you want me to recount it?"

"If you would like to."

"Alright. I shall tell you. I am in a great hurry to go

someplace else; nonetheless, I will tell you that story

before I go. I may need your help sometime later. You

won't refuse it then, will you?"

"If it is justified I will help you. If you do not like it, don't

tell me anything."

"No. No. I must surely tell you the story. The young bride

of that demon, Lord Pazluvoor, the girl to whom I asked

you to carry a note, her name is Nandini. You will be

surprised if you hear what I have to say about Nandini.

You will wonder if there can be such atrocities in this

world." With this preamble, Azlvar-adiyan started

narrating the story of Nandini.

Azlvar-adiyan Nambi was born in a village on the banks of

the River Vaigai, in the Pandiya Kingdom. All his family

were ardent Vaishnava devotees. One day, his father was

walking in the gardens along the river bank when he found

an orphan baby girl who was abandoned in the garden. He

brought the infant home. Because the child was very

attractive and beautiful, all the members of his family

loved and nourished her. Since the child was found in a

garden (nandavan), they named her Nandini. Nambi,

considering her a younger sister, loved and cherished her.

As Nandini grew in years, her devotion to God Vishnu also

grew. All the people around them believed that she would

become another Andal (Vaishnava saint) to captivate all

their hearts. Azlvar-adiyan believed it more than anyone

else. After his father's death, he took up the responsibility

of raising that girl. The two of them travelled from one

town to another, singing Vaishnava poems and spreading

the belief in devotion to Vishnu. People who heard

Nandini, wearing basil-leaf garlands and singing the

psalms of the Azlvar saints, were enchanted.

At one time Azlvar-adiyan had to go on a journey to Thiruvenkadam

(Tirupati). His return was delayed. A mishap

occurred to Nandini.

The final great-battle between the Chozla and Pandiya

kings was fought near Madurai City. The Pandiya armies

were totally destroyed. King Veera-pandiya had fallen in

the battlefield with wounds all over his body. Some of his

personal servants found him: they tried to revive him and

save his life; they brought him away from the battlefield

and into the house of Nandini which was nearby. Nandini,

upon seeing the condition of the Pandiya king, was filled

with pity and she nursed him in the sickbed. However, the

Chozla soldiers soon found this out. They surrounded

Nandini's house, entered inside and killed Veera-pandiya.

Lord Pazluvoor, captivated by the beauty of Nandini

whom he found there, imprisoned her and took her away

with him.

All this happened three years ago. After that Azlvar-adiyan

could not see Nandini at all. From that day, Azlvar-adiyan

was trying to meet and talk to Nandini. If she wished it, he

would free her and take her away. He had not succeeded in

that endeavor so far.

Upon hearing this tale, Vandiya Devan's heart was

touched. For a second, he considered telling Nambi that

the person inside the covered palanquin in Kadamboor was

not Nandini; that it was Prince Madurandaka. Something

in his heart prevented him. Perhaps all this tale was the

fertile imagination of Azlvar-adiyan. Therefore, he did not

reveal the secrets he had learned at the Kadamboor

fortress. By now they could see the footman from

Kadamboor coming back, leading a horse.

"Thambi, will you do me one favor?" asked Azlvar-adiyan.

"How can I help you? Lord Pazluvoor is capable of

controlling all this Chozla Empire. I am a single fellow

with no powers. What can I do?" Vandiya Devan answered

him carefully. Later he asked, "Mr. Nambi, are you saying

that you do not know anything about political affairs? Can

you say who is eligible to succeed to the Chozla throne if

something happens to Sundara Chozla?" After saying this

he examined Nambi's face eagerly to see if there was any

change in his expression. There was not an iota of change.

"What will I know of such matters, Thambi? Perhaps, if

you ask the Astrologer of Kudanthai, he may be able to tell

you something."

"Oh? Is the Astrologer of Kudanthai that capable?"

"Very capable. He will make predictions based on

astrology; he will know your mind and explain the future.

He knows all the worldly activities and will base his

predictions accordingly."

Vandiya Devan made up his mind to see the astrologer

before he went any further! From ancient times humanity

is fascinated in finding out about what will happen in its

future. Princes have this fascination; paupers have it too.

The most learned and knowledgeable have it; the foolish

and ignorant ones also do so. There is no surprise about the

fact that our youthful hero, Vandiya Devan, who was

travelling upon secret government affairs across cities and

nations, had such a fascination.

*****
Chapter 13 -- The Waxing Moon

The Astrologer led Vandiya Devan into the house after the

chariot carrying the princesses had disappeared from view.

He seated himself on his best seat. He asked the youth who

was looking around to sit down and examined him from

head to toe.

"Thambi, who are you? Where have you come?"

Vandiya Devan laughed.

"Why are you laughing, my son?"

"Nothing. You are such a famous astrologer. You ask me

such questions! Can you not find out by your astrology

about who I am and why I came here?"

"Oh! Is that so? I can find out. But if I find out and predict

things on my own behalf, I am wondering who will pay for

my services."

Vandiya Devan smiled and then asked, "Sir! Those two

who came here before me, who are they?"

"Ah! Them? I realize whom you are asking about. I know

Thambi, I know. Are you not asking about the persons

who were in here when you dragged my disciple and made

a sudden entry into my house? You are asking about them

aren't you? Those two, who left in that swift chariot raising

the road dust behind them, you are asking about them?"

said the Astrologer in a rambling fashion.

"Yes. Yes. I am asking about them..."

"OK. Ask. Ask as much as you wish. Who said not to ask?

Those two persons were two women!"

"That was obvious even to me! Sir, I am not blind. I can

differentiate between men and women. Even if it is a man

masquerading as a woman I can find out."

"Then, why did you ask ..."

"Women means, who are they, what kind? ..."

"Oh ho! You are asking about that! According to the

science of beauty, women are classified into four kinds:

padmini, chittini, gandarvi, vidyadari. You seem to have

some expertise in the study of beauty! According to that

fourfold classification those two women belong to the

padmini or gandarvi class."

"Oh God!"

"What, my son?"

"If I call out to God, why do you answer?"

"What is wrong in that? Haven't you heard that God is

everywhere? It seems that you have not kept company with

learned people. God is in me. God is in you too. My

disciple, whom you dragged inside, God is in him too..."

"Enough. Enough. Please stop!"

"God asked me to talk all this time; and now God

commands me to stop!"

"Sir! Mr. Astrologer, those two women who left just now -

\- who are they? What is their family? Where do they come

from? What is their name? -- that is what I asked. If you

can answer me without rambling like this ..."

"If I answer you, what will you give me, my son?"

"I shall offer you my thanks gladly."

"You can keep the glad offering to yourself. If you are

willing to give some gold offering, let me know."

"Will you answer clearly, if I make a gold offering?"

"I will answer only if an answer is possible. Thambi, listen

to this. Several persons will come and go from an

astrologer's house. One should not talk about one visitor to

another. I will not tell you anything about the persons who

left just now. Neither will I disclose a single word about

you, to any person who may come later and ask about

you."

"Ah! Everything that Azlvar-adiyan Nambi said about you

seems to be true!"

"Azlvar-adiyan? Who is he? A person with that name?"

"What, don't you know him? He talked as if he knew you

very well. Have you never heard of Azlvar-adiyan

Nambi?"

"Perhaps I know the man. Don't remember the name.

Describe him a little, let me see."

"He is short and squat. He wears his hair in a topknot on

his forehead. He wears his vaetti (loose lower garment of

men) tightly around his young paunch. Making a paste of

sandal powder, he wears it in vertical marks all over his

body; readily enters into fiery fights with devout Saivas; if

he sees an Advaita philosopher, he raises his wooden staff.

Sometime ago you said `You are God; I am God.' If

Azlvar-adiyan had heard it, he would have raised his staff

and rushed over to beat you, by saying `God is hitting

God.' He ..."

"Thambi, From what you say, I think you are talking about

Thirumalai."

"Does he go by other names like that?"

"That fanatic Vaishnava has a different name in different

towns."

"Does he also disguise himself in different garbs for

different persons?"

"Oh yes! He will put on masquerades appropriate for the

occasion and time."

"Will everything he utters be mixed with fancy and

falsehood?"

"About seven eighths of what he says will be full of

imagination. The rest may be gospel truth."

"So, you say that he is a very wicked fellow."

"One cannot say that! He is good to the good; bad to the

wicked."

"That means we cannot trust his words and do anything."

"Believing or not believing depends on the words uttered."

"For example, he said that if I come to you and asked you

for astrological predictions, you will give expert

answers..."

"Did I not say that about one eighth of his speech will be

gospel truth? That statement belongs to that category!"

"Then predict something for me by your astrology; foretell

something. It is getting late and I have to go in a hurry."

"Where do you have to go in such a great hurry, my son?"

"Can you not reveal that also from your astrology? Where

should I go? Where should I not go? If I do go, will my

endeavor be successful? -- I came to ask you all these

things."

"I need some basis to foretell or predict by my astrology; I

need a horoscope to study; if there is no horoscope, I must

at least know the day and star under which you were born.

If you do not know even that, I need a name and address."

"My name is Vallavarayan."

"Aha! Of the Vaanar clan?"

"Yes I am that very same Vandiya Devan Vallavarayan."

"Say it like that! Thambi why did you not say this before?

I think, I even have your horoscope with me. If I search for

it I can find it."

"How is that Sir?"

"What other occupation do astrologer's like me have? We

collect the horoscopes of men and women born in noble

families..."

"I am not from any such famous noble family."

"How can you say that? Do you not know of the fame and

prestige of your clan? How many poets have sung the

praises of the Vaanar clan in how many poems? Perhaps

you have not heard the poems?"

"Recite one such poem. Let me hear it."

The Astrologer immediately sang the following poem:

Are there lips that do not speak of your fame: oh noble Vaana?

Are there chests that do not have your name tattooed on: oh brave Vaana?

Are there flagpoles that do not bear thy colors: oh victorious Vaana?

Are there domains that stand beyond your survey: oh majestic Vaana?

When he sang, it was quite obvious that the Astrologer was

not a musical expert. Nevertheless, he sang the poem

clearly and with involvement.

"How is the poem?" he asked.

"The poem is pleasing to the ear! But now, I have to tie my

colors to the horns of some bull! I have to stand atop the

branches of a banyan tree to survey my domain. Even that

is doubtful. My weight might break the branch and throw

me down!" said Vandiya Devan.

"Today your situation is like that. How do we know what

can happen tomorrow?"

"I thought that you might know; that is why I came here."

"What can I know Thambi? Like everybody I am a short

lived human being. But the planets and stars foretell the

future. I have learned to understand a little of what they

say and then explain it to those who seek me."

"What do the planets and stars foretell about me, Mr.

Astrologer?"

"They foretell that you will grow day by day."

"Dear me! That is pretty good! The height that I have now

is itself quite too much. I had to bend low as I entered your

house! What can I do if I grow taller? There is no use of

such generalities. Say something specific."

"If you ask me about something particular, I can answer

more specifically."

"Tell me, the enterprise on which I am going to Tanjore,

will it succeed?"

"If you are going to Tanjore on your own behalf the

endeavor will succeed; if you are going on someone else's

behalf, I have to see that persons horoscope before I

answer."

Vandiya Devan shook his head in astonishment and placed

a finger upon his nose. "Sir, I have never encountered as

astute a fellow as you."

"Do not flatter me, Thambi."

"Ok. I shall ask what I want clearly. I wish to meet the

Emperor in Tanjore. Is that possible?"

"There are two astrologers greater than me in Tanjore. You

have to ask them."

"Who are they?"

"One is the Elder Lord Pazluvoor; the other is his brother

the Younger Lord Pazluvoor."

"It is said that the health of the Emperor is in a bad state. Is

that true?"

"People will say all sorts of things. Why not? Don't believe

all that they say; neither should you repeat such things."

"Can you tell me who has the right to succeed to the

Chozla throne if something happens to the Emperor?"

"That throne is not for you nor for me. Why should we

bother about it?"

"From that fate we are saved!" said Vandiya Devan.

"It is true Thambi. The rights of succession to an empire is

not an ordinary matter. It is a very dangerous topic. Is that

not so?"

"Sir! At present the Prince who is in Kanchi, the Crown

Prince Aditya Karikala..."

"Yes he is there; you have come on his behalf. Haven't

you?"

"You have found that out in the end; no harm done. What

about his fortune?"

"I don't have his horoscope in my hands now Thambi. I

have to study it."

"What about the fortunes of Prince Madurandaka?"

"His, is a peculiar fortune; similar to that of womenfolk.

His fortunes are always subject to the power of others."

"Even now people say that the Chozla Empire is under

Women's Rule. They say that it is worse than the rule of

the Queen Alli?"

"Thambi, where do they say such things?"

"To the north of the Kollidam."

"Maybe they are talking about the power of the new bride

married by the Elder Lord Pazluvoor."

"I heard differently."

"What did you hear?"

"They said that the beloved daughter of the Emperor, the

Younger Pirati Kundavai, is the one ruling like that."

The Astrologer peered into Vandiya Devan's face

carefully. He tried to read the face to find out if he was

saying these words after recognizing Kundavai, who had

left his house a little earlier. There was no sign to support

the doubt.

"Totally wrong Thambi. Emperor Sundara Chozla is in

Tanjore. Kundavai Pirati lives in Pazlayarai. Moreover ..."

"Moreover what? Why did you stop?

"During the daytime one must look in all four directions

before speaking; at nighttime not even that. But, there is

nothing wrong in telling you, I think. What power or

influence does the Emperor have these days? All the

authority is held by the Lords of Pazluvoor." After saying

this the Astrologer examined Vandiya Devan's face once

again.

"Sir! I am not a spy of the Lords of Pazluvoor. You do not

have to suspect me of that! A little while ago you talked

about the impermanence of kingdoms and royal dynasties.

You gave me the example of my own Vaanar clan. Please

tell me the truth. How is the future of the Chozla

Dynasty?"

"I can tell truthfully without any uncertainty. Towards the

end of spring the River Cauvery and its tributaries will be

filled with new floods. The people living on the river

banks know very well that it is a flood that will rise day by

day. Till the beginning of the summer months the flood

will keep rising. By the autumn months the waters start

receding. The people living along the bank realize it to be

a ebbing flood. The Chozla Empire is now like the fresh

flood of springtime that grows day by day. For several

more hundreds of years it will grow and spread. The

Chozla Empire is now a Waxing Moon. The day of the

Full Moon is far away. Therefore the Chozla power will

expand more and more."

"After talking all this time, you have said one thing

explicitly! Thanks! If possible, just tell me one more thing.

I have a great desire to go on a ship and travel to distant

lands..."

"That wish will definitely be fulfilled. You have the

fortune of the wheel. You will be travelling constantly, as

if you have wheels on your feet. You will go by walk; ride

upon horses; go on elephants and you will also travel

aboard ships. You have the fortune to go on a sea voyage

very soon."

"Sir, about the Commander of the Southern Armies, Prince

Arulmozli Varma who is now conducting a campaign in

Lanka -- what do the planets and stars say about him?"

"Thambi, those travelling by ship use an instrument made

of the magnetic stone to find their directions. Lighthouses

also help these sailors. But do you know what aids the ship

in the midst of the wide open seas? What is the constant

friend of the sailors? It is the pole star seen in the low

northern skies. The other stars and planets all keep moving

from their positions. Even the group of the `seven seers'

(little dipper) travels in a circle. But the pole star is never

shaken from its fixed position. The younger son of the

Emperor, Prince Arulmozli, is like that pole star. He has

the firmness of mind unshaken by anything. In addition to

the virtues of selflessness and morality, he possess the

goodness of bravery and chivalry. He excels in worldly

knowledge as much as in learning. He has a charming face,

like that of a young babe which calms the aches of those

who gaze upon it. He is the darling son of the angel of

good luck. Just as sailors take direction from the pole star,

it will be very useful, if youths like you who embark on the

adventure of life, take direction from Prince Arulmozli."

"Dear me! What is all this that you describe about Prince

Arulmozli? It appears like a lover describing his beloved?"

"Thambi, if you ask any fellow of the Chozla country on

the banks of the River Ponni, he will say the same."

"Many thanks Mr. Astrologer. If the need arises I shall

follow your advice."

"Because I saw that your lucky planets are also on the rise,

I said this."

"I shall take leave of you Sir! Along with my heartfelt

thanks, offered gladly, please accept this small tribute of

gold offered to you." Saying this, Vandiya Devan placed

five gold coins in the palms of the Astrologer.

"The benevolence of the Vaanar clan has not died even

now!" said the Astrologer as he hid the coins in his

waistband.

*****
Chapter 14 -- A Crocodile On The River Bank

In those days, those who wished to reach Tanjore from

Kudanthai, travelled along the banks of the rivers Arisil or

Cauvery and reached the town of Thiru-vai-aru. From

there, they would turn south to go towards Tanjore.

Convenient ferrys or fords to cross the rivers Kudamuruti,

Vettar, Vennar and Vadavar were available only along that

route. Vandiya Devan who started from Kudanthai, first

went towards the banks of River Arisil. The sights that he

saw along the way astonished him, being more exquisite

than what he had heard about the Chozla countryside. Any

beautiful sight appears more striking when it is viewed for

the first time!

Emerald green rice fields, gardens of ginger and turmeric,

plantations of sugarcane and banana, groves of tender

coconut palms; streams, rivulets and brooks; tanks, pools

and canals; all these made a mosaic of the landscape.

Water-lilies bloomed in profusion in the creeks; Lotus and

blue-lily were in riotous display on still-water ponds and

pools. The large red-, white-, and blue-lotus flowers

dazzled his eyes. He had never seen such flowers before!

White storks and herons flew in large groups like soft

clouds. Red-legged cranes stood on one leg and performed

penance. Crystal clear water rushed frothing along

conduits. Farmers ploughed their rice paddies -- muddy

fields, darkened with good fertilizer and rotting leaves --

even deeper. Women transplanted seedlings in the well

tilled fields. As they were bent on their task they sang

pleasant folk-songs.

Sugar mills were established next to the cane plantations.

They fed the mature, dark cane of the previous year's

harvest into those mills and extracted sweet-juice. The

aroma of the fresh juice and boiling molasses being made

into sugar-candy and jaggery filled the air and tingled the

nose.

Small cottages with roofs thatched with coconut palmleaves

and houses with tiled roofs were found amidst the

palm groves. In the villages, they had cleaned the streets

and front porches to a mirror brightness and decorated

them with beautiful drawings of rice-powder. On some

front porches they had spread the new paddy to dry in the

hot sun. Hens and roosters came and pecked at the grain

and ran hither and thither with cries of "Koko ro ko, koko

ro koro!" The little girls set to guard the grain did not seem

to bother: `How much grain can the tiny hens eat?' - they

thought in disdain as they continued with their board

games with cowrie shells.

The smells and smoke of cooking rose from chimneys on

rooftops. The fragrance of paddy being cured, millet-grain

being parched, and meat being roasted mingled with each

other. Such smells made Vallavarayan's mouth water.

Blacksmiths had their shops along the roadside. The fires

in such smithies burned bright with glowing embers. The

sound of hammers striking iron could be heard loudly. The

smithies were filled with implements essential to farming,

such as plough-share points, wheel-pins, shovels, hoes and

rakes as well as sharpened spears, lances, swords and

shields; farmers and soldiers vied with each other to buy

these instruments of their trade.

Small temples could be spied in the midst of tiny villages.

The sound of drums being beaten and pipes being played

inside the temples mingled with the pleasant music of

religious chanting and singing of devotional poems like

Thevaram.

Priests carried the guardian deities of the village, like

Mariamman, on little cots and pots balanced on their

heads; they danced the Karagam in tune to the beat of little

udukku drums held in their hands as they sought alms of

grain and produce.

Men, tired of their work behind the ploughs, rested beneath

shady, wide spreading mango trees. They entertained

themselves by setting sharp horned goats to fight each

other.

Pea-hens roosting on housetops called out to their mates in

a shrill voice; the pea-cocks lifted their long, beautiful tails

with difficulty and flew up to them majestically. Turtledoves

shook their heads and danced with cooing sounds.

The parrots and cuckoos -- poor creatures shut up in cages

\-- sang sweetly.

Vandiya Devan rode upon his horse rather slowly,

enjoying such scenes. His eyes had plenty to occupy them.

His heart also enjoyed all the sights. But his inner mind

dwelt upon the picture of a girl, covered in mist.

Aha! Why didn't that girl open her reddened lips and utter

a few words? What would she have lost by uttering a few

sentences? Who could she be? Whoever she is, shouldn't

she have some manners? Do I seem like a fellow to be

ignored? -- That wily old astrologer never did reveal who

that girl was! He is clever; very clever. How he measures

the depth of one's heart! Such experienced words he utters!

Of course he did not predict anything sensible or specific.

About political affairs ... he escaped without disclosing

anything! He merely repeated things known to everybody

in a fascinating manner. But he did make the good

prediction about my lucky-stars being on the rise ... Let the

astrologer of Kudanthai prosper in his trade.

Vandiya Devan rode onwards with such thoughts

occupying his mind. The sights presented to him, dragged

him off and on from this dream world to reality. Finally he

reached the banks of the River Arisil. After going a few

yards he heard the sound of women laughing and the jingle

jangle of their bracelets.

The women were completely hidden by the thick groves of

trees growing on the bank. He peered into the trees, trying

to locate the women who made the noise. Suddenly he

could hear the fear filled screams "Oh dear", "Ai Oh",

"Help", "Crocodile!" said the voices of several women. He

whipped his horse in the direction of the shouts. He soon

spied several maids in a clearing between the trees close to

the water. Their faces were filled with fright. But, --

surprise of surprises -- two of them seemed to be the very

same women he had seen in the astrologer's house!

Vandiya Devan recognized all this within the fraction of a

second.

That was not all. A horrible crocodile opening its jaws

wide, could be seen at the foot of a thick tree trunk,

blending with the roots, half in the water and half on the

bank. He had recently seen one such fearful crocodile in

the floods of the Kollidam. He had heard how dangerous

the beast was. Therefore, when he saw the reptile, his heart

skipped a beat and his whole body froze with agitation for

a minute.

The crocodile was very near the girls who had been

laughing merrily a few moments earlier. It was opening its

horrible jaws wide and appeared monstrous. The crocodile

had to only move just one step closer; one of the girls

would be gone! She could not escape because of the thick

tree!

However confused his heart and mind, there was nothing

wrong with his courage. He did not even think beyond one

second about what he should do. He took careful aim and

swiftly threw the spear in his hand. The spear pierced the

crocodile's back, entered deep into its hide and stood

upright. Our hero, immediately jumped off his horse and

drawing his sword he rushed towards the reptile to finish

it off in one stroke.

He heard the girls laughing once again, like before. The

sound was repulsive to Vandiya Devan's ears. Why do

these foolish women laugh like this at this dangerous

moment? he thought.

Having rushed forward, he stopped in shock and surprise

for a minute. He saw the faces of those women. He could

see no fear or fright in them. He could just detect the signs

of laughter and mischief. He could not believe that they

were the same girls who cried out for help a few minutes

ago.

One among them -- the maid he had seen in the astrologer's

house -- spoke in a pleasant, elegant voice: "Girls, stop it!

Why are you all laughing?" He heard her scolding as if in a

dream.

He moved closer to the crocodile and then hesitated as he

raised his sword. He turned to look at the faces of those

girls once again. A suspicion, which filled his heart with

shame, humiliating his very existence -- rose in him.

By now, that girl -- the lady who had dwelt in his thoughts

for some time now -- parted from her friends and came

forward. She stood before him, in front of the crocodile, as

if guarding it!

"Sir! I am very thankful to you. Please do not trouble

yourself unnecessarily," she said.

*****
Chapter 16 -- Arulmozli Varma

About a thousand and more years ago, the best of kings,

Paranthaka Sundara Chozla (AD 957-973), ruled as an

Emperor without equal in South India. He had ascended

the Chozla throne several years before the times of our

story. For the past several hundred years Chozla power had

been growing. Chozla Territories were spreading in all

directions. Even so, when Sundara Chozla ascended the

throne, his enemies in the south and north were powerful.

Gandara Aditya who had ruled before him, was immersed

in devotion to God Shiva; he had merited the title

Gandara-aditya who had knowledge of (knew) Shiva. He

did not show much interest in expanding his territories.

After Gandara Aditya, his brother Arinjaya, who ascended

the throne, ruled for a short year. After Arinjaya's death at

Atrur, his son Paranthaka Sundara Chozla came to power.

Sundara Chozla had all the qualities essential for a great

king. Being skilled in war, he led a campaign to the

southern region in the very beginning of his reign. A great

battle took place between the Chozla and Pandiya armies

at a place called Chevoor. Mahinda, the King of Lanka,

had sent a large battalion to help his friend Veera-pandiya,

who ruled at that time from Madurai City. The large

Chozla armies defeated the combined forces of the

Pandiyas and the Lankans at Chevoor. Veera-pandiya who

lost his armies, lost his crown, lost his friends, saved his

life and ran from the battlefield to escape into hiding. He

hid himself in the rocky caves of a desert and bided his

time.

Most of the Lankan army was destroyed in the Chevoor

battle. Some soldiers who survived, abandoned their fame

and bravery and escaped to Lanka with their lives.

It had been the practice of the Lankan kings to send their

men in support of the Pandiya kings, in the clashes

between the Chozlas and Pandiyas. Sundara Chozla

wished to put an end to this practice. He decided to send a

Chozla contingent to land in Lanka and teach the island

king a lesson. He sent a large army to Lanka under the

command of a chieftain of Kodumbalur, known as

Paranthaka the Younger Lord of Velir. Unfortunately the

Chozla army did not land in Lanka all at one time. They

did not have adequate shipping facilities for that.

The battalions which had landed first started advancing

without any forethought. Mahinda's Lankan army led by

Commander Sena came out and surrounded the Chozla

forces in a surprise move. A terrible battle was fought. In

that engagement, the Chozla Commander lost his life.

Stone inscriptions (deciphered in recent years) refer to him

as the Younger Lord of Velir who fell in Lanka.

When Veera-pandiya who was hiding in the desert caves,

heard this news, he gathered courage once again and

emerged. Again he assembled a large army and entered the

battlefield. This time, the Pandiya legion was completely

destroyed. Veera-pandiya also lost his life. Aditya

Karikala, the elder son of Sundara Chozla, took part in this

final battle and performed various heroic deeds. He also

acquired the title `The Valiant Prince who wrung the head

of Veera-pandiya.'

In spite of all this, the Chozla Emperor and all his generals,

advisors, ministers and soldiers, did not forget their wish to

teach the Singhala King Mahinda of Lanka a lesson. A

large force was gathered in readiness for the campaign.

The question "Who should lead this legion?" arose. The

Crown Prince Aditya Karikala - Sundara Chozla's elder

son -- was at that time busy with his troops in the northern

border. He had captured the ancient city of Kanchi, after

routing the armies of the Rashtrakutas who had occupied

the Thiru-munai-padi and Thondai Territories. He was

making preparations to lead his armies further north.

In this situation, a fierce competition rose among the other

generals in the Chozla nation for the privilege of leading

the Lankan campaign. Jealousy and accusations resulted

from such rivalry. It was very rare to find someone who

did not wish to enter the battlefield in that ancient Tamil

land! The competition was about who should go to the

war-front. Enmity and envy would often result from such

competition.

There was fierce rivalry amongst the Chozla generals

about who should lead the Lankan campaign and establish

the Chozla fame by destroying the pride of the Singhala

Kings. Prince Arulmozli Varma, the younger son of

Emperor Sundara Chozla, came forward to put an end to

this rivalry. "Father! I have spent enough time in the

luxury of the Pazlayarai Palace, as the darling child of my

aunts, grandmothers and mothers. Please appoint me as the

Commander of the Southern Armies. I shall go to Lanka

and lead the Lankan campaign," said the young Prince.

Arulmozli Varma was barely nineteen years old at that

time. He was Sundara Chozla's cherished younger son; he

was the beloved child of all the queens who lived at the

Pazlayarai Palace; he was the darling of the Chozla nation.

Sundara Chozla was possessed of a handsome

countenance. His father Arinjaya had fallen in love with

her beauty and married Kalyani, Princess of the enemy

kings of Vaithumba. The son born to Arinjaya and Kalyani

was named Paranthaka; however, the citizens and

countrymen of the Chozla nation who saw the handsome

face of the Prince called him Sundara Chozla (sundara

meaning beautiful.) He came to be known by this name.

All the children born to this handsome Prince were

attractive and beautiful. But the youngest child, Arulmozli,

surpassed all others in beauty. The charm of his handsome

face was not of this world; it seemed to be divine! When

he was a baby, the queens of the Chozla palace would

repeatedly kiss his cheeks and make them flush. More than

any other person, his elder sister Kundavai cherished him.

Though she was barely two years older to him, Kundavai

felt that the responsibility of rearing this divine child was

hers! In his turn, Arulmozli returned all the love and

adoration that his sister showered upon him. The brother

would not cross the line drawn by his elder sister. The

Younger Pirati had to merely utter one word; even if all the

three great Gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva came

together and said something against that, Arulmozli would

not consider their words. The elder sister's words were

gospel to the younger brother.

The sister would often peer into her darling brother's face.

Not just when he was awake; she would gaze upon the face

of her sleeping brother for hours together. There is some

divine grace in this boy; It is my duty to bring it to the

forefront and make it shine! thought the young Princess.

When her brother slept, she would often pick up his hands

and study the lines on his palms. To her, those lines would

appear to have the sign of the Conch and Discus. Aha! He

is born to rule this world! He will bring the whole world

under one rule, she would think. But, there was no

possibility of his ascending the Chozla throne. Princes

elder to him -- eligible to ascend the throne -- there were

two others before him. Then, how could he acquire a

kingdom? On which throne could he sit? Who knows

divine intentions? The world is big; several kingdoms and

territories exist on this earth. Have we not heard of princes

and kings who ventured into alien lands and by their

prowess acquired kingdoms? Have we not read of such

happenings in novels and epics? That ancient prince who

was thrown out of his kingdoms on the banks of the

Ganga, did he not sail the seas to reach Lanka and

establish a mighty nation? Didn't his Singhala Dynasty rule

firmly in Lanka for a thousand years?

Kundavai thought of such things constantly. In the end she

came to the conclusion that her younger brother was the

appropriate commander to lead the Lankan campaign.

She said, "Thambi, my darling brother Arulmozli! It will

be difficult for me to part from you for even one second.

However, the time has come for me to send you on your

way. You must lead the Lankan campaign and leave for

the island."

Arulmozli agreed joyously. He had waited for the day -- to

escape from the life of luxury and the smothering love of

the maids and queens in the palace. His beloved sister had

now ordered him to do so. What other worry could he

have? What other impediment?

If Kundavai had made up her mind, there was nothing that

would not take place in the Chozla nation. The Emperor

loved his beloved daughter to that extant! He trusted her

implicitly!

Prince Arulmozli was appointed the Commander of the

Southern Armies. He led his men into Lanka, and

conducted the campaign for some time. But the war would

not end easily. There was a difference in his method of

campaigning and that of others. Supplies and support

requested by him did not come from his native land.

Therefore, once in the midst of all his endeavors he came

back to Tanjore. He spoke to his father and arranged

matters to his satisfaction. He prepared to depart for Lanka

once again.

Kundavai had arranged for several auspicious ceremonies

at the main palace in Pazlayarai, to bid farewell to her

darling brother. When Arulmozli stepped out, the victory

drums in the palace courtyard boomed; conches were

blown; kettle-drums beaten loudly. Cheering shouts rose

sky-high.

All the royal ladies of the Chozla clan blessed their

beloved Prince; they anointed his forehead with holy

ashes, and warding off evil eyes, sent him on his victorious

journey.

All the maids-of-honor in Kundavai's court stood on the

palace steps carrying golden patters laden with a lighted

lamp. These maids were no ordinary folk. They were from

the famous noble families of the south. They had come to

Pazlayarai, considering it a great opportunity, to serve the

Elder Pirati Sembiyan Madevi and to become companions

to Kundavai Pirati. Vanathi, a daughter of the Kodumbalur

chieftain, the Younger Lord of Velir, was one among

them.

When those girls saw the Prince coming down the palace

steps, all of them felt a certain agitation in their hearts.

When the Prince came closer, they waved their platters

with the lighted lamp before him (to ward off the evil eye).

At that moment Vanathi felt her whole body shiver.

The golden platter in her hands slipped and fell with a

"clang" to the ground. The thought, "Oh dear! What is this

ill omen!" rose in every mind. But when they saw the

wick burning bright even if the lamp had fallen, they felt it

was after all a good omen. The elders assured them, "This

is a good sign."

Prince Arulmozli smiled at the girl who had dropped the

plate for no apparent reason and continued his descent

down the steps. As soon as he moved ahead, Vanathi fell

down in a swoon. She had fainted with the mortification of

having committed such an impropriety. Upon the orders of

Kundavai, the serving maids carried her into the palace.

Kundavai hurried inside, without even waiting to see her

beloved brother mount his horse and depart; she went in, to

revive her friend.

Holding the reins of his horse, the Prince who had seen the

girl faint, sent his footman inside to find out "How is the

girl who fainted?"

Kundavai sent the footman back with the words "Tell the

Prince to come back here for a minute." The brother who

had never crossed the commands of his sister, came back

accordingly. The sight of his sister trying to revive the

young girl lying on her lap touched his heart.

"Akka! Who is this girl? What is her name?" he asked.

"She is the daughter of the Younger Lord Velir of

Kodumbalur. Her name is Vanathi; of a timid disposition."

"Oh! Now I understand why she fainted. Was it not her

father who led the earlier campaign to Lanka? Didn't he

die in the battlefront over there? Perhaps she remembered

that."

"Maybe. But don't worry about her. I can look after her. I

called you back to wish you well. Go to Lanka and come

back victorious and soon. Send me news as often as you

can!" said the Younger Pirati.

"Fine! You too send me news if anything happens here."

By now, Vanathi was regaining consciousness; perhaps

due to the pleasant sound of Prince Arulmozli's voice! Her

eyelids opened softly. Upon glimpsing the Prince, her eyes

opened wider. Her face gained some color and revived;

coral red lips smiled; cheeks dimpled.

Along with her senses a shyness also returned. She sat up

quickly. She was mortified upon seeing the Princess

behind her. She recalled everything that happened. "Oh!

What have I done Akka?" she asked with remorse.

Before Kundavai could reply, the Prince intervened, "Don't

worry about that Vanathi! Anyone can make a mistake.

You have every reason to be agitated. I was explaining it

to my sister."

Vanathi wondered if she was dreaming or if it was real.

The Prince who never looked at any woman was talking to

her. He is consoling me and cheering me up! How can I

bear this fortune? - Look, how my whole body shivers, I

am dizzy again....

"Akka, my men are waiting. Permit me to leave. When you

send me news from here, let me know how this girl feels.

Look after this orphan girl carefully." He then departed.

The other maids and companions were watching all these

happenings from the windows and balconies. The flame of

jealousy began to glow in their hearts.

From that day onwards Kundavai showered a special

affection upon Vanathi. She kept her by her side

constantly. She had her personal tutors teach her all the

arts and learning she had. She took Vanathi along

wherever she went. She led her into the garden and talked

secrets. She shared all her dreams about her younger

brother with her new friend. Vanathi listened to everything

carefully.

After the above incidents took place, Vanathi fell into

fainting fits four or five times. Kundavai would revive her

and soothe her. When Vanathi would sit up, with her chest

heaving with sobs, Kundavai would console her with

words such as "My dear foolish girl! Why are you crying

like this?"

"I don't know Akka! Please forgive me," Vanathi would

reply. Kundavai would embrace her and comfort her.

All these activities further enraged the other maidens in the

palace.

Therefore, was it not natural for those girls to talk in that

fashion, when the two friends had gone away in the chariot

towards Kudanthai?

*****
Chapter 17 -- A Horse Galloped

Kundavai had decided that Vanathi was the appropriate

bride for her incomparable brother. But Vanathi had one

fault: she was too timid. How could a girl who was to

marry the bravest of brave warriors, who was to give birth

to a son to rule the whole world, be so fainthearted?

Kundavai wanted to change her timidity and make her

brave and courageous. She had arranged for the deception

with the stuffed crocodile for this very purpose. But, the

Lady of Kodumbalur passed that test easily.

Upon returning from the house of the Kudanthai

Astrologer, Kundavai and Vanathi climbed into their swan

shaped barge. The barge floated downstream for a short

distance. The girls would often play in the water amidst the

thick groves of trees. They reached their favorite spot and

disembarked. When everyone had climbed down, one of

the girls screamed "Crocodile!" "Help!" She was pointing

beyond the tree near which they were standing. All the

other girls soon took up the cry and ran hither and thither.

But Vanathi, who was usually of a frightened disposition,

did not exhibit any fear. She was not scared even upon

seeing the horrible crocodile, with its wide open jaws, right

next to her. Vanathi was not afraid even when she saw the

faces of the other girls who were pretending to be afraid

according to Kundavai's instructions.

"Akka, the crocodile is powerful only when it is in the

water; it has no strength when it is on land. Tell these girls

not to be afraid!" said Vanathi.

"You deceiving thief! This is not a live crocodile; it is a

stuffed carcass! Someone has already told you that!" said

one of the other girls.

"I am not afraid even if it is really alive. I am only afraid

of lizards."

It was at this point, that Vandiya Devan arrived there to

save those maids from the terrifying crocodile! He jumped

off his horse and in one run threw his spear as he came

rushing forward. When Vallavarayan heard the words of

the lady who stood in front of the crocodile, his whole

body became alert. His disappointment that she had not

talked to him earlier at the astrologer's house was now

demolished.

But, that crocodile behind her - with its gaping jaws --

somehow created an uneasiness in him. Why is she

standing in front of the crocodile? Why is she asking me

not to bother? And why is that horrible crocodile not

moving from its spot all this time?

The lady continued: "Sir! In Kudanthai, you begged

pardon for having entered the astrologer's house in a hurry.

We came away without giving you any reply. You might

have perhaps construed that all women of the Chozla

country are mannerless creatures. Please do not think so. I

was a little confused because my friend had suddenly

fainted in that house. That is why I did not reply ... ..."

Oh, ho! What a pleasing voice this is? Why is my heart

pounding like this on hearing her speak? Why is my throat

parched? Not even did the marching drums of the war, or

even the sweet music of the flute and lute fill me with such

joy. Nothing shook me up like this. Why am I not able to

interrupt her and say something? Why is my tongue tied?

Why has the gentle breeze stopped? Why has the Arisil

stopped flowing? And then .... this crocodile? Why is it

still, like this?

While Vandiya Devan's heart was agitated in this manner,

his ears could continue hearing that girl's voice as if in a

dream: "... even now, you did this Sir, thinking that you

were saving us. You threw the spear at the crocodile. It is

rare to find gallants who can handle the spear with such

speed and accuracy..."

All the other girls standing under that tree now laughed

sharply. The laughter shattered Vandiya Devan's infatuated

dream. The magic cords, -- that girl's speech -- which

bound him, were cut loose. He examined the crocodile

again; moved aside from the girl in front of him and neared

the reptile. He shook the spear embedded on its back and

pulled it loose. No blood gushed from the hole made by his

weapon: then? some plantain fiber and cotton came out.

Those wicked girls laughed again. This time they clapped

their hands and applauded.

Vallavarayan's heart and body shrank with mortification.

He had never met such disgrace ever before. Such a great

blow to his pride in front of all these women! Are these

women? No, no! they are ogresses! I should not tarry next

to them. I should not look upon their faces. Damn this! My

darling spear! Is this your fate, to suffer such dishonor?

How will I wipe out this blemish? ...

All these thoughts raced through Vandiya Devan's mind

within one moment. If those who stood there laughingly

had been men, the clearing would have turned into a

battlefield! Those who dared to laugh would have lost their

lives that very instant! River Arisil would have run red

with their blood. But they were women! What could he do

to them? The only recourse was to run away and escape!

Without even looking back at the face of the girl who had

captivated his mind, Vandiya Devan ran up the river

embankment. His horse, which was standing up there,

neighed. Vandiya Devan felt that even his horse was

laughing at him along with those girls. All his anger turned

towards the horse. He jumped upon its back and smacked

it sharply, twice with his whip. The self-respecting horse

quickly galloped along the trail on the riverside.

For a while, Kundavai Pirati gazed in the direction in

which the horse had galloped away. She watched till the

dust raised by the horse had settled.

Turning towards her companions, she said, "Girls! None of

you have any refinement even now! You shouldn't have

laughed like that. When we are alone we can laugh and

tease as we wish. Don't we have to show some decorum

when a stranger is in our midst? What would that youth

think about the women of the Chozla country?" spoke

Kundavai.

*****
Chapter 18 -- Idumban Kari

We left Azlvar-adiyan, also known as Thirumalai, at the

ferry landing near Kollidam. Let us consider that

Vaishnava zealot once again.

When Vandiya Devan sat upon his horse and rode away

towards Kudanthai, Mr. Thirumalai started mumbling

these words to himself: "This youth is very sharp. If I

enter through the sieve he squeezes in through the floor

decoration. I have not been able to find the truth about

whose man he is, or why and where he is going. I don't

know if he was part of the treasonable meeting at

Kadamboor Fort. Luckily, I mentioned the Astrologer of

Kudanthai to him! Let us see if that old man can find out

what I could not ..."

"Hello Sir! Are you talking to that ficus tree -- or, are you

talking to yourself?" Hearing a voice behind him, Mr.

Thirumalai turned around. The servant who had come from

Kadamboor and procured the horse for Vandiya Devan,

was standing there.

"My good man! Are you asking me? I wasn't talking to

myself; neither was I talking to the tree. I had a little

discussion with a vampire sitting upon this tree," said Mr.

Thirumalai.

"Oh! Is that so, Sir! Is the vampire of the Saiva sect or of

the Vaishnava sect?" asked that good man.

"That's what I was trying to find out. You interrupted and

now the vampire has disappeared. ... Let him go! ... What

is your name, my good man?"

"Why do you ask, Sir?"

"You saved us in the middle of the Kollidam by preventing

the ferry-boat from overturning. Shouldn't I remember a

commendable fellow like you?

"My name ... My name ... is Idumban Kari, Sir." He said it

with some hesitation.

"Oh! Idumban Kari? I have heard it somewhere ...

before..."

At that time Idumban Kari did something very peculiar!

He placed the spreading palms of both his hands one upon

the other, and wriggled his thumbs. As he did this, he

looked at Azlvar-adiyan's face.

"My dear man! What is this sign? I don't understand ...?"

Idumban Kari's dark face darkened further. His eyebrows

drew close in exasperation. "I? I didn't make any sign," he

said.

"You did. You did do so. I saw it. Exponents of the

classical dance Bharata Natyam, hold a certain posture

when they represent the first incarnation of God Vishnu;

you did something like that."

"The first incarnation of Vishnu? What is that, Sir? I don't

know?"

"Don't you know of Thirumal's first incarnation? The

Pisces!"

"Are you talking about fish?"

"Yes. My dear man! yes!"

"Very good Sir! Your eyes are something special! On an

ordinary tree you can see a vampire and empty hands look

like the fish incarnation. Perhaps, Sir, you have an extra

fondness for fish!"

"No. No. No such thing my dear man! Don't sidetrack me.

If you wish, let us drop the matter. But tell me this: do you

remember that radical Saiva fellow who came with us in

the boat? Do you know where he went?"

"Do I know? Oh yes. I saw him; he came along the same

road when I went to buy the horse. He kept cursing you all

along the way ..."

"What did he say?"

"He said that if he sees you again he would cut off your

topknot and shave your head and ..."

"Ah! Does he know the barber's trade?"

"He said that he would wipe out all the namam marks of

your sect from your body and cover you with ashes!"

"Is that so? Then, I must surely meet him. Do you know

the name of his home-town?"

"He said that it was Pullirukum Vellur, Sir."

"Everything else must wait till I meet that zealot! My good

man, where are you going now? Will you be coming in

that direction?"

"No. No. Why should I go there? I have to cross the

Kollidam and go back to Kadamboor. Won't the master

pluck my eyes out, if I don't show up?"

"If that is so, go quickly my man! See, the ferry-boat is

about to leave."

Idumban Kari looked back; what Azlvar-adiyan said was

true. The ferry-boat was about to leave.

"That's fine Sir. I shall leave immediately." After uttering

these words he started walking quickly down the

embankment, towards the ferry landing. He looked back

once, when he was half way down. By then Azlvar-adiyan

had done a strange thing: he quickly climbed the ficus tree

on the shore and reached the topmost branches of that huge

tree. Idumban Kari could not see him.

Idumban reached the ferry landing and stopped. "Are you

coming back to the other shore?" asked a boatman.

"No. I shall come in the next ferry. You can go," said

Idumban Kari.

"Ah! Is that all? The way you came running down, I

thought you wanted to catch this boat!" The boatman

pushed his long pole into the water; the ferry slid into the

deeps currents.

By now Azlvar-adiyan had climbed into the thickest

branches of the tree and completely concealed himself.

Aha! I thought correctly! This fellow did not go in that

boat. He is going to come back. I must see where he goes

and what he does next. I clearly saw his hands make the

sign of the fish. What does it mean? Fish! Fish! Fish ...!

What is represented by the sign of the fish? Ah! isn't the

fish a symbol on the Pandiya flag? Perhaps, ha! ... Could it

be so? Let us wait ... Let me wait with some patience. The

patient ones shall inherit the fields; the hasty will get the

forest! But these days it seems better to inherit the forest

than the field. Anyway let me be patient... Azlvar-adiyan

shared these thoughts with the invisible vampire in the

tree.

Soon, his expectations came true. The ferry-boat left

without Idumban Kari. Idumban looked up at the ficus tree

from where he stood. His eyes searched in all directions.

After making sure that Azlvar-adiyan was nowhere in sight

he came back to the same spot under the tree. His eyes

searched around once again before he sat down. His eyes

kept looking hither and thither as if searching for someone

or something. But, he did not look up into the branches of

the tree. Even if he had looked up he would not have

spotted Azlvar-adiyan easily for Thirumalai had hidden

himself well.

About an hour passed in this fashion. Azlvar-adiyan's legs

began turning numb. He could not remain hidden amidst

the tree branches much longer. Idumban Kari did not

appear as if he was about to leave soon. How to escape?

However carefully he descended on the other side of the

tree, he was sure to make some noise. Idumban Kari would

surely see him. He had a sharp knife thrust in his

waistband. What guarantee that he would not use it?

What can I do? Shall I make horrible noises like a ghost or

demon and jump down on him? If I jump like that he may

think that the vampire is attacking him and fall down in a

faint or run away. I can then run away and escape! ...

When Thirumalai Nambi Azlvar-adiyan was considering

these options, it seemed as if his patience would be

rewarded.

A man could be seen walking up from the south west i.e.,

the Kudanthai road. Thirumalai's intuition warned that

Idumban Kari was waiting for that man. Soon, his intuition

proved to be right.

Upon seeing the new man, Idumban Kari stood up. The

newcomer made a sign like the one Idumban had made

before. That is, he placed the palm of one hand upon the

other and wriggled his thumbs, making the sign of the fish.

On seeing it, Idumban made a similar sign with his hands.

"What is your name?" asked the newcomer.

"My name is Idumban Kari. What is yours, Sir?"

"Soman Samban."

"I was expecting you, Sir!"

"I too came in search of you."

"Where should we go?"

"Westward!"

"Where?"

"To the enemy memorial."

"Near Thiru-puram-biyam ... "

"Don't talk so loudly. If someone hears it?"

"There is no one here. I looked."

"If someone is hiding near-abouts?"

"Impossible."

"OK. Let us leave. I don't know the way very well. You go

first. I shall follow you at a little distance. Stop and make

sure that I am following you as you go on."

"Fine. It is not a good road. The path is full of stones and

thorns. We have to walk through forest and thicket. Watch

and walk carefully."

"That's alright. You leave now. Even if it is a forest path,

hide if you see anyone. Understand?"

"Yes. I know."

Idumban Kari started walking westward along the banks of

the Kollidam. Soman Samban followed him a little later.

Azlvar-adiyan waited on the tree till both were hidden

from his sight. He had watched and heard everything!

"Ah ha! These are bad times! All sorts of unexpected

things are happening. I think I am going to find out about

some mysterious activity. God's grace has given me the

opportunity to find out. Now, getting details depends on

my resource-fulness. I could not get all the details at

Kadamboor. I should not be thwarted like that again.

Thiru-puram-biyam Memorial means they are talking

about the memorial temple for the Ganga King Prithvipathi.

It is more than a hundred years since that memorial

was built. It is now dilapidated! The forest has encroached

and surrounded that area. The village is quite away from

the memorial.

"Why are these men going there? If the matter is to be

discussed between these two, they would have talked about

it here itself. There is no need to walk a league along a

forest path. I am sure some others are likely to come to that

spot. Why? Why did one of them refer to the memorial of

King Prithvi-pathi as `The enemy memorial'? Whose

enemy was Ganga Prithvi-pathi? Yes! My surmise is likely

to be true. Anyway let me find out. They have walked

along the banks of the Kollidam. I shall walk along the

River Manni. It doesn't matter if the forest is thicker along

the banks of the Manni. Why should I bother about the

forest and hills or the stones and thorns. I am used to them

\-- They have to be afraid of me!"

Muttering these words and thinking such thoughts, Azlvaradiyan

descended the ficus tree and went a little

southward. He came to the banks of the River Manni and

started walking west. He walked through forests meeting

no one on the way and by about sunset he reached the

memorial temple near Thiru-puram-biyam.

*****
Chapter 19 -- Battlefield And Forest

It was a practice among the Tamils of the ancient times to

erect a hero stone and raise a memorial for great warriors

who died bravely in the battlefield. If the memorial was

marked merely by a stone tablet the place was known as

the stone monument of the warrior. If a statue of a divinity

was consecrated along with the marker, the place came to

be called a palli padai or memorial shrine and temple.

One such memorial-temple existed near the village of

Thiru-puram-biyam, on the northern banks of the River

Manni about half a league from Kudanthai. It had been

erected in memory of a great warrior, the Ganga King

Prithvi-pathi who had died in a great battle near that

village.

Those who read world history may recall that the great

battles of Waterloo and Panipat changed the very course of

history. The battle of Thiru-puram-biyam had a similar

significance with regard to South Indian history. That

battle took place in the year AD 885, about a hundred

years before the times of our story. It is essential that all

persons interested in the history of the Tamils should know

the details of that battle.

The early Chozla kings of the Sangam Age -- Karikala

Valava, Ilan-chet-chenni, Perunar-killi, Thodi-thot

Sembiyan -- ruled with great fame and prosperity. For

about five to six hundred years after their times, a long

eclipse clouded the fame of the Chozla's. The Pandiyas in

the south and the Pallavas of the north squashed the

Chozlas into becoming petty chieftains. Towards the end,

the Chozlas had to give up their coveted capital city,

Uraiyoor, to the Pandiyas and move east. The Chozla

chieftains who moved east made Pazlayarai, near

Kudanthai, their new capital. But they did not forget their

rights to their long time capital, i.e., Uraiyoor. Neither did

they give up their title of Rooster Kings -- a title of

monarchs who ruled from Uraiyoor which was also known

as Kozliyoor (kozli in Tamil means rooster.)

Of the Chozlas of Pazlayarai, Vijayala became famous as

an incomparable, brave warrior. He had fought in the

forefront of various battles and had ninety-six war-wounds

on his body. Latter day poets sang his praises enumerating

his wounds to be `Ninety and twice of three more' and said

that he `Wore on his brave body ornaments of battlewounds

numbering ninety and six.' His son, Aditya Chozla

was comparable to his father in bravery. He also took part

in several great campaigns. Vijayala Chozla had retired in

his old age after crowning his son as the king.

At that time the enmity between the Pandiyas and Pallavas

had grown to result in several skirmishes and fights. The

Pandiya king of that time was Varaguna. The Pallava

monarch was Aparajita. The battles between these two

powerful rulers often took place on Chozla territory! Just

like the rooster caught in the midst of a clash between one

elephant and another, the Chozla people suffered: caught

in the midst of the enmity of two super-powers.

King Vijayala tried to make the best use of these wars for

gaining his own supremacy. In each skirmish or battle he

would join forces with one opponent or the other. Victory

and defeat were equal: but the warrior spirit of Chozla men

became well established.

Several tributaries branch from the Cauvery to form a delta

\-- the fertile lands of the Chozla country. All these

tributaries branch and flow to the south of the Cauvery.

There is only one tributary between the Kollidam and

Cauvery rivers. It is known as the River Manni.

The final test of strength between the super-powers took

place as a great battle near the village of Thiru-purambiyam

situated to the north of the Manni. The armed

strength of both sides was more or less equal. Pallava

Aparajita was supported by the Ganga King Prithvi-pathi.

Aditya Chozla also supported Aparajita.

Compared to the armies of the Pandiyas, Pallavas and

Gangas the Chozla battalion was tiny. But Aditya knew

that if the Pandiyas were victorious this time, the Chozlas

would be totally destroyed. Therefore, like the Cauvery

mixing into the mighty ocean, his tiny army joined the

larger Pallava forces.

The battlefield spread across one square league. The four

divisions of the army -- chariot legions, elephant brigade,

cavalry and infantry were ready. When elephant clashed

with elephant, like two mountains hurled against each

other, the skies thundered. Horses flew against horses like

furious storms thrown one against the other; lances and

long spears held by the horsemen shone like lightning.

Chariot dashed against chariot: broken into smithereens

and thrown in all directions. The noise of the whistling

arrows and clashing swords filled the skies and shook the

four corners of the world. After a fierce conflict lasting

over three days, the field looked like a sea of blood. Dead

horses and elephants appeared like islands in that sea.

Lifeless bodies formed dunes. Broken chariots floated like

driftwood from a sunken ship. Both sides had lost

thousands, tens of thousands of men.

After the first three days of battle, a very tiny battalion of

the Pallavas remained intact. Those men who lived were

very tired. But Pandiya forces attacked again and again as

if they owned some divine spell against tiredness. A

council-of-war was held in King Aparajita's tent. The three

kings -- Aparajita, Prithvi-pathi and Aditya together with

their generals, met to discuss further action. They decided

that they could no longer oppose the enemy; it was best to

retreat to the north of the Kollidam.

At that point a miracle happened in the battlefield.

Vijayala Chozla -- weak with old age, bearing numberless

war-scars over his body, having lost the power to use his

legs because of wounds -- somehow came to the battle

front. The old war-lion realized that if the Pallava forces

withdrew beyond the Kollidam, the Chozla entity would be

completely wiped out. His roar instilled new life in the

remaining Pallava men.

"One elephant; give me just one elephant," shouted the old

monarch.

"All our elephant brigade is lost. Not one elephant remains

alive," they said.

"One horse. At least bring me one good horse," he asked.

"Not a single horse survived," replied the men.

"At least, have two brave warriors of the Chozla nation

survived? If you are alive come forward!" roared the brave

soldier.

Instead of two, two-hundred came forward.

"Two men -- with courage in their heart and strength in

their shoulders -- two among you lift me up. The others

follow two after two to take their place. If the two carrying

me fall, those behind come forward." The bravest of brave

men spoke with a firmness.

Two giants came forward and lifted Vijayala onto their

shoulders. "GO! Go to the war-front!" he roared.

A battle was still being fought in one corner of the field.

The southern forces were fighting bravely, making the

northerners retreat. Vijayala Chozla seated on the

shoulders of two brave men entered that fight. He rushed

into the midst of the enemy legion, swirling two large

swords held in each hand; none could oppose him or stop

him. Wherever he went dead bodies of enemy men rose in

piles on both sides. Men who retreated earlier came back

to see this miracle. They stood in shock to see the inhuman

bravery of Vijayala Chozla. They cheered each other and

came back to fight.

And that was it. The fickle Goddess of Victory changed

her mind; her favor was now bestowed upon the Pallava

army. The three kings gave up the idea of retreating

beyond the Kollidam. They too entered the battle field.

Soon the Pandiya army began its retreat. They did not stop

till they reached the borders of their Pandiya Territories.

Ganga Prithvi-pathi performed various deeds of valor that

day. He established his brave fame and gave up his life in

the field.They erected a hero stone in his memory in the

battlefield. Later it was built into a memorial-temple or

palli padai.

That gory battlefield lay waste for a few years; not a weed

grew on that land. People avoided going near the place.

After a while, forest began claiming the land for itself.

Trees and creepers began growing thickly around the

memorial temple. Wolves took up abode among the

bushes. Owls and bats lived in the dark branches of tall

trees. In the course of time, no one went near that temple.

Over the years the building began to crumble. Soon it

turned into ruins. By the times of our story, the place had

become a totally deserted ruin in the middle of a forest.

Azlvar-adiyan reached the ruined memorial when darkness

was setting in. The gargoyles carved on the upper walls of

the memorial stared at him and tried to frighten him. But

that brave Vaishnava was not one to be frightened easily.

He jumped up and climbed on to the roof of the structure.

He then hid himself carefully amidst the branches of a tree

that covered the roof. He kept watch in all directions.

Soon, his eyes were able to peer into the darkness and

discern various shapes. His ears were able to hear even the

tiniest of noises.

One hour, two hours and even three hours passed after

sunset. The darkness around him was suffocating. Now

and then he heard the rasping sound of forest trees:

branches rubbed against each other. There! a wild-dog was

climbing a tree. An owl hooted; bats screeched. Birds

frightened by the wild-dog beat their wings loudly as they

tried to perch on higher branches. Wolves had begun to

howl.

He heard a noise above his head: looked up. Some small

animal -- lizard or squirrel jumped to a different branch. A

small patch of the clear sky could be seen through the

branches of the tree. Stars twinkled and peeped down. In

that silent, dark forest the stars seemed to extend a friendly

smile towards him. Therefore, Thirumalai Nambi Azlvaradiyan

looked up at the stars and started talking softly:

"Oh! My dear star friends! Today you seem to be laughing

at the foolishness of these human beings on this earth. You

have good reason to laugh! You might remember that

horrible battle which took place in this very spot a hundred

years ago; and how the whole area was a wretched ruin of

blood and death. Perhaps you were surprised at mankind

and their petty enmities! You wondered why they

butchered each other to create rivers of red. It is called

bravery! Even a hundred years after a man's death they

consider him an `Enemy' -- they referred to it as the

`Enemy memorial'. They are going to meet near the enemy

memorial and talk and conspire of more harm to the living

in the name of the dead! Oh you twinkling lights of the

skies! Why won't you laugh? Yes. Laugh as much as you

wish. Dear God! Is my coming here a big waste? Is the

whole night going to pass like this? Are those men, whom

I expected, coming here, or not? Did I hear wrong? Did I

not see correct? Or did those men who made the sign of

the fish change their plans and go some place else? -- What

disappointment? Disappointment? I cannot forgive myself

if I am cheated today... Ah! ... I think I can see some light

in that direction. What is it? The light is now hidden. No. I

can see it. No doubt now. Someone is coming here; he is

holding a torch of burning twigs. No, not one man -- I hear

two men. My waiting has not been wasted."

The two men who came crossed the path and went beyond

the memorial temple. They stopped in the midst of a small

clearing nearby. One fellow sat down. The man holding

the lighted twigs looked around. There was no doubt: he

was expecting some others. After sometime, two others

came and joined them. They must have been very brave

men; men who had come to that spot several times before.

Otherwise, they could not have found their way in that

darkness in that forest. Those who came first and the late

comers talked amongst themselves. But, Azlvar-adiyan

could not hear a single word! Oh dear! All my effort seems

useless. I cannot even see those men clearly. What shall I

do?

Two more men joined them very soon. They talked of

something to each other. One of the men who came last,

had a bag in one hand. He opened the string tied around his

bag and poured its contents on the ground! Gold coins

shone brightly in the light of the burning twigs. The man

who dropped the coins laughed like one possessed:

"My friends! We are about to destroy the Chozla Kingdom

using Chozla gold! Isn't it funny?" He laughed loudly

again.

"Ravidasa, don't make such a racket! Let us talk softly,"

said another.

"Fine! What does it matter how we talk in this place? If

anybody hears us, it will be owls and bats; wolves and

wild-dogs; luckily they cannot repeat what they hear!"

Ravidasa laughed even more loudly.

"Maybe. But, it is better to talk softly."

They started talking amongst themselves, softly. Azlvaradiyan

felt that it was a waste to sit on top of that roof

without hearing anything. He must get down and go near

the clearing to listen to their talk. He must manage to avoid

the danger from such activity. Azlvar-adiyan started down

from the roof top. His stocky body disturbed the tree

branches and made a slight noise.

One of the men in the clearing jumped up quickly, saying,

"Who is that?" Azlvar-adiyan's heart stopped beating for a

few seconds. There was no way of not being discovered,

except to run. Running would cause more noise. They will

surely catch him. A vampire bat on the tree spread open its

huge wings; it then opened and closed its wings lazily

several times and whistled "Oorm, oorm," loudly, twice.

*****
Chapter 21 -- The Curtains Parted

Can two minds function at the same time in one body? Yes

\-- Vandiya Devan knew the answer because of his

experiences that day!

He was travelling through the most fertile of the bountiful

Chozla lands. It was the season of new floods in all the

rivers and streams. Fresh water rushed through canals,

conduits and waterways into the lush fields; water was

everywhere.

How appropriate, to call the Chozla land bounteous and its

monarch the king of bounty! Thoughts of the dangers

surrounding the Chozla monarch immediately followed.

What is my duty in this situation? Shall I keep quiet after

delivering the letters sent by Prince Karikala to the

Emperor and think that my duty is done? Why should I

interfere in this discord and hostility between royal

cousins? How does it concern me, whoever sits on the

Chozla throne? In some ways, if I think of it, these Chozlas

are my ancestral enemies. Did not the Chozlas, Gangas and

Vaithumbas join together to destroy the very existence of

my forefathers of the Vanakapadi Kingdom? Can I forget

all that injustice just because Prince Karikala befriends me

today?

No, no! -- How can I consider that old history as injustice?

It is natural that kings fight and oppose each other. Victory

and defeat are both natural. What is the use of the defeated

group resenting the victorious? When they were powerful,

weren't my forefathers ruthless towards the kings they

vanquished? Did they not try to completely destroy their

enemies? Ah! What was that poem ? I can remember a

poem about such activities of my clan:-

With countless armies made into leaf-mulch,

With the flowing red of battlefields stored for irrigation,

In a dirt field ploughed by the war elephant,

That Vaana, the best of kings on this earth,

He planted the heads of the three kings: his enemies.

My ancestors also committed such dreadful deeds in the

battlefield! The lot of those defeated in battle is

lamentable. Can all kings be merciful like Rama and

Dharma of the epics? Because of their merciful nature they

were driven to the forests to suffer! Those epic heros

suffered even though they were brave and were befriended

by gallant men. There should be no mercy shown in

matters of politics! If one thinks about it, we should

consider these Chozlas as being more tolerant and merciful

than any other such monarchs. If possible, they make

friends with their enemies. Didn't King Arinjaya marry the

Vaithumba Princess? Isn't it because of that famous

beauty, the Princess Kalyani, that Sundara Chozla and his

children are so handsome? Ah! ... when I think of beauty,

the face of that maiden of Kudanthai, that lady on the

banks of River Arisil, comes to my mind! She is not

coming into my mind suddenly from somewhere ... her

presence has been lurking in my heart all this while...

While his outer mind considered the complications of

Chozla politics and enjoyed the beauties of Chozla land,

his inner mind dwelt upon that maiden. Now the inner

mind and outer mind began to consider the same object,

frankly. He began to compare any beautiful sight to her

enchanting personality. He recalled her lovely shoulders

when he saw the grace of slender bamboos swaying in the

breeze. The profuse blooms of creek-side water lilies were

example of her dark eyes. He doubted if the lovely lotus

could equal her golden face. Can he liken the sweet

melody of bees humming in flower groves to her pleasing

voice?

Poets can imagine such nonsense -- how can they be

reality? How beautiful she was! The very memory of her

face makes my heart beat faster! I am not enthralled like

that by these flowers and bees. Oh! Oh! I have forgotten

all the advice given by my elders! There is nothing more

impermanent in this world than the allure of women.

Those who wish to succeed in life should never be enticed

by the charm of women. If one falls prey to their

enchantment it is the end! The story of Kovalan is a good

example of that -- Why think of Kovalan? Look at Lord

Pazluvoor! That most powerful personage, the bravest of

soldiers -- aren't people making fun of him because of such

a predicament? -- but the people do not know the truth! No

one knows about who travels in the closed palanquin with

Lord Pazluvoor. They talk in ignorance. Still, Prince

Madurandaka need not demean himself in that fashion.

Why should he hide in a closed palanquin under the guise

of Lord Pazluvoor's queen, and go from town to town? Is

this commendable in any man? Should he acquire his

kingdom in this manner? Can he safeguard his gains

obtained in this fashion? He will have to trust Lord

Pazluvoor and his cronies and rule dominated by their

power. On that issue -- what Sundara Chozla does is also

not commendable; he should not have given such

prerogatives and powers to persons like the Lords of

Pazluvoor. That too when he has two such capable,

exquisite sons. And when he has a daughter whose

intelligence and skill is praised by the whole nation...

That maiden -- whom I saw at the astrologer's house and

met on the banks of the river -- whom does she resemble?

... Could it be possible? -- absolute foolishness! It can

never be so! But, why not? If it is so, there is none more

ill-fated than me. How did I behave?-- so uncivilized --

towards a lady admired by one and all from the Vindhya

Mountains to Lanka Island. It is not possible... How can I

face her tomorrow when I deliver the Prince's letters?

With such disconnected thoughts crowding his mind,

Vandiya Devan came along the Cauvery to reach the town

of Thiru-vai-aru. He stood on the southern banks of the

Cauvery, looking across the river to see the town on the

northern bank. The fertility and beauty of that country

overpowered his heart. He asked a passerby and confirmed

that it was indeed Thiru-vai-aru. All that he had heard

about that place seemed to be paltry compared to reality.

The description of that town by Gnana-sambanda in his

Thevaram poems could be recognized in the actuality.

There was no change in three hundred years.

Look at those luscious groves of trees on the Cauvery

bank. How big are the fruits hanging from the trunk and

branches of the jack-tree! There is nothing like this in the

dry Thondai region! Look at those monkeys gathered in

these fertile lands. How delightful to see them jump from

tree to tree! I remember the descriptions in Gnanasambanda's

poems:

Maidens dance on the stages set in the street-corners of

Thiru-vai-aru. Song and music accompany that dance with

melodious drumbeats; Monkeys hearing those drums

(mattalam) think that the skies are thundering with an

approaching storm: they climb to the top of palm trees and

look up at the skies waiting for the rains!

How appropriate that description is even now? Look at

those long-tailed monkeys scampering among tree-tops. I

can hear the sounds of music and dance from the town!

Along with the melody of the veena, flute and other such

instruments, I can hear the sounds of dancing feet and

ankle bells! The dancers here are not frenzied like the

gypsy dancers of Kadamboor. This is classical dance --

decorous Bharata Natyam in full dignity. The music is

from established classical culture. I can even hear the taptap

of dance teachers beating time as their students

practice!

Teachers keep time, while beguiling damsels dance;

Poets speak enchanting verse, making every sculpted stone come alive;

Such accomplished people stroll in the streets of Thiru-vai-aru.

Aha! Gnana-sambanda was a good devotee of Shiva but,

more than that he was an connoisseur of the arts! This

town is exactly as he described it! I must stay in this town

at least for tonight and enjoy this music and dance and I

must worship at the shrines of the Lord of the five-rivers

and the Lady who nurtured justice. Look at all those

devotees at prayers on the banks of the Cauvery. How

elegant they look with their foreheads adorned with broad

ashen marks! Their chants of "Namasivaya" drown the

sounds of the music and dance. Look, someone is singing

the Thevaram songs so exquisitely. This town seems to be

created by the Gods just for music and song! I must stay

here tonight. What is the use of hurrying to Tanjore? I

don't know if I can even enter the fort? Even if I manage to

go in, will I be able to meet the Emperor? The two Lords

of Pazluvoor are said to guard the Emperor as if in prison

... Let me cross the Cauvery and go north.

When Vandiya Devan came to this conclusion, something

happened. A palanquin was approaching along the

Cauvery from the west. Footmen and guards walked in

front and behind the palanquin. A suspicion crossed

Vandiya Devan's mind. He waited at the same spot till the

palanquin came nearer. His surmise was correct. He could

see the sign of the palmtree emblazoned upon the outer

screens of the covered palanquin.

Yes! This palanquin must be coming from Kadamboor!

They must have come by some other route, while I came

through Kudanthai. But, there is no sign of Lord

Pazluvoor! Maybe he is delayed somewhere on the way.

The palanquin turned south on to the Tanjore road. That

decided it -- Vandiya Devan abandoned the idea of

tarrying at Thiru-vai-aru. He decided to follow that

palanquin. Why did he decide to do so? Even he did not

know at that time! He was sure that Prince Madurandaka

was seated inside the palanquin. His feelings of disgust

about the Prince increased. Still, he might find some good

opportunity if he followed the palanquin. The bearers

might put down the palanquin or the Prince might emerge

for some reason or other. He could make his acquaintance

and it might help him in entering the fort at Tanjore and

meeting the Emperor.

I must speak and put up a pretense suitable to achieve my

goal. If I don't use such strategy and conniving I cannot

complete my assigned task; particularly in such political

matters.

Therefore, he let the palanquin and its guards go ahead and

then followed them at a little distance. But no expected

opportunity arose. They had already crossed the remaining

four rivers between Thiru-vai-aru and Tanjore. The

palanquin was not put down. The bearers walked steadily.

He could soon see the ramparts and gates of the outer fort

of Tanjore in the distance. Once the palanquin enters the

fort, nothing can be done. He must do something bold and

fearless.

What can happen? Will they chop off my head? It's alright

if they do so -- there is no point going back with my life if

I am unable to complete my assigned task. As a basis for

all this thought, Vandiya Devan had a certain anger and

disgust about the prince in the palanquin. His hands itched

to tear apart the curtains of the palanquin and expose the

fact that the person inside was not a woman but a full

grown man! His heart was agitated!

While he was considering various options to execute his

intentions, one of the men in the retinue of the palanquin

hesitated. He stared at Vandiya Devan seated on his horse.

"Who are you Sir? You have been following us from

Thiru-vai-aru?" he asked.

"I am not following you Sir! I am going to Tanjore.

Doesn't this road lead to Tanjore?"

"Yes. This is the road to Tanjore; but, only important

persons can use this road. There is another road for

commoners," said that man.

"Is that so? I too am quite an important person!" said

Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan.

The man smiled upon hearing this, "Why are you going to

Tanjore?" he asked.

"My uncle lives in Tanjore. I heard that he was not keeping

good health and am going to visit him."

"What does you uncle do in Tanjore? Is he in service at the

Palace?"

"Oh, no! He is an inn-keeper."

"Ah! Is that so! Then, why don't you go before us? Why do

you follow us?"

"My horse is tired Sir. That's why. Otherwise what

pleasure do I have, to see your backsides?"

In the course of this conversation, Vandiya Devan came

very close to the palanquin. An idea had occurred to him.

He pulled in the reins, pressed both his legs against its

flanks and pushed his horse towards the bearers carrying

the end poles of the palanquin. They turned in fear and

surprise.

Vandiya Devan immediately started shouting "Oh King,

My Lord! My Sire! Your bearers are pushing against my

horse! Help! Help! Oh dear!"

The screens shook and parted.

*****
Chapter 22 -- Velaikara Battalion Of Velirs

First, the outer screens emblazoned with the palmtree

symbol parted; next the silken inner curtains were pushed

aside. The golden hand seen by Vallavarayan once before,

the hand which had stunned him, could be seen once again.

Thinking that it was no longer polite to be seated on his

horse, Vandiya Devan climbed down.

He ran up to the palanquin saying "Prince! Prince! Your

bearers ..." and looked inside. He looked again; he blinked

his eyelids and looked once again! His eyes were dazzled!

His tongue tied itself into knots! Suddenly his throat felt

parched. "No. No! Princess! Princess of Pazluvoor! ...

Your Ladyship, Princess of Pazluvoor! ... Your bearers and

their horses dashed against my palanquin ..." came the

flustered blabberings.

All this happened within the blink of an eyelid! By now

the guards carrying the long spears ran up and surrounded

Vandiya Devan. He realized that the men were around

him; his hand automatically reached for his sword. But he

could not take his eyes off the dazzling face of that

enchantress behind the curtains!

Yes; unlike his expectations, this time he unquestionably

saw the beautiful figure of a young girl seated inside the

palanquin! Girl means what a girl! Vandiya Devan hadn't

known that such beauty, which could madden those who

beheld it, could exist in this world.

Fortunately, some nerve in his brain became active at that

moment. An amazing idea rose in his mind. He decided to

make use of that idea. He made a tremendous effort and

cleared his throat, bringing back speech to his tongue. "I

beg pardon! My Lady, aren't you the Young-Queen of

Pazluvoor? I came this far to make thy acquaintance!"

spoke his tongue.

A smile blossomed on the gentle face of the Young-Queen

of Pazluvoor. A lotus bud, which was closed shut till that

moment, opened slightly to reveal a string of tiny pearls.

The radiance of that smile mesmerized our young warrior

and absolutely bewildered him.

The footmen surrounding him seemed to wait for the

commands of their mistress. The Lady made a sign with

her finger; they moved away a little and stood apart. Two

men caught hold of the horse and waited.

That jewel among women, seated in the palanquin, looked

at Vandiya Devan. Two sharp spear-points pierced his

heart!

"Yes! I am the Young-Queen of Pazluvoor," said that

Lady. What is that intoxicating stuff mixed into her voice?

Why is my head spinning with such dizziness upon hearing

her speak?

"What did you say just now? You appealed to me about

something? About my bearers?"

Can the softness of Benaras silk, the intoxication of

country liquor, the sweetness of forest honey and the flash

of monsoon lightning blend like this into the voice of a

young maid? It seems quite possible here...

"You said they dashed my palanquin against your horse?"

The mocking smile playing upon her coral red lips

indicated that she was enjoying the joke. Vandiya Devan

gained some courage because of it.

"Yes. Great Queen! These men did that; my horse was

petrified."

"You also look petrified! Go to the priest at the temple of

Goddess Durga and ask him to exorcise you! You will

overcome this terror!"

By now, Vandiya Devan had overcome his fear and even

laughter came back! The Pazluvoor Queen's expression

had now changed: a smiling full-moon turned into blazing

anger!

"Stop jesting. Tell the truth. Why did you push your horse

against my palanquin and stop me?"

He had to give a plausible answer. If not... Luckily he had

already concocted a story. In a soft voice, a deliberately

soft voice, he spoke as if he did not wish others to hear his

words: "My Lady! Madam Nandini Devi! He... Mr.

Azlvar-adiyan, that is ... Mr. Thirumalai, he ... he asked me

to meet you! That is why I connived this strategy. Please

forgive me. I beg pardon!"

As he said the words he examined her face carefully. He

waited anxiously, to see the effect of his reply. It was like

throwing a stone at a fruit tree. Will a ripe fruit fall? Or,

would it be raw? Or, will the stone fall back on him? Or,

will some unexpected thunder descend?

The dark brows of the Pazluvoor Queen shot up -- surprise

and fear filled her intoxicating eyes. The next instant, she

seemed to have come to some decision.

"Fine! It is not safe to stop in the middle of a road and talk.

Come to my palace tomorrow. You can explain everything

there."

Vandiya Devan's heart filled with bliss. His intentions

were about to be fulfilled, but there was no use in leaping

across three fourths of an open well! He must leap across

the remaining quarter.

"Madam! My Lady! They will not let me come inside the

fortress! Neither will they let me enter the palace! What

shall I do?" he asked with some agitation.

The Young-Queen of Pazluvoor instantly turned aside and

picked up a silken purse lying next to her. She opened the

bag and took out an ivory signet ring. Saying, "If you show

this they will let you into the fort and permit you to enter

my palace," she gave him the ring. Vandiya Devan

received it eagerly. For a second, he glanced at the ring

with the sign of the palm tree. Then, he looked up to thank

the lady. But, the screens were pulled shut once again.

Ah! An eclipse swallows the full-moon slowly, bit by bit.

But these silken screens have covered that eloquent

radiance in one moment!

"Do not follow me anymore. It may be dangerous. Wait

and come later," said that silken voice from inside the

drapes.

The palanquin moved on. The guards walked ahead,

around it like before. Vandiya Devan stood by the

roadside, holding the reins of his horse. His eyes noted that

the Pazluvoor footman who had stopped to talk to him

looked back several times; the message reached his inner

brain. His outer brain revolved around the enchanting face

of the Young-Queen of Pazluvoor. Did all this truly

happen? Was everything a pleasing dream? Can there be

such beauty, such a ravishing form on this earth?

Myth and fable talk of divine maidens -- heavenly beauties

called Ramba, Urvasi and Menaka. There are tales about

how those beautiful maidens disturbed the penance of

ascetics who foreswore all worldly pleasures. But in

reality! ... There must be truth in the rumor about the Elder

Lord Pazluvoor being a bonded slave to this ravishing

lady. There is no surprise if it is true. What contrast

between Lord Pazluvoor -- old and grey, with a body

disfigured by scars of several battle wounds -- and this

soft, gentle, dazzling maiden? What deeds will that old

man perform, to obtain one smile from her?

He waited for a long time by the roadside, mulling over

such thoughts. Finally, he mounted his horse and slowly

rode towards the gates of Tanjore.

By sunset, he neared the main entrance to the city fort. The

city extended for some distance before the fortress walls

and gates. Market streets offering several kinds of goods

for sale, residential streets of people engaged in various

trades -- these successively surrounded the outer

boundaries of the fort. All the streets were busy with the

hustle and bustle of a large town: people going hither and

thither, merchants haggling over the price of goods they

sold, carts and wagons drawn by hefty, well fed bullocks,

horse drawn chariots, palanquins and litters filled the

streets.

Vandiya Devan was eager to enter those streets and

experience the sights and sounds of the new capital of the

Chozlas; he wished to make the acquaintance of these city

folk and become familiar with their ways. But, there was

no time for all that now. He must first complete the

assignment on which he had journeyed so far. Sightseeing

must wait. With this determination he neared the main

gates of Tanjore.

The massive doors of the main gateway were closed shut

at that time. The guards and gatekeepers outside were

trying to maneuver the people making them stand in an

orderly fashion on both sides of the street. The people

complied and stood aside. Yes; instead of going about their

own business they stood by the roadside as if in

anticipation of some procession or parade. Men, Women,

children and elderly -- everybody waited.

For a short distance the street in front of the gateway was

empty. The guards stood near the doorway. Vandiya

Devan wished to find out what was happening. He did not

wish to entangle himself with the gatekeepers when

everyone else stood aside. Unnecessary dispute and trouble

might come of it. The job on hand was more important

than a joust. It was not the time to pick an unwanted

quarrel.

Therefore, he stood to one side at a spot where he could

keep an eye on the gateway. The heady fragrance of

flowers rose by his side. He looked around. A youth,

wearing the symbols of a Saiva devotee, such as rudraksha

beads around his neck and ashen marks on his forehead,

stood by his side carrying two large baskets of flowers in

both his hands.

"Thambi, why has everybody moved to one side of the

road? Is some procession or something coming this way?"

asked Vandiya Devan.

"Are you not from these parts, Sir?"

"No. I come from the Thondai Territories."

"That's why you asked! It may be better if you also

dismount and stand aside."

Vandiya Devan jumped off his horse, thinking it would be

easier to converse with that youth. "Thambi why did you

ask me to dismount?"

"All these people are standing aside because the Velaikara

Battalion of Velirs is about to emerge from the fort after

presenting arms to the Emperor."

"Just to watch?"

"Yes."

"Why shouldn't I watch while sitting upon my horse?"

"You can. But, it is dangerous if the men of the Velaikara

Battalion see you."

"What danger? Will they abduct my horse?"

"They will abduct the horse; even carry away men!

Wicked fellows!"

"Will they be allowed to carry away horse or man?"

"What can one do but allow it? The word of those men of

the Velaikara Battalion is law in this city. There is none to

question them. Even the men of Pazluvoor do not interfere

in the affairs of the Velaikara Battalion of Velirs."

At that time, a loud commotion and noise could be heard

inside the fort. The sound of kettle-drums, blowing

conches, pipes being played, horns being blown and

marching drums being beaten mingled with loud, cheering,

shouts raised by hundreds of men.

Vandiya Devan had heard much about the brave warriors

of the Velaikara Battalion. It was an important

organization in the ancient Tamil nations, particularly in

Chozla dominions. `Velaikaras' were the personal

bodyguards of the ruling monarch. But there was an

important difference between them and ordinary

bodyguards. The men of this battalion had taken individual

oaths to "Personally guard the life and person of the king,

giving up their own life if the need arises." If something

untoward happened to the king or his life, because of their

carelessness or in spite of their guard, they had sworn to

cut off their heads with their own sword and offer

themselves as a sacrifice to the Goddess Durga. It was

natural that such men, who had sworn such terrible oaths,

were given ceratin privileges.

The two large doors of the gateway opened with a loud

noise. Two horsemen emerged first. In their right hands

they held aloft two narrow pennants flying high. They

were curious in design. The red cloth of the banner was

painted with a leaping tiger and a shining crown below it;

underneath the crown was a sacrificial alter with a severed

head on it and a huge sacrificial sword lay next to it. The

pennant was quite terrifying to behold.

A huge bull, carrying two immense war-drums followed

behind the horsemen. Two men walking by its sides beat

the reverberating drums. About fifty men in formation

followed the bull; they carried small and large kettledrums,

cymbals, bells and chimes -- beating them and

banging then loudly.

Fifty others followed them, blowing "Boom, boom, boam"

upon long curved horns and pipes. About a thousand

soldiers followed these men. They raised the following

cries and cheers as they marched out:

"Long live Emperor Paranthaka of the blessed earth."

"Praise to him! Long life! Long life!"

"Long live Sundara Chozla!"

"Long life! Long life!"

"Long life to the Rooster King!"

"Long life! Long life!"

"Lord of Tanjore!"

"Long life! Long life!"

"Long life to the Lord who vanquished Veera-pandiya!"

"Long life! Long life!"

"Long life to the Monarch who took Madurai, Lanka and

Thondai!"

"Long life! Long life!"

"May the clan of Karikala Valava live long with fame!"

"Long life! Long life!"

"Victory to Goddess Durga, the Greatest, the all

powerful!"

"Victory! Victory!"

"Let the brave tiger-flag fly worldwide and win!"

"Victory! Victory!"

"Victory to our spears!"

"Victory to the brave spears!"

The loud cheers raised by hundreds of strong voices,

hypnotized those who heard them. While the shouts rose

near the fortress gateway, they echoed and thundered in all

directions. Many of the people standing on both sides of

the road joined the cheering.

Thus, everything was one big commotion while the men of

the Velaikara Battalion of Velirs emerged from the

gateway, marched past the long street and disappeared in

the distance.

*****
Chapter 24 -- A Cuckoo And A Crow

Vandiya Devan slept through the night like a log and woke

up only after sunrise in the morning. Even after waking, he

was lying down without the will to get up. The light breeze

blew briskly, leaves of the creepers and trees rubbed

against each other making a swishing murmur. With that

background drone, a young voice was melodiously singing

a pleasing Thevaram poem composed by the Saint Sundara

Murti.

O Lord of golden hued body with a tiger skin draped around the waist;

Upon matted locks, burnished red, you wear the shining crescent!

On hearing the song, Vandiya Devan opened his eyes and

looked out. Outside, in the garden he saw tall konnai trees

(the bignonia family) draped with wreaths of golden

yellow flowers! Sendan Amudan held a large flower tote in

one hand and a long bamboo pole in the other. While he

sang, his hands plucked the yellow flowers with the

harvest pole. He appeared neatly dressed, having risen and

bathed early, his forehead was adorned with broad ashen

marks making him appear like another ever youthful

Markandeya, that ardent devotee of Shiva.

Vandiya Devan rose from his bed thinking about

Amudan's unfortunate mother who could not hear the

melodious song of her son. He wondered why he too

should not cultivate a pleasant garden, serve in temples

and lead a calm and quiet life. Why should he bear sword

and spear and wander from place to place? Why should he

roam about in readiness to kill or be killed by others? --

such thoughts jostled his mind.

But soon, his heart cheered up. Can everyone in the world

be meek and gentle like Sendan Amudan? There are many

who are thieves, robbers, and conniving evil-doers who

harm the guileless folk. A government was needed to

control such people and establish some law and order.

Kings and ministers were essential to form such

governments. Velaikara Battalions were essential to

protect such kings. Messengers like himself to carry letters

to such kings were also needed... Yes, today I must

somehow or other meet Emperor Sundara Chozla. I must

present myself before the Elder Lord of Pazluvoor returns;

if the old man gets back I may not have an opportunity.

Vandiya Devan went to the lotus pond in the garden for a

swim and bath. He came back refreshed and dressed

himself neatly with clean cloth and correct ornaments. He

was going to present himself to the Emperor -- shouldn't he

be attired properly? Perhaps it was that thought that made

him dress carefully; or, maybe it was the idea that he was

soon going to see the Young-Queen of Pazluvoor once

again, which occupied his thoughts! None can tell.

After the early morning meal, Sendan Amudan was ready

to depart with his baskets to deliver the flowers at the

temple before the morning service. Vandiya Devan went

with him with the idea of meeting the Emperor. Both

friends walked.

Vandiya Devan had already decided not to take his horse

to the fort. It was important to let the horse rest

completely. Soon he may have to use it for some hurried

journey. Who knows? It was better to leave the horse

behind, in the garden. Till they reached the main gateway

of the fort, he talked to Amudan and found out several

other pieces of information.

When Vallavarayan had asked, "Do you have any other

family besides your mother?" Sendan had replied, "I do

have some. An elder sister and an elder brother of my

mother. Her elder sister died some time ago. Her brother is

headman of a small community attached to the Kuzlagar

temple at Kodi Karai. My uncle is also the keeper of the

lighthouse on that coast. In the nights he lights the fire atop

the tower and is in charge of other such things. He has one

son and one daughter. That daughter, ..." Amudan

hesitated.

"That daughter? What about her?"

"Nothing. There is something peculiar about members of

my family. Some of them are born dumb while others are

blessed with a most pleasing voice for they sing very

well."

"Your uncle's daughter is not dumb I hope?" enquired

Vandiya Devan.

"No. Not at all."

"That means she can sing very well! Can she sing better

than you?"

"Ridiculous! Your question is foolish -- like asking `Can

the Cuckoo sing better than the Crow?' When Poonkuzlali

sings, the Ocean King will stop throwing his noisy waves

and listen quietly. Sheep and cattle will listen

spellbound..."

"Is your cousin called Poonkuzlali? What a pretty name!"

"Is it just her name that's pretty!"

"She must be ravishing. Otherwise, will you be so

captivated?"

"The spotted deer and the gorgeous peacock must beg at

her feet for beauty. Divine maids like Indrani and Rathi

must perform penance for several births to become as

lovely as her."

Vandiya Devan realized that Sendan Amudan was not

fully involved in service at the temple. "That means she is

a suitable bride for you. If she is your maternal uncle's

daughter, you have all the rights for her hand? When is the

wedding?"

"I will never say that I deserve her. In no way am I

qualified for her. If, like the olden days a competition was

arranged to select a groom for her, all the kings of the

world will compete for her hand. Divine beings might

come forward seeking her hand like they did for Princess

Damayanti of the myths. Such things may not happen

these days."

"So? Are you saying that you will refuse even if she is

willing to marry you?"

"Quite silly! If the God I worship appears before me and

asks `Will you come with me to the heavens just as you

are, like Saint Sundara? Or, will you remain on this earth

with Poonkuzlali?' -- I will say that I would stay back with

Poonkuzlali. But, what is the use of my saying it?"

"Why not? When you wish it the marriage is almost

settled, isn't it? Does everyone arrange marriages after

asking the bride? For example look at Elder Lord

Pazluvoor -- he has married a young maid after his sixtyfifth

year! Was that marriage performed with that lady's

consent?"

"My friend! Those are affairs of nobility. Why should we

discuss it? More important, let me give you a warning hint.

You are about to enter Tanjore. Do not utter anything

about the Lords of Pazluvoor inside the fort. It may be

unsafe to do so."

"Why Thambi, you are thoroughly frightening me!"

"I am telling you the truth. Really, nowadays it is both

those Lords of Pazluvoor that rule the Chozla Kingdom.

There is no authority higher than theirs."

"Even the Emperor is not more powerful?!"

"The Emperor lies on his sickbed. People say that he does

not cross the lines drawn by those men of Pazluvoor. They

say that he does not even listen to the words of his own

sons!"

"Is that true?! The domination of the Pazluvoor Lords must

be quite strong. They were not so powerful even two years

ago?"

"No; after the Emperor came to Tanjore, the power of

those fellows has gone beyond limit. There is no one to

question them. Rumor has it that even the Honorable

Anirudda Brahma-raya left in disgust and went away to the

Pandiya Kingdom."

"Why did the Emperor move to Tanjore from Pazlayarai?

Do you know Thambi?"

"I can tell you what I have heard. Three years ago, Veerapandiya

died in the battlefield. It was reported that the

Chozla armies committed several atrocities in the Pandiya

lands at that time. War means anything can happen;

Madurai is now under Chozla rule. But, it is said that some

of the men loyal to Veera-pandiya have sworn vengeance;

they conspire together. The Lords of Pazluvoor felt that

they would not be able to guard the Emperor from such

assassins at Pazlayarai. They asked him to move to

Tanjore. The fortress here is stronger. Its guard and safety

is more efficient. Besides, the doctors felt that Tanjore was

a better place than Pazlayarai to treat the Emperor's

illness."

"Everybody talks about the Emperor's ill health! But no

one says what is wrong with him!"

"Why? It is well known. The Emperor has paralysis; he

has lost the use of both his legs."

"Oh! Can he not walk at all?"

"He cannot walk, neither can he ride upon a horse or

elephant. He is bed ridden. They can carry him from place

to place in a palanquin or litter. Even that, I believe is very

painful. Therefore, the Emperor never leaves the palace.

Some say that for the past few months even his mind is

deteriorating"

"Oh! What a pity!"

"Don't feel pity, my friend! The Pazluvoor men may think

it to be treason and put you in prison!"

Pazluvoor! Lord Pazluvoor! Men of Pazluvoor!

Everywhere, to whomever I talk, their name crops up.

However capable they are, why has so much power been

given to them? The treasury, the granary, Tanjore City

guard, policing and information gathering in the nation,

taxation -- everything seems to be under their control. The

Emperor should not have let that happen. Because of all

these powers, they have started scheming against the

Emperor! How long will their plots be successful? I must

do my best to thwart their plans. If possible I must also

warn the Emperor.

By now they had come to the main entrance of Tanjore

Fort. Sendan Amudan parted from his new friend and

walked towards the temple of Tali-kulattar. Vandiya

Devan neared that fort with several dream castles of his

own!

*****
 Chapter 25 -- Inside The Fort

The signet ring with the palmtree emblem had miraculous

powers like the magical rings in fairy tales!

In that morning hour, various people -- vendors of milk,

curds and other dairy products, fruit and vegetable sellers,

butchers, farmers, others engaged in various trades, clerks

and accountants, petty officials and others -- were trying to

enter the fort. The officious gatekeepers were letting them

in, one by one, through a small wicket gate placed on one

of the big doors. The guards stood around with cocky

insolence.

But, as soon as our young hero showed the palm tree

signet ring, they became very reverent; they even opened

one of the large doors to let him enter. Vandiya Devan

entered the fort of Tanjore.

Oh yes! We do not know the auspicious moment in which

he set foot in that great fort, but we do know that several

significant events followed that entry. We could even

consider that moment as one of the most important

moments in the history of South India!

For some time after entering that fort, Vandiya Devan was

immersed in astonish-ment. Kanchi City (from where he

came) was the capital of the ancient Pallava Empire. It had

withstood the attack of several enemies. The buildings,

mansions and palaces in that city were now badly

maintained, dilapidated ruins. Of course many of them

were well sculpted, architecturally beautiful. But several

parts of that city were in ruins. After Aditya Karikala took

over, he had renovated some of the public buildings and

palaces. These new structures looked like isolated sprigs of

fresh shoots on a dying tree. In facts they made the

dilapidation more obvious. But this Tanjore!?

Tanjore was quite the opposite thing. Everything looked

new. New palaces, new buildings, new temples. The

white-washed mansions interspersed with buildings of

brick baked of red earth shone like some jewel, set with a

cluster of rubies enhanced by pearls and diamonds. Trees

in the gardens and by the roadside had grown luxuriously

tall, nourished by that fertile red-dust. Coconut and areca

nut palms; ashoka cypress, laurels, spreading banyan, fig

and sacred ficus; jack, mango and neem -- they painted a

picture of varying hues of emerald. That greenery was

pleasing to the eye and joyous to the heart. A new city

built by an architect of illusion. I feel new excitement

when I enter this new city; my heart fills with

unexplainable pride!

Vandiya Devan who had seen the fuss and fret in letting

people enter inside had surmised that the inner city would

be empty. But it was quite contrary: all the streets were

crowded with hustle and bustle. Horses, and chariots

yoked with horses rushed past noisily. Bells -- tied around

the necks of elephants which walked slowly, gracefully

like tiny, black, moving hillocks -- tinkled all around.

Vendors selling flowers, fruit, milk, fish and other edibles

called out their wares and raised a huge din. Huge drums

boomed and large bells tolled periodically announcing the

passing hours. The gentle breeze carried the melody of

musical instruments and voices of young men and women

raised in song. Everything was festive like one big

carnival.

This is a city! This is the capital of an empire that is

growing and spreading day by day! Vandiya Devan did not

wish to let anyone know that he was a newcomer to that

exquisite city. If he asked the way of anyone they would

look him up and down and ask arrogantly, "Are you new to

this town?" -- They may even think him to be an

uncivilized villager if he asked the way to the royal palace.

Therefore, he should somehow find his way without asking

anyone and reach the palace. It may not be difficult.

Wherever he looked he could see mansions festooned with

bunting and crowned by high flying pennants and flags.

The flags fought the swift breeze and raised a "Chat, pat"

noise. Tiger-flags and palmtree- flags were more profuse.

He saw one huge flag emblazoned with a rampant tiger,

flying sky high, rising above all the others. That must be

the Emperor's palace, thought Vandiya Devan

Vallavarayan as he began walking in that direction. He

thought of what he must do next.

The first, important task is to present myself to the

Emperor and personally deliver the letter and the verbal

messages conveyed by Prince Aditya. It may not be

possible to see the Emperor without the Younger Lord

Pazluvoor's permission. How can I obtain that permission?

God helped me enter the fort. But, can I be complacent,

thinking that God's grace will aid me till the end? I must

connive something to manage entry into the palace to meet

the Emperor. What is the strategy to adopt? Oh my clever

brain! Descendant of generations of illustrious Vaanar's!

Think of something! Polish up your imagination. Get to

work! Imagination is essential; not just for writers and

poets. Fellows like me entangled in such political turmoil

also need plenty of imagination. Let me think...

He had already made sure that the Elder Lord Pazluvoor

had not returned to the fort. As soon as he come in he had

asked one of the gatekeepers, "Why man, has Lord

Pazluvoor come back?"

"Whom are you asking about, Thambi? The Younger Lord

is in the palace!"

"Don't I know that! I am asking about the Elder Lord who

had journeyed to the central provinces."

"Oh! Was it to the central provinces that the Elder Lord

went? I didn't know that! The Young-Queen's palanquin

returned last night. The Elder Lord has not returned yet.

We got word that he will probably return tonight," said the

gatekeeper.

That was good news. He must somehow meet the Emperor

before the Elder Lord Pazluvoor returns. How ...? An idea

occurred to him. The worry lines vanished immediately

and a mischievous smile and joy blossomed on his face.

He did not have to wander much to reach the Emperor's

palace. He kept walking in the direction of the large tigerflag.

Soon he reached the portals of the large palace. What

a wonderful building. A palace comparable to that of the

King of Gods; a palace like that of legendary Vikramaditya

of Ujjain! How exquisite is the carving on these portals?

The horses with raised forelegs, carved on the pillars, seem

to be ready to leap forward!

Several roads from all directions came to meet in a large

plaza in front of that palace. At the head of each of these

streets two horsemen and two footmen stood guard. People

walking about the streets turned back without coming near

them. Some persons stood near them to stare at the palace

portal and the big flag before they turned back. If the

people crowded around too long, the guards made signs to

disperse them. Even those who gathered in groups talked

softly, whispering to each other. Vandiya Devan did not

hesitate like these others. He walked forward with pride

and confidence. As soon as he stepped into the plaza two

horsemen barred his way. The horses stood nose to nose

and long lances crossed in front of him. The footmen came

near him.

Vandiya Devan showed them his magic ring. That was it;

the lances parted and the horses moved away. But three

men examined the ring, one after the other. Finally the

man who seemed to be in charge said, "OK, let him in."

Vandiya Devan walked in cockily.

Now what? How many other guards like this? Where

would I find the Younger Lord Pazluvoor? Should I ask?

Whom shall I ask? -- Can I manage to see the Emperor

without his permission? Where would I find the Emperor

on his sick bed in this huge mansion! ...

Catching sight of a group of men behind him, he turned

around. Yes; about ten to fifteen men came in a group to

hesitate in front of the guards. Those men wore scarves of

rich silken cloth. They were dressed in pearl necklaces,

golden anklets and eardrops. Some had adorned their

forehead with horizontal ashen lines. Others wore marks of

sandal paste, red kumkum powder or aromatic civet spots.

Oh! Don't these men look like poets and bards! Yes they

were a group of bards!

One of the guards, their leader, was saying, "The bards and

poet kings have come; let them enter." He then ordered

one of the footmen: "Lead these people to the audience

chamber of the Younger Lord Pazluvoor."

"Masters! Poets! if you receive any presents or rewards

please come back this way -- and remember me! If you do

not get any awards you can leave by the other gate!"

Everybody laughed at these words of the guard.

Vandiya Devan who had hesitated on the steps to listen to

this conversation felt "The fruit has slipped into the

cream!" He decided to follow the poets and get to the

presence of the Younger Lord Pazluvoor. He did not have

to ask anyone. Then comes my cleverness; my goodluck

will surely help, he thought. He quietly mingled into that

group of poets.

*****

Chapter 27 -- Court Poets

Watch out! Watch out! Here come the great poets! The

best of the bards! Those who have swum the great oceans

of Tamil literature! Those who have followed in the

tradition of Agastya! They who have drunk the essence of

Tolkappiyam and other such ancient works of the Sangam

Period! They who have read great epics such as

Silappadikaram, from back to front! They who know the

ins and outs of Thirukural, the cannon of Tamil culture!

They who know the grammar of all literature. They who

know how to compose verse with originality! Think of

this: The rolls and rolls of palm leaves used up by each one

of them would feed millions and millions of hungry

termites for years and years to come!

The whole group of the great poets came into the chamber

of Emperor Sundara Chozla.

"Long life! Long life! Long live Emperor Sundara Chozla

who rules all the seven worlds under one canopy. Long life

to the Lord who `Brought down the fever (passion) of the

Pandiya'. Long live the patron of the bards. The benevolent

Lord of the poets, Long life to him. Long live the honored

grandson of that great Paranthaka who loved poets!" They

cheered as one man in praise of the monarch.

Sundara Chozla did not seem to appreciate the cheering or

the commotion too much. Nevertheless he hid his feelings

and unmindful of his ailment he tried to rise and welcome

them. The Younger Lord of Pazluvoor came forward

immediately, saying, "My Lord! These poets have come to

greet you and honor you, they have not come here to

trouble you. Please do not try to rise and trouble yourself."

"Yes; yes! Oh King of Kings, Oh best among Emperors!

We have not come here to trouble you in the least bit!"

said the chief of poets, Nallavan Sattanar.

"I am happy to see you all after all these days. Please,

won't you all be seated? I shall be glad to hear some of

your verses before you go!" spoke the Emperor who was

fond of Tamil literature.

All of them sat down on a rich, jewelled carpet spread on

the floor. Thinking it to be a good opportunity, our

dauntless Vallavarayan also sat down in their midst. He

did not feel like leaving before he had stated all his

thoughts to the Emperor. He sat down hoping for another

opportunity to be private with the monarch.

The Younger Lord of Pazluvoor noticed him. His

moustache twitched. He considered throwing the fellow

out. But then he decided that it was better to let the fellow

remain right under his watchful eyes. Therefore, he

pretended ignorance of the fellow hiding amidst the group

of poets. The Commander decided to drag him out after the

bards had left and find out what the fellow had been saying

to the Emperor. His words "Danger! Danger!" were still

reverberating in his ears.

"Dear Poets! It has been a long time since I heard some

Tamil verse. My ears are hungry for Tamil poems. Have

any of you brought any new poems?" asked Emperor

Sundara Chozla.

One of the bards stood up, "My Lord! I come from the

monastery named in your honor, Sundara Chozla Perumpalli

which is in Ulaga Puram. All the buddhists in this

nation commend your benevolence to a buddhist

monastery though you are of the Saiva sect. The monks

and abbots are concerned about your ill health and we

offer prayers for your welfare and good health. I have

written some verses in this connection. If permitted I

would like to recite these."

"Please! Do repeat them. I am waiting to listen."

The bard then sang some verses beginning with the

following lines:-

Oh ye good soul, who found enlightenment under the Bo tree!

May you bless Sundara Chozla, monarch of growing Nandipuri,*

May he grow in prosperity, benevolence and in good looks and health,

To live with fame on this good earth.

* Nandipuri was another name for Pazlayarai

After hearing the poem all the poets showed appreciation

with words like "Good, good, well done!"

"It is surprising that the buddhists are so thankful about the

help!" said one of the poets who was a fanatic Saiva.

"Yes, it is quite a surprising thing. My service to the

monastery at Ulaga Puram was very meager. Do I deserve

such praise for that?"

"Who among those who have enjoyed the benevolence and

kindness of the Emperor will not praise his name? Even

Indra the King of Gods, Surya the Sun and the Great Lord

Shiva have enjoyed his generosity!" said another poet.

With a smile playing upon his lips Sundara Chozla asked,

"How is that? The King of the Gods and the Sun God?

Even Lord Shiva? Why should they be beholden to me?"

"Permit me to repeat a verse to that effect," said the poet.

When the monarch nodded assent, he opened the leaves of

the book in his hand and started reading the following

poem:-

An elephant he did present for Lord Indra to mount;

Seven horses did he give, for that flame-bodied Lord, creator of the day;

A palanquin for that good Lord Shiva and his gentle spouse;

Such is the benevolence of Sundara Chozla

With whom on this earth can we compare his glory?

After the poet had recited these lines everybody in the

group applauded, by clapping their hands and by saying

words like "Aha! Aha! Good! Good!"

With a pleased expression the Emperor asked, "Can any of

you explain this poem in detail?"

Several of them rose at the same time. Seeing the chief

poet Sattanar the others sat down. Nallavan Sattanar then

explained the poem as follows:-

"Once upon a time, long long ago, there was a war

between the King of the Devas and the Demon Vritta. In

that war the great elephant named Iravatha which belonged

to Lord Indra died. Indra was looking around for another

elephant comparable to that great beast. Finally he came to

Emperor Sundara Chozla of Pazlayarai and begged for `An

elephant comparable to Iravatha.' The monarch replied, `I

do not have any elephants comparable to Iravatha but I

have several better ones.' After saying this he took Indra to

his elephant stable. The Lord of the Gods saw the

thousands of beasts standing there like little hillocks and

was confused, `Which one shall I choose?' Seeing his

bewilderment, Sundara Chozla selected one good elephant

and presented it to Indra. `How am I going to control this

rogue elephant. Even my weapons the thunderbolts, may

not be sufficient!' thought Indra with fright; on seeing that,

the Emperor presented him with a good ankush (elephant

goad) for controlling the new elephant given to him.

"Later at one time, there was a terrible battle between the

God Surya of the radiant red rays who spreads light over

all the world and the Demon Raagu, who causes eclipses.

Raagu tried to swallow the creator of day and night; but he

could not do so: the brilliant light of the Sun God

consumed his body. However the seven colorful horses

yoked to the Sun God's chariot were killed by the poisons

spilt by the demon. While the Sun stood still, wondering

how he could resume his daily passage across the skies,

Sundara Chozla considered his helplessness and presented

him with seven new horses. `Please yoke these horses to

your chariot and spread the grace of your brilliance to all

living beings' prayed the monarch. The Sun God acclaimed

the earthly King who was a descendant of his clan i.e.

Surya Vamsa (Sun Kings).

"Several years ago the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi

Devi was celebrated with pomp in the mountains of

Kailasa. The friends and relatives of the bride had come

with several costly presents. But they had forgotten to

bring a palanquin for the wedding procession. They

whispered amongst themselves `There is nothing but this

bull available to carry the bride and groom in procession.

What can we do now?' Sundara Chozla heard this and

ordered his servants to bring his ivory palanquin inlaid

with pearls, from the carriage house. He then offered it

with much devotion, as a present at the wedding of the

great God Shiva.

"Who else is there in this wide world surrounded by the

seas, to compare with such a benevolent, gracious

monarch?"

Sundara Chozla who was listening to all this, burst out

laughing. The Emperor who had been suffering with

illness had not laughed like that for a long time. On

hearing his laughter and seeing his mirth even the Empress

Vanama Devi smiled; the maids in the palace and even the

doctors in the chamber smiled.

The Commander of Tanjore, Younger Lord Pazluvoor, had

been standing apart all this time. Now he came forward

saying, "My Lord! I have committed a grave crime, please

forgive my mistake and pardon me!"

"Is it the Commander? What crime did you commit? Why

should you be forgiven? Perhaps you seized the elephant

and horses that I gave to the Gods and brought them back?

Did you confiscate the palanquin given to Shiva? --

Because these things were not properly accounted for? Ah

yes! You are quite capable of doing that!" said Sundara

Chozla with a voice chocking with laughter. The poets

laughed with the Emperor. Vandiya Devan laughed louder

than everyone else. The Younger Lord Pazluvoor noticed

his laughter and looked at him with blazing eyes.

The Commander then turned to the Emperor and said,

"King of Kings! My mistake was just this: I had been

preventing persons like these poets from coming to your

presence all these days. I followed the orders of the palace

doctors. But now I realize my mistake. These poets have

made you cheerful. You have laughed loudly after

listening to their poems! Smiles blossomed on the faces of

the Udaya Pirati, (Queen Consort) and even the maids

upon seeing your mirth. Wasn't it my mistake to not let

such people who could cause such happiness into your

presence?"

"You said the right thing Commander! Do you realize it at

least now? I keep telling you don't bother about the

doctors."

The palace doctor tried to mumble some reply in a reverent

manner, Sundara Chozla made a sign to stop him and then

looked at the bards. "Does anyone here know who

composed this exquisite verse? If anyone knows, please let

me know!" said the Emperor.

Nallavan Sattanar replied, "King of Kings that is what we

do not know. All of us have been trying to find out that! If

we knew, we would crown that poet with the title

`Emperor of Poets' and carry him in procession around the

city. We have not been able to find that poet's identity."

"There is nothing surprising about that. I am sure that the

great poet who can stuff that many untruths in four lines

will hesitate to come forward!"

When the Emperor said these words, all the bards felt

totally dejected; their faces fell as if swallowed by an

eclipse! None of them knew a reply for this comment! At

this point, our hero Vandiya Devan stood up boldly and

said, "My Lord! We should not dismiss this verse

completely as absolute untruth. When common folks utter

words that are not factual, we call them lies; when people

involved in the conduct of nations say such things, it is

known as political shrewdness; when poets say such

things, it is imagination, creativity, alliteration, prosody,

meter, rhyme, lyric."

All the poets now turned to him, saying, "Well said, Good!

Good!"

The Emperor also looked at him, scrutinizing his face:

"Oh! Aren't you the messenger who brought letters from

Kanchi? Clever! Well parried argument! Good rebuttal!"

praised the Emperor.

He then looked at the group of poets and said, "Though it

was a good poem, there is no need to find its author and

crown him with titles. I know the poet who wrote this

verse. He is already burdened with the weight of the

jeweled crown of the Chozla Empire. Titles such as

`Emperor of the Three Worlds', `Emperor of the Good

Earth and the Seven Worlds' are already being borne by

that King of Poets."

And if this author says that the poets who heard his words

drowned in the ocean of surprise and struggled -- readers

should not disregard it as lies. It is the author's

imagination, lyric, comparison, raphsody. You must accept

it as some such grammatic convention of literature!

*****
Chapter 28 -- Iron Grip

When he had survived from the flood of surprise that

drowned him, the court poet Nallavan Sattanar said, "My

Lord! Does it mean ...? The poet who wrote these verses

is..."

"It is this Emperor of the earth who lies on this sick-bed

without the use of his legs," spoke the Emperor.

Several exclamations of surprise rose among the poets as

they talked and whispered quietly amongst themselves.

They moved their hands and heads in an agitated manner,

not knowing how to express their thoughts; others sat

perfectly still immobilized by the declaration they had

heard!

Sundara Chozla continued to speak. "Dear poets! Long ago

some poets and bards came to see me in Pazlayarai. Some

of you may have been in that group. Each of them sang

verses in praise of the benevolence of my clan, my

forefathers. Some of them sang a few lines about me also.

They praised me saying, `I gave this to that one and that to

this person.' My young daughter Kundavai, the Younger

Pirati was also seated beside me. Soon the poets left after

receiving gifts and awards. Kundavai kept singing their

praises commenting on the excellence of their poetry. I

challenged Kundavai, saying that I could compose much

better verse, more imaginative and extravagant than any of

those poets. And I composed those lines playfully at that

time and asked Kundavai for a reward. My darling child

clung to my back and pinched my cheeks saying `Here is

your reward.' I can remember that incident as if it was

yesterday. But it must be more than eight or nine years

now."

"Great! Remarkable! Surprising! Astounding!" rose

several voices from the group.

As soon as he heard the name Kundavai, Vandiya Devan's

whole body became attentive. He had heard much about

that Princess of the Chozla clan: about her beauty, her

intelligence, her ability and learning. Here is the fortunate

father who gave birth to that astonishing Princess and her

mother is seated close by. The Emperor speaks of his

daughter with such pride! His voice quivers when he

mentions her name...

Vandiya Devan's right hand searched in his pouch hidden

in his waistband. The palm leaf roll of letters that he was

carrying for Kundavai, were in that pouch. His searching

palm halted in startled alarm. He was appalled.

Dear me! What is this? I cannot find the letter! Where is

the letter? Where could it have fallen? Could it have fallen

accidentally when I took out the letter meant for the

Emperor? Where would it have fallen? In the audience

chamber ... Perhaps it will fall in the hands of the

Commander! Is there any danger if that happens? Oh!

What a blunder! What a great mistake! What shall I do ...

He could not remain in that place patiently after he

realized that he had lost the letter meant for Kundavai. He

did not hear any of the conversation in that room.

Whatever he heard his mind did not comprehend.

Sundara Chozla was still talking to that astonished group

of poets. "Kundavai must have repeated the verse I

composed in playfulness to some one. Perhaps she recited

it to her teacher, the Priest Esanya Bhattar of Pazlayarai.

He has spread it all over the nation and made me the object

of mockery!"

"My Lord! So what if the poem was written by you? It is a

wonderful poem. There is no doubt about that! Besides

being the Emperor of the Nation, you are also an Emperor

among Poets!" said the court poet.

"However, if I had sung this poem now, I would have

added one more line. I would not have stopped with giving

an elephant to Indra, horses to Surya and a palanquin to the

Great Shiva. Remember Lord Shiva kicked the Lord of

Death to protect his favorite devotee Markandeya? When

he was kicked, that fearsome Lord of Death escaped with a

few wounds. But Death's vehicle, the water-buffalo fell

down dead right there. The Lord of Death suffered without

a proper vehicle to execute his duties... Sundara Chozla of

Pazlayarai saw his problem and presented Yama, the Lord

of Death, with a huge water-buffalo! Yama now rides upon

that beast comfortably and is fast approaching me. Even

my able Commander of Tanjore cannot stop Yama riding

on his buffalo from coming to me."

When she heard these words, Vanama Devi seated next to

him, looked at her lord with tears streaming down her face.

Even the poets were moved, filled with a tremendous

sadness. Only the Younger Lord Pazluvoor seemed

unshaken. "My Sire! In your service, I shall be ready to

wage war even with death!" he declared.

"I have no doubt about that, Commander! But no human

being has the power to fight death. We merely have the

power to pray and ask the God's to give us the ability to

not fear death. Perhaps one of you remember those verses

of one of our Tamil saints who sang, `We shall not fear

death.' Does anyone know that poem?" asked the Emperor.

A poet rose up to repeat that verse:

We are bondsmen to none; nor do we fear the Lord of Death;

We shall not suffer the horrors of hell;

Neither are we at all times incapable

To overcome the misfortunes of ill health.

The Emperor intervened at this line to say "Ah! Who but a

great soul who has seen the vision of the Lord could sing

this daring verse so fearlessly? Saint Appar had suffered

with fearful consumption. But he overcame that ill health

with the grace of God. That is why he sang the line about

`Overcoming the misfortunes of ill health.' My dear poets!

Please stop composing verse in praise of me or my clan.

Sing such poems about divine grace from now onwards.

Appar, Sambanda and Sundara Murti have sung thousands

of such exquisite devotional poems in sweet Tamil. How

wonderful it would be if we could collect all those verses

in one anthology? One lifetime will not be adequate to

read and enjoy all of it!"

"King of Kings, with your permission we are ready to

begin that task right away!"

"No; it is not a task that can be completed in my lifetime.

After me ... " the Emperor hesitated and became immersed

in his own thoughts.

The palace physician came close to the Younger Lord

Pazluvoor and whispered something in his ears. Sundara

Chozla seemed to recover from his contemplation as if

startled from a nightmare. He looked around, his eyes

searching for something. He seemed to be a man returning

from a different world; as if he had glimpsed at the world

of the Lord of death.

Lord Pazluvoor, the Commander, asked, "My Lord! You

had expressed a wish to hear some verses composed during

the Sangam Age. Can these poets leave after they recite

one such poem?"

"Yes, yes. I had forgotten. Not only my body, even my

mind seems to be deteriorating. Let me hear the poem."

The Commander made a sign to the chief poet Nallavan

Sattanar. Upon that sign, the poet stood up and began

speaking the following words:

"My Lord! One of the most famous kings of your clan was

Karikala Valava of the Sangam Age. He was the brave

warrior who placed his tiger-flag on the Himalaya

Mountains. During his reign, the capital of the Chozla

Kingdom was Poompuhar or Kaviri-poom-pattinam. It was

the port where goods and produce from various foreign

nations came in ships. One of the poets of that period

composed several verses in praise of that town describing

its wealth and prosperity. Here are a few lines describing

the various goods that came into the port of that famous

town:

Horses of noble gait came by the sea;

Bagsful of black pepper brought in carts;

Gemstone and gold from the northern mountains;

Fragrant sandal and myrrh, forest produce of the Kudagu hills;

Pearls from the southern seas, corals of the western ocean;

Wealth of the Ganga and yield of the Cauvery;

Food from Lanka and manufactured goods of Malaya...

Sundara Chozla made a sign and stopped the poet when he

came to this line. The poet stopped; silent.

The Emperor looked at his commander and said with some

harshness, "Commander, the poem speaks of the times of

Karikala when food came to us from Lanka. You brought

these poets here to tell me this. Is it not so?"

"Yes, My Lord!" the words of the Commander came

faintly.

"I understand. Please send these poets away; give them

appropriate gifts," said the monarch turning his face away.

"Poets! Sirs! You can all take your leave now." The

Commander announced firmly. The whole group rose and

departed through the door. But, they did not forget to raise

cheers and blessings for the Emperor as they left.

Vandiya Devan who was quite agitated at not finding the

letter he had brought for Kundavai, tried to mingle with

that group and escape. But, his intention did not succeed.

Near the doorway a vise like grip took hold of his left

hand. Vandiya Devan was quite strong. But that iron grip

shook him from head to toe and made him stand still. He

looked up and his eyes confirmed that the iron grip

belonged to the Commander, the Younger Lord Pazluvoor.

By now, the poets had left the inner bed chamber.

*****

Chapter 29 -- "Our Guest"

After the poets had departed, the palace doctor mixed a

medicinal potion and brought it to the Emperor.

Malayaman's daughter, the Queen Consort received the

goblet in her hands and gave it to her lord the Emperor.

The Younger Lord Pazluvoor, who waited patiently till the

Emperor had finished, did not let go of his vise like grip on

Vandiya Devan's hand. The Commander dragged him

closer to the Emperor's bed. "My Lord! Do you see any

improvement after this new medicine?" he asked.

"The doctor says that there is some benefit and Devi also

believes it. But somehow, I do not feel any hope.

Commander, I feel that all this is wasted effort! My fate

beckons me. Yama, the Lord of Death must have gone to

Pazlayarai in search of me. When he knows that I am not

there he will arrive here in search of me..."

"My Lord! You should not talk in this depressed fashion.

You should not distress our hearts like this. The ancestors

of your clan ..."

"Ah! You are about to say that my forefathers were not

afraid of death! If I too am fortunate like the forefathers of

my clan, to go into the forefront of a battlefield and give

up my life, I shall not fear such death. Nor will I despair. I

shall welcome death with enthusiasm. My elder uncle

Raja-aditya fought in the battle field at Takkolam from

atop an elephant and lost his life while fighting. He

established the fame of Chozla bravery for ever in that

battle of Takkolam. He became famous as the `Lord who

reposed atop an elephant.' What fame will I acquire? Will I

come to be known as `Sundara Chozla who reposed atop

his sickbed'? My other elder uncle, Gandara Aditya was

involved in his devotions and had overcome the fear of

death. He travelled to the nations on the western ocean on

pilgrimage and died on the seashore. He is known as `The

Lord who reposed in the west.' I am not devout like him;

nor am I capable of embarking on a pilgrimage like him.

How long can I lie upon my bed like this? A burden to all

those near and dear ... But something tells me in my heart,

I shall not remain on this delightful earth much longer..."

"My Majesty! The palace doctor says that there is no

danger to your life. The astrologers also say that there is no

danger. But this youngster talked to you about some

danger ..."

"Ah! Isn't he the young man who came from Kanchi City?

Yes, he was saying about some danger about something.

What were you saying Thambi? Were you talking about

my situation?" asked the Emperor.

Vandiya Devan's mind worked at lightning speed. If I own

up to having warned about danger, suspicions about me

will rise and I will surely be in danger. I must escape from

this plight. Good, let me try one tactic. Let me secure the

help of grammar and prosody to turn a mountain into a

molehill!

"My Majesty! Who am I to warn about danger! What

danger can approach you when you have the brave

Commander, Lord Pazluvoor, the palace doctor and the

Empress who looks like the Divine Savitri (mythical queen

who saved her husband from the Lord of Death) next to

you? I petitioned to you as a stranger -- a stranger! I, an

ignorant, lone youth, I alone am left to represent the

ancient clan of Vaanars. I have been serving the Chozla

Empire to the satisfaction of your elder son the Crown

Prince. I beg your grace to return to me at least one tiny

portion of the lands of my ancient kingdom. I am a

stranger! This stranger seeks the protection of you the

King of Kings!" Vallavarayan spoke quickly without any

hesitation.

The Commander who heard his words, frowned. Sundara

Chozla's face brightened once again. Kindness filled the

face of the Empress.

"As soon as he was born, Saraswati, the Goddess of

Learning, must have written on this boy's tongue. His

command over words is quite remarkable!" said the

Empress.

Making use of the opportunity, Vandiya Devan turned

towards her and said, "Thaye! I Beg your grace to put in a

word on my behalf! I am an orphan without mother or

father. I have no other patron or sponsor. I myself have to

petition on my behalf. Just like the Goddesses Lakshmi

and Parvathi speak to their Lords Vishnu and Shiva on

behalf of devotees, I beseech you to speak on my cause. I

beg to be given back at least ten villages of my ancient

kingdom. I shall be very satisfied with that."

Sundara Chozla was filled with surprise and happiness as

he heard these words. The Emperor called his Commander

and said, "Commander, I am becoming very fond of this

youth! Look at Devi's face: she seems ready to adopt him

as her third son! Why not fulfil his petition? There should

be no problem about that? What is your opinion?"

"What place does my opinion have in this matter! Should

we not consult the opinion of Prince Karikala?" asked the

Commander of Tanjore.

"Your Majesty! If I ask the Prince he says that he has to

consult Lord Pazluvoor! Lord Pazluvoor says that he has to

ask the Crown Prince. Between the two of them my

petition ..."

"Young man, don't worry. We shall ask them both at the

same time," said the Emperor.

He then said, "Commander, this youth has brought a letter

from the Prince. About my going to Kanchi. Like before,

Aditya wants me to come to Kanchi. Aditya writes that he

has built a new Golden Palace there. He wants me to go

over there and live in it at least for some time."

"We shall act according to thy wishes," said the

Commander.

"Ah! You will act according to my wishes! But my legs

refuse. It is impossible to journey to Kanchi. The very

thought of travelling in palanquins with drawn screens,

like women of the palace, disgusts me. We must write a

reply asking Aditya Karikala to come here ..."

"Is it advisable to ask the Prince to leave Kanchi at this

time to come here? Our enemies in the north continue to be

strong!"

"Parthiban and Malayaman can stay back and take care of

that. Something in my heart tells me that I must have the

Prince here beside me. And that is not enough; we must

send a message to the younger Prince who has gone to

Lanka -- ask him to come back here immediately. I wish to

consult both of them and come to a conclusion about an

important matter. When Arulmozli is here we can talk to

him about your objection in sending rice and foodstuffs to

the Lankan campaign."

"Your Majesty! Forgive me! I do not object to sending

foodstuffs to Lanka. Neither does the Officer of Resources

& Food Supply object. The citizens and countrymen of the

Chozla nation object to it. The last harvest in our country

was poor. When supplies are limited to meet our needs,

people object to sending shiploads of foodgrains to Lanka.

Now they murmur and complain in words. After a while

their complaints will become louder. Their shouts will be

heard even inside this palace, disturbing your health!"

"Arulmozli will never wish to undertake anything to which

the people and citizens object. Anyway considering

everything it is best if he comes here at once. After the

Elder Lord Pazluvoor returns we shall decide about

sending a messenger to Lanka. When is he coming back?"

"He will definitely return by tonight."

"We can write the letter to Kanchi also tomorrow. Can we

send this young man back with that letter?"

"This youngster seems to have journeyed from Kanchi

without any rest or stop. Let him stay here and relax for a

few days before he returns. We can send the letter with

some other messenger."

"Do that. Perhaps he can remain here itself till Karikala

arrives."

At this point Malayaman's daughter stood up. The

Commander spoke up, "I have spoken for a long time and

disturbed you today. Please forgive me for extending this

interview till being warned by My Lady!"

The Empress spoke, "Commander, this youth is our guest.

Make all arrangements for his comfort. If the Emperor had

been keeping good health we could have accommodated

him in this palace itself."

"I shall take care of that, My Lady! You need not concern

yourself about it. I shall take care of him very well!" spoke

the Younger Lord Pazluvoor. The fingers of one hand

twirled his thick moustache as he spoke these words.

*****

Chapter 30 -- Art Gallery

The Younger Lord Pazluvoor dragged Vandiya Devan to

the audience chamber along with him. The explanation

given by the youth about his conversation with the

Emperor had not completely satisfied him. Perhaps it was

a mistake to have permitted him to meet the Emperor in

privacy. It is routine to suspect him since he is a messenger

from Aditya Karikala. But there is no room for suspicion

since my brother has sent him with the signet ring. Ah! No

one has to advice the Elder about caution in such matters.

Howsoever, the sight of the youth hesitating with a fearfilled

expression, as he entered the bed chamber came

before the Commander's eyes. He remembered very clearly

that the youth had spoken the words "Danger! Danger!" --

Is it possible that the words "Stranger! Stranger!" could

have sounded like "Danger! Danger!" in his ears?

Considering all possibilities it is better that I do not send

him back immediately. After the Elder returns, I must find

out details about him and do the appropriate thing. I must

try and recruit such capable young men in my secret police

corps. He would be useful in times of need. Perhaps I can

procure part of his ancient lands for him. Such young men

will remain beholden and loyal to me if I help them once.

Ah! But if it proven that he is an enemy, I must make

appropriate arrangements. Anyway, for all things, let the

Elder return. Let us see.

Upon reaching the large audience chamber, Vandiya

Devan began looking about here and there anxiously. He

peered again and again at the spot where he had taken out

the letter to give it to the Commander.

Perhaps by accident the other letter, the important letter

has fallen there. If I cannot retrieve that letter there is no

greater fool than me! I shall never be able to meet the

world renowned Princess Kundavai. I shall not be able to

complete half the task assigned to me by Prince Aditya

Karikala.

The Younger Lord Pazluvoor looked at one of his servants

and said, "Lead this young man to our palace. Take him to

our guest house and make all arrangements for his comfort

\-- look after him. Wait there till I come."

Vandiya Devan and the servant left. Another servant

approached him and respectfully extended his hand with a

palm leaf roll in it. "This was lying in the corridor on the

way to the Emperor's bed-chamber. It might have fallen

from the waist-belt of the youth who left just now."

The Commander accepted it eagerly and examined it. His

eyebrows shot half way up his forehead in a frown! A

dreadful expression came upon his face.

"Ah ha! A letter written to the Younger Pirati by Aditya

Karikala. In the Prince's own handwriting: -- `... .. you had

asked for a retainer -- a capable, courageous youth for use

in confidential matters; I am sending him to you for that

purpose. You can trust him completely regarding all affairs

and entrust any task to him. He will personally give you

my message and details of the situation here...' -- Ah!

There is some mystery in this! I wonder if the Elder Lord

knows about this letter. I must be more careful in handling

this youngster!" The Commander of Tanjore muttered

these words to himself as he read some parts of the letter.

He beckoned to the servant who had picked up the letter

and whispered some words in his ear. That man

immediately left the audience chamber.

All courtesies and comforts were shown to Vandiya Devan

in the palace of the Younger Lord Pazluvoor. They led him

to a luxurious bath and helped him wear new clothes.

Vandiya Devan who was fond of wearing new fashionable

clothes, dressed himself in the fresh garments with

enthusiasm. He almost forgot his worry about the lost

letter. After he had dressed in the new raiment, they served

him courteously and elegantly with a tasty meal of many

courses. Being hungry, Vandiya Devan did justice to the

meal. Later they led him to the art gallery in that palace.

"Till the Commander returns you can enjoy the beautiful

pictures and art-works in this gallery," said the servant.

After saying this, three men -- guards -- sat down outside

that chamber, near the doorway and began a game of dice.

In those days, Tanjore, the new capital of the Chozla's, was

famous for its art and painting. Just as music and dance

were nurtured in Thiru-vai-aru, painting and sculpture

were encouraged in Tanjore.

The art gallery attached to the palace of the Younger Lord

Pazluvoor was famous. Vandiya Devan entered that art

gallery now. He looked again and again at the several large

pictures painted on the walls of that chamber and was

enthralled. He forgot himself in that happiness; he forgot

the task for which he had come.

The portrait gallery on one side, depicting the pictures of

ancient rulers of the Chozla clan and important events in

their history attracted his attention. A large part of that

gallery was given to depict the history over the last

hundred years of the Chozla nation. Those were the

pictures that aroused the greatest interest in Vandiya

Devan.

At this point, the author wishes to briefly remind our

readers of the history and genealogy of the Chozlas who

ruled for hundred years before the times of this story, from

Pazlayarai and Tanjore. It would be very useful to know

these details to understand further incidents in this tale.

We have mentioned earlier about Vijayala Chozla who

bore ninety-six scars of battle wounds like ornaments on

his body. Chozla kings customarily bore the titles

Parakesari and Rajakesari one succeeding the other. After

Parakesari Vijayala, his son Rajakesari Aditya Chozla

came to the throne. He was a deserving son to his father. In

the beginning he fought on the side of the Pallava

monarchs to defeat their common enemy, the Pandiyas and

establish the Chozla entity. Later he engaged in battle

against his former ally the Pallava King Aparajita. Pallava

Aparajita entered the battlefield seated on a howdah atop

an elephant. Aditya jumped onto that war elephant and

fought his enemy, killing him and thus captured all of

Thondai for the Chozlas. Later the Kongu Kingdom came

under Aditya's rule. Rajakesari Aditya I, was an ardent

devotee of Shiva. He constructed several Shiva temples

along the banks of the holy Cauvery -- from the Sahasya

hills where the river rose till it entered the seas in the east.

After Rajakesari Aditya, Parakesari Paranthaka ascended

the Chozla throne. He ruled for forty-six years. Next to

Karikala of the ancient times who had established his tigerflag

over the Himalayas, this Paranthaka was the greatest

of Chozla kings. He had several honors and titles like

"Veera-narayana", "Lover of Poets", "Best among

Wrestlers", "Jewel among the Braves", etc. He was also

known as the `Chozla who took (conquered) Madurai and

Lanka'. Even during the times of this Paranthaka I, the

Chozla nation spread from the shores of Cape Comorin to

the banks of the Krishna-Tungabadra rivers in the north.

For some time the tiger-flag flew over Lanka also. He was

the same Paranthaka who became famous for having

covered the roof of the temple at Chidambaram with gold.

Towards the end of his reign several dangers seized the

Chozla Empire. In those days, the Rashtrakutas who were

very powerful in the north tried to contain the growing

powers of the Chozlas. They led an army against the

Chozlas and were successful to some extent.

Paranthaka had at least three sons. The eldest among these

sons was Raja-aditya. Expecting an invasion from the

north, this Raja-aditya waited with a very large army for

several years in Thiru-munai-padi. He constructed the

large Veera Narayana Lake in the name of his father.

A terrible war was fought between the Chozla forces and

the Rashtrakuta armies at a place known as Takkolam near

present day Arakonam. In that battle, Raja-aditya fought

valiantly and showered havoc upon the enemy forces. But,

he lost his life in the battlefield and went to the heavens

meant for braves. He too fought from the howdah of an

elephant like the Pallava Aparajita. Since he died while

riding the battle elephant he was referred to as the `Lord

who reposed atop an elephant' in latter day stoneinscriptions.

If Raja-aditya had not died in the battlefield, he would

have ruled the Chozla nation after his father Paranthaka I.

His descendants would, in the normal course, have

ascended the throne after him. But since he died before

ascending the throne and without any offspring, his brother

Gandara Aditya was crowned as king with the title of

Rajakesari according to the wishes of their father.

Like his father and grand-father, Gandara Aditya was a

devotee and follower of Shiva. In addition, he was fond of

Tamil literature. In fact, he did not have much interest in

ruling his nation for he was more involved in worship at

temples and in enjoyment of poetry. Following the

tradition of the Saiva Nayanmar saints, he composed

several devotional poems on God Shiva. In an anthology

of these poems known as Thiru-isai-pa he refers to himself

towards the end:

Like his noble Sire who covered

The roof of the dancer at Chidambaram with red gold,

May Gandara Aditya, monarch of flourishing Kozli,

Lord of the people of Tanjore, expert in exquisite Tamil verse,

May he attain everlasting greatness and happiness.

Though the kings after Vijayala Chozla ruled from

Pazlayarai and Tanjore, they did not forget their rights to

their ancient capital Uraiyoor, which was also called Kozli

(rooster). Chozla monarchs styled themselves as `Rooster

Kings.'

Though Gandara Aditya sat on the Chozla throne and ruled

in name, his younger brother Arinjaya took care of the

governing of the nation. Arinjaya had been stationed in the

northern provinces helping his eldest brother Raja-aditya.

He fought bravely in the battles against the Rashtrakutas.

He was the instrument for turning the terrible defeat of the

Chozla armies at Takkolam into a victory by stopping the

invading forces at the northern banks of River Pennar.

Therefore, Rajakesari Gandara Aditya chose his younger

brother Arinjaya as the Crown Prince and designated him

as his successor to the throne. There was another important

reason for this decision of Gandara Aditya. His first wife

had died several years before he came to inherit the throne.

After her death, Gandara Aditya had not married again for

several years. However, his younger brother Arinjaya

already had a handsome, capable and intelligent son.

That son named after his grandfather Paranthaka, was

known as Sundara -- the name bestowed on him by the

people. Gandara Aditya willed that after him his brother

Arinjaya, and after Arinjaya, Sundara should succeed to

the Chozla throne. He obtained the approval of all the

leaders of the land, the chieftains, the commanders, the

chiefs of the cities and guilds, and announced his

intentions publicly.

After all such arrangements were made, a surprising

incident occurred in his life. He happened to meet the

young daughter, of a petty chieftain named Mazlava-raya.

The beauty, modesty, virtue and piety of that jewel among

maids, Sembiyan Madevi, attracted him. In his advanced

age he married that young maid. As a result of this

marriage a child was born in due course. They named the

child Madurandaka and cherished him. But, both the King

as well as the Queen did not wish to change any of the

arrangements they had made earlier about the kingdom.

The couple were both involved in piety, devotion and

renouncement of the world; they wished to raise their son

in a similar ascetic fashion. Once again the King

proclaimed his wish that after him, his brother Arinjaya

and Arinjaya's descendants should have the right to ascend

the Chozla throne.

Thus, bypassing the two lines of the elder brothers Rajaaditya

and Gandara Aditya, the line of Arinjaya Chozla

became heirs to the Chozla throne.

Parakesari Arinjaya who ruled after Gandara Aditya, did

not live for a long time. Within one year he followed his

elder brothers to the heavenly abodes.

After him, the citizens, chieftains, leaders and guildsmen

happily crowned Prince Sundara as their king. Rajakesari

Paranthaka Sundara Chozla was an able ruler of the

kingdom that came to him by good fortune. In the early

years of his reign he performed various deeds of valor and

once again acquired the lost Pandiya and Thondai

Territories. He drove away the Rashtrakuta armies from

the banks of the Pennar.

Aditya Karikala and Arulmozli Varma, the two sons of

Emperor Sundara Chozla, were able warriors and worthy

sons of their father. Both sons cooperated and helped their

father with complete devotion. These sons had experienced

battlefield and war at very young ages. In every campaign

they participated, the Goddess of Victory stood on the side

of the Chozlas.

*****

###### Principal Characters in Ponniyin Selvan

Aditya Karikala -Crown Prince of the Chozla Empire, Sundara Chozla's eldest son.

Amudan's Mother -A deaf-mute, garden keeper on the outskirts of Tanjore.

Anirudda Brahma-raya -The Prime Minister and confidant of Sundara Chozla.

Arinjaya Chozla-Sundara Chozla's father, King Gandara Aditya's younger brother, died after ruling for

merely one year.

Arulmozli Varma -Sundara Chozla's younger son.

Astrologer of Kudanthai- An astrologer patronized by Kundavai, a spy of sorts.

Azlvar-adiyan Nambi, Thirumalai Appan - A follower of the Vaishnava faith, step brother of Esanya

Bhattar, a spy.

Esanya Bhattar -A priest of Pazlayarai, elder brother of Azhvar-adiyan Nambi.

Gandara Aditya -Sundara Chozla's elder uncle, a devout follower of the Saiva faith, ruled before Arinjaya

Chozla.

Idumban Kari -A footman from Kadamboor, a conspirator against Chozla royalty, member of a gang

sympathetic to Pandiyas.

Kalyani of Vaithumba- Widow of King Arinjaya Chozla, a famous beauty, Sundara Chozla's mother.

Kandamaran- A young man, son of Sengannan Sambuvaraya of Kadamboor.

Kundavai, Younger Pirati - Sundara Chozla's daughter.

Lord Velir of Kodumbalur, the Elder, Bhoothi Vikrama Kesari - An important chieftain of the Chozla

Empire, Commander of Chozla Armies in Lanka. Elder-uncle to Vanathi

Lord Velir of Kodumbalur, the Younger, Paranthaka Vikrama - Younger Lord of Kodumbalur, Vanathi's

father who lost his life in a battle in Lanka.

Lord Pazluvoor, the Elder, - Ambalavan An important and powerful chieftain, - Officer of Taxation,

Food Supply and Finance for the Chozla Empire, elder brother of Kalanthaka, Nandini's husband, about

65 years old.

Lord Pazluvoor, the Younger, Kalanthaka - Commander of Tanjore Fort, Captain of the Guard Corps.

Madurandaka Deva -A Chozla Prince, son of Gandara Aditya and Sembiyan Madevi, a few years older

than Aditya Karikala.

Malayaman Milad-udayar of Thiru-kovalur -A nobleman and petty chieftain of the Chozla Empire,

Empress Vanamadevi's father and thereby grandfather to Karikala, Arulmozli and Kundavai.

Manimekala - Kandamaran's younger sister and daughter of Kadamboor Sambuvaraya.

Mazlava-raya - A nobleman, Sembiyan Madevi's brother.

Munai Raya - A nobleman, not very confident in Lord Pazluvoor's schemes.

Nallavan Sattanar - Court poet at Tanjore.

Nandini, Young-Queen - An extraordinarily beautiful Pazluvoor woman with a mysterious past, Azhvaradiyan's

adopted sister, raised by a priest's family near Madurai.

Parthiban Pallava - A nobleman of the Pallava clan, Crown Prince Aditya Karikala's confidant.

Poonkuzlali - Daughter of the Lighthouse Keeper of Kodi Karai, Sendan Amudan's cousin.

Ravidasa, the Sorcerer - Leader of the Pandiya conspirators, a former retainer of Veera-pandiya, had a

mysterious hold over Nandini.

Sambuvaraya of Kadamboor - A nobleman and crony of Lord Pazluvoor.

Sembiyan Madevi, Elder Pirati - Widow of King Gandara Aditya, Madurandaka Deva's mother, fond of

Sundara Chozla and his children, devout.

Sendan Amudan -A flower vendor of Tanjore, lived with his deaf-mute mother in the outskirts of the

city.

Soman Samban - A conspirator against Chozla royalty, member of Ravidasa's gang, sympathetic to

Pandiyas.

Sundara Chozla Paranthaka - Emperor of the Chozla Kingdom.

Vanamadevi of Thiru-kovalur - The Queen Consort, wife of Sundara Chozla, mother to Karikala,

Kundavai & Arulmozli.

Vanathi Devi - A young noblewoman of the Kodumbalur clan, Kundavai's friend, in love with Prince

Arulmozli.

Vandiya Devan Vallavarayan - A scion of the Vaanar clan of Vallam, Aditya Karikala's messenger.

Vasuki - Nandini's maid.

Veera-pandiya - Pandiya King vanquished and killed by Prince Aditya Karikala.

Glossary

Aadi A month of the Tamil calendar, about July-Aug

Aavani A month of the Tamil calendar, about Aug-Sept

Advaita A philosophy, belief in the non-dual nature of God

Akka Elder sister, a respectful greeting for an older girl

Amma Mother, a respectful greeting for women

Ankush A goad used by elephant drivers

Anna Elder brother, respectful address for older men

Araya, raya, arasa King, chieftain, Raja

Ayya Father, mode of address for an older man

Bharata Natyam Classical dance style

Chakra Discus

Champaka A fragrant flower

Chanakya A medieval personality of political cunning, a Machiavelli

Devi, Deva Lady, Lord

Iruvatchi A fragrant flower

Jaamam A period of time 3 hrs long;

1 Jaamam = 7½ Nazli; 1 Nazli = 24 minutes

Jaggery Unrefined or brown sugar

Kaadal Love

Kaadam A league or about 10 miles

Kaavi Reddish, ocher dye

Kadal Sea

Kadamba A flower

Kama Love, Passion

Karadi 1. A musical instrument 2. Bear

Karagam Folk dance with balancing decorated pots

Karaiyar Coastal, fisherfolk

Karppu Sanctity of a married woman. Chastity

Kavi 1. Poet 2. Monkey

Konnai A flowering tree

Kumkum Red powder, used to decorate the forehead

Kummi A folk dance of women circling while clapping hands

Kunrimani A tiny red-black berry or bead

Kural Ancient Tamil couplets

Kuravai Koothu Gypsy dance or dance by maidens

Malai Mountain

Mariamman A village deity, a pagan Goddess

Marudai A shade giving tree, a colloquial name for Madurai City

Mattalam Drum

Maya Illusion, Deception, unreal

Moringa A leafy tree

Mu-ttholl-ayiram A collection of romantic verse in Tamil

Muzlai Cave

Naadu Country

Naamam A vertical, make-up like, caste mark worn by followers of Vishnu

Nanal A sedge like grass

Nandavan Garden

Netri-chutti Forehead ornament

Padai Veedu Army Housing

Padinettam Perukku Eighteenth day flood

Palli Padai Memorial temple

Panchayat Council of Village Elders, often five persons

Parai A kind of country drum, an announcement

Perumal Lord, God

Pirati Lady, Royal Princess

Pitam Monastic seat

Punnai A tree with yellow flowers

Rudraksha A multifaceted bead, a sacred berry

Saelai Loose pleated garment of women worn with one loose end thrown over a shoulder

Saiva A sect of Hinduism, follower of Shiva

Salli A musical instrument

Selvan Beloved, Darling (masculine)

Selvi Beloved, Darling (feminine)

Silappadikaram A Tamil Epic

Sindhu Folk song

Puli -Tamarind A shade giving tree bearing a sour fruit

Thambi Younger brother, mode of address for young men

Thaye Mother, mode of respectful address for women

Thaazlai A fragrant cactus

Thevar-aalan, Divine man, dancers

Thevar-aatti Divine woman, dancers

Thevaram Devotional Poems

Thiru-vai-mozli Devotional Poems

Thinnai A raised platform or dias on the front porch of houses in South India. Often used like a living

room; for family gatherings, seating visitors, and sleeping in the night.

Udukku Small palm held drum

Uriyadi A game to get the prize-pot tied to a pole similar to the Maypole

Vaetti Loose lower garment of men

Vaishnava A sect of Hinduism, follower of Vishnu

Vamsa Dynasty

Veena A musical stringed instrument

Velan Attam A semi-religious dance, usually by a man

Villu-pattu Folk songs accompanying a string instrument, story telling

Vinnagara Vishnu temple

##### Chapter 15 -- Vanathi's Tricks

We request our readers to please recall that earlier moment

in our story when Kundavai and Vanathi climbed onto the

chariot and rode towards Kudanthai, leaving their friends

on the banks of the River Arisil. We shall now listen to the

conversation of those maids who were left behind.

"My dear Tarika, look at this good fortune that has blown

the way of that Kodumbalur female! What is so fascinating

about her for our Younger Pirati?"

"No fascination, no nothing! For the past four months that

girl has been going around like one deranged; she is often

falling down in one of her fainting fits. The Younger Pirati

is worried because they have left that orphan girl in her

care. She is taking Vanathi to the Astrologer to find out

what ails her. Perhaps it is because of some ghost or spirit?

If it is so, don't they have to get rid of it with some magic

or spell?"

"It is no ghost and no phantom. Which spirit will come and

posses her? She is capable of driving away a hundred

ghosts." A girl known as Varini uttered these words with

some venom.

"All those fainting fits of Vanathi are one big deception

my dear. That snake thinks that she can capture the Prince

in her coils if she does such things."

"What Niravati says is true. And that is not the whole

story. Remember that day when the Prince was leaving on

his campaign she dropped the platter with the lighted

lamp? Even that, she did mainly to attract the attention of

the Prince. How can a platter carried in both hands slip like

that? Or is our Prince some sort of fearsome tiger or bear

for her to be frightened?" continued Varini.

"And she pretended to fall into a faint immediately; How

clever."

"More than all her tricks, the funny thing is that Kundavai

Pirati and the Prince believed her!" added Sendiru.

Mandakini offered the comment, "These are times for

those who deceive and tell lies and falsehoods."

"The Prince who had already mounted his horse, leaving

for the campaign; he came back into the palace to look at

her! What else does one need? See how successful her

tricks were?"

"What you say about the Prince is of course true. There is

none in the fourteen known worlds to compare with him.

There is none like him even in the imaginary tales and

epics. But what I say is something else. This Vanathi, --

who fainted -- do you know what that fainting is really

about? There is no need of going to an astrologer to find

the cause! If anyone had asked me I would have

explained." Varini was sure of herself.

"What is that fainting? You can tell us, can't you?" asked

Sendiru. Varini then whispered something in her friend's

ears. Niravati intervened, "Hey! What's the secret? Let us

know it too!"

"I believe it is not an ordinary fainting fit! It is a lovelorn

fit!" Upon hearing these words all the girls laughed

merrily. Hearing this noise, the birds upon the trees flew

out with noisy wing-beats.

"When our Prince comes back from Lanka she will again

try her magic tricks on him. We should not give place for

that."

"If this Vanathi does not go mad by the time the Prince

returns, I shall change my name from Tarika to Tataka (an

ogress of the epic Ramayana)."

"OK! Let it go! Don't we have to complete the task

assigned to us before the Younger Pirati comes back?

Come girls, enough of this," said Mandakini.

After that, two of them removed one of the loose planks at

the bottom of the barge. In a long alcove under it, they

found a crocodile! That is, a dead crocodile preserved and

stuffed with fibre and cotton! They took it out. The girls

then paddled the barge a little way along the bank and

pulled in near a clearing; a large mango tree grew along

the bank with thick spreading roots. They pulled the

stuffed crocodile amidst the tree roots. It lay among the

roots, half in the water and half out. The girls bound a thin

string to one of its legs and tied it to the root, preventing

the stuffed reptile from floating away!

Tarika asked, "Why did the Younger Pirati want us to

leave the crocodile here, like this?"

"Don't you know? Vanathi is so timid and poor-spirited,

frightened of each and everything. To get rid of her fear

and make her brave."

"If we consider all these things, it seems as if the Younger

Pirati really intends to wed this foolish Vanathi to our

Prince!" exclaimed Niravati.

"If anything like that happens, I shall poison this Vanathi

and kill her," said the jealous maid, Varini.

"All this jealousy of yours is not warranted. All the kings

of the world, the monarch of Manyaketa in Rashtrakuta,

the Emperor of Vengi, the King of Kalinga and even the

Emperor of Kanouj are ready to give their daughters in

marriage to our Prince. Who will care about this Vanathi

from Kodumbalur?" said soft spoken Mandakini.

"All those kings may be ready, like you say; but what are

the wishes of our Prince? I believe he always says `If I

ever marry, I shall marry a girl from the Tamil lands.'

Don't you all know this? asked Sendiru.

"Then, all is well. All of us should polish our charms and

show our competence. What this Vanathi can do, we can

also achieve!"

Let us now explain the reason for such talk amongst these

women.

*****

Chapter 20 -- The First Enemy

Azlvar-adiyan gave his heartfelt thanks to the vampire bat

which helped him at the right time; a hooting owl gave

further aid. The conspirators gathered in the clearing

thought that the noise was made by the owl or the bat.

"Hey fellow! This bat has frightened us. Kill it!" said one

man.

"No need. Sharpen your knives and save them for other

important tasks; keep them to rout the very roots of our

enemy clans! Bats and owls are not our enemy; they are

our friends. We are awake when normal folk sleep. These

owls and bats are awake with us." The man called

Ravidasa spoke these words.

Thirumalai moved forward step by step, quietly, while he

listened to these words of Ravidasa. Soon he neared a large

marudai tree. The roots of that hundred year old tree

spread in all directions. Hollow spaces could be found in

between and below the thick roots. Thirumalai stood in

one such hollow blending his body with the tree trunk.

"We have no dearth of funds as long as the royal treasury

in Tanjore exists. All we need is determination to complete

the task we have undertaken. We should be capable of

guarding our secret from becoming known to anyone, until

the assignment is done. We have to divide ourselves into

two groups. One group must travel to Lanka immediately.

The other must go to the Thondai regions and wait for an

opportunity to achieve our goal. Both jobs must be

completed more or less at the same time. If there is any

delay after finishing with one enemy, the other fellow will

become forewarned. We should never let that happen. Do

you all understand? Who among you are ready to go to

Lanka?" asked Ravidasa.

"I can go." "I shall go." Several voices rose at the same

time.

"When we meet the next time, in the Pandiya Kingdom, let

us decide about who is to go to Lanka. Till then, we have

several arrangements to make here itself."

"Which is the best way to go to Lanka?" asked one man.

"We can go by Kodi Karai. That is a good place to cross

the sea. But it is difficult to reach Kodi Karai from here.

Enemies all along the way; spies everywhere. Therefore it

is better to go to Sethu and cross the sea to Matottam.

Those going to Lanka must know how to swim in the sea

and they must be ready to row a boat or catamaran if the

need arises. Who among you knows how to swim?"

"I do." "I can." said a few voices.

"We must first meet Mahinda, the King of Lanka and then

complete our job. Therefore, at least one of us who goes to

Lanka must be able to speak the Singhala language. Ah!

Why hasn't our Soman Samban come yet? Did any of you

see him today?" asked Ravidasa.

"Here, I am coming." The voice came from a spot very

close to the hollow in which Thirumalai was hiding.

Azlvar-adiyan flattened his body further against the tree

trunk. Dear, dear me! How troublesome it is, that my

wretched body has grown so prosperous.

Two more newcomers came and joined the group in the

clearing. Azlvar-adiyan peeped out from his hiding place,

showing a bare minimum of his face outside the hollow.

He recognized the late comers as the two men who had

met under the tree on the southern banks of the Kollidam.

On seeing the two new men, Ravidasa exclaimed,

"Welcome! Welcome! I was afraid that you were in some

trouble and may not come to this meeting. From where and

by which way are you both coming?"

"We came along the bank of the Kollidam. On the way, a

pack of wolves surrounded us. It was quite difficult to

escape from them. That is why we are late," said Soman

Samban.

"There is reason if you are afraid of the tiger or lion! What

can we achieve with the help of men who are afraid of

wolves?" asked the man who was holding the lighted

twigs.

"Don't say that my friend! The wolf or jackal is worse than

any lion or tiger which is a solitary enemy that attacks

alone. We can fight against them and manage. But wolves

come in packs. They are more dangerous. Didn't our

incomparable king of kings loose the battle and give up his

life because the Chozla jackals came in large packs all at

one time? Would it have happened any other way?"

"We shall totally destroy the whole pack of wolves. We

shall kill their very roots." Soman Samban swore with

vehemence.

"Here are the tools to help that cause!" said Ravidasa,

pointing at the gold coins. Soman Samban picked up a few

coins and examined them.

"Yes! The tiger symbol on one side; palm tree on the other

side," he exclaimed!

"Chozla gold! Lord Pazluvoor's signet. I did what I said I

would do. What news from the rest of you? Does Idumban

Kari have any special news?" asked Ravidasa.

"Yes. He has news. Let him tell it in his own words," said

Soman Samban.

Idumban Kari began speaking: "As per your orders, I

joined the household of Kadamboor Sambuvaraya and am

working as a servant in his palace. Last night my efforts

bore fruit. Yesterday, a huge banquet was held at

Kadamboor. Several guests -- the Elder Lord Pazluvoor,

Lord of Mazluvoor, Vanangamudi Munai Raya and others

had come. The gypsy dance and velan attam, the oracle

dance, took place. The man who danced as the divine-man

foretold the future when the spirit manifested him. His

predictions were helpful to our intentions. Everybody

thought that the Elder Lord Pazluvoor had brought his

Young-Queen in the closed palanquin to the palace. Lord

Pazluvoor announced that Emperor Sundara Chozla was in

poor health and that he was not likely to live long. All the

dignitaries met and decided that Prince Aditya Karikala

was not the rightful heir to ascend the throne; they decided

that Prince Madurandaka had the right to succeed as

Crown Prince. Some among them were doubtful if that

Prince would agree to accept the throne. Lord Pazluvoor

then promised that `He will accept personally,' and opened

the curtains of the closed palanquin. Prince Madurandaka

came out from the palanquin and agreed to accept the

throne..."

"They are going to crown that brave fellow who roams

around disguised as a woman! Very good! Let them crown

him! Everything is happening according to our plans. An

internal confusion in Chozla politics is very useful to our

cause. Now, whatever happens, no one will suspect us!

Idumban Kari! You have brought very good and important

news. But, how did you learn of all this? How did you get

the opportunity?" asked their leader, Ravidasa.

"I tried to put myself forward working in the inner

chambers of the palace. I was assigned the task of guarding

the courtyard where the dignitaries met, to hold their

discussions at midnight. While on guard duty, I made good

use of my eyes and ears."

"Did you learn of anything else by making such good use

of your senses?"

"Yes. I found something else. Another fellow, a stranger,

was spying on that midnight meeting and listening to

everything that was being said; he was hiding on the outer

ramparts of the palace and watching everything."

"Oh! Who was he?"

"A fanatic Vaishnava fellow with a topknot on his

forehead ...."

"Ah! Was it him? That's what I surmised. What did you do

with him? Did you report him to your masters and get

hold of him?"

"No. I did not do that. I had thought that he may be one of

us. I thought that you may have sent him."

"You made a big mistake! He is not one of us. He is short

and stocky; a quarrelsome fellow. His name is Thirumalai

Appan. Sometimes, he calls himself Azlvar-adiyan

Nambi."

"Yes. That very same fellow. I realized my mistake this

afternoon when I found out that he was not one of us."

"How did you find that?"

"One of the friends of my younger master Kandamaran

had also come to the fort last night. I did find out that he

had no connection with Lord Pazluvoor and his fellow

conspirators. That friend went to sleep in some corner.

This morning, my younger master came to the banks of the

Kollidam accompanying his friend. I heard him speak of

his intentions and stood in front of him often in the course

of my duties. My master asked me to come along. The

master went back to Kadamboor from the north shore; but,

he ordered me to go to the south shore and procure a horse

for his friend before I returned. I asked permission to visit

my aunt in Kudanthai after that. That is how I could come

here without any problem."

"All this is fine! But, how did you find out about that

fanatic topknot fellow?"

"When the ferry boat on the Kollidam was about to leave,

that fellow came and joined us in the boat. He exchanged

some heated words with Kandamaran's friend. Therefore, I

doubted my conclusions about him being one of us. It

appeared as if he was waiting for me on the south shore of

the Kollidam. So, I made our secret sign to him but he did

not understand. I then knew that he was not one of us."

"You have committed a grave error! You should not make

our sign to persons whose antecedents are not known. My

Friends! Please listen to this," said Ravidasa, and he

continued in a more agitated voice, "Our assignment is in

Kanchi. And in Lanka. Our greatest enemies are in these

two places. But, an enemy more important than those two,

our first enemy is Thirumalai Appan who wanders around

in the name of Azlvar-adiyan Nambi. He is capable of

thwarting our intentions and destroying all of us. He is

trying to abduct that peerless lady who is our leader."

After announcing this, Ravidasa continued, "In the future,

if any one of you see him, anywhere, in any circumstance,

use any weapon in your hands to pierce his heart and kill

him! If you carry no weapon, use your bare hands to choke

him to death. Or destroy him cunningly with poison; push

him into the flood to feed him to the crocodiles. Lure him

to a cliff top and push him to death. Kill him mercilessly,

like you would any poisonous snake, lizard or scorpion.

More commendable, if you can give him up as a human

sacrifice to the Goddess Kannagi or the Goddess Kali. He

is going to be an impediment to our intentions as long as

he is alive."

"Mr. Ravidasa! You are saying this with such conviction.

He must be a very artful fellow. Who is he?"

"He? He is a terribly capable spy!"

"Whose spy?"

"I was not sure myself, for a long time I suspected him to

be a spy of Sundara Chozla or Aditya Karikala. I realized

that he was not that. I now think that he is a spy of that evil

old she-devil who lives in Pazlayarai -- that Elder Pirati."

"Ah! Is that true? Why does that old woman, involved in

her devotions to the Gods, need a spy?"

"All her devotions are rubbish! That old Queen's devotion

to Shiva is as big a masquerade as this topknot fellow's

Vaishnava fanaticism! She is a fiend who is hostile to her

own son. That is why her very own brother, Lord

Mazlavaraya of Mazluvoor quarrelled with her; he now

belongs to that Pazluvoor fellow's group."

"Mr. Ravidasa, are there any others like that Vaishnava

extremist?"

"There is an astrologer in Kudanthai. I suspect that fellow.

He pretends to foretell the future by astrology to one and

all and discovers their secrets. None of you should ever go

to him. If you go to him, you will surely be hoodwinked."

"Whose spy is he? What do you think?"

"I have not been able to find out that! Perhaps he works for

that false prince who is in Lanka now. But I am not very

concerned about that astrologer. He cannot do much harm

to us. I am apprehensive about that Vaishnava fellow. He

should be killed upon sight: like some evil, poisonous

creature!"

Azlvar-adiyan, hidden under the hollow tree root, heard all

this; his whole body was drenched in sweat and he

shivered with fright. He doubted if he could ever escape

with his life from that forest. To top it all, he felt like

sneezing; just at that time! He tried as much as he could to

control that wicked sneeze. He stuffed his face into his

scarf and "Aatch" he sneezed.

At that time the gentle breeze had died. The whispering

trees were quiet. The quiet "Aatch" was heard very clearly

by the men gathered in the clearing. Ravidasa looked up

and said, "There is some noise near that marudai tree. Take

the light over there and see what it is."

The man holding the lighted twigs came towards the tree.

As he came closer and closer, the light increased. He had

to take just one more step, the light would then fall

completely on Nambi. Then, what will happen? It would

be impossible to escape with his life.

Azlvar-adiyan's heart beat faster and faster. He eyes looked

all around, up and down, searching for something to aid

his escape. Nothing was obvious. The man came closer.

Up there, on that low branch above him, ... another giant

bat was hanging upside down! Quickly, he stretched his

hands out and plucked that vampire bat off its perch. He

had a good idea!

As soon as the man with the torch took another step and

came closer, Thirumalai threw the vampire bat at him. The

torch of twigs fell to the ground. The light dimmed. The

man, his face beaten by the strong wings of that huge bat,

started screaming. The noise of several men coming closer,

running closer, could be heard. Azlvar-adiyan also began

running. He ran deeper into the forest and soon

disappeared.

Several shouts, "What?" "What happened?" could be

heard. The man who had held the torch began a protracted

explanation of how the vampire bat attacked him! These

noises were audible for quite sometime as Thirumalai ran

further away.

*****
Chapter 23 -- Amudan's Mother

The Velaikara Battalion wound its way through the main

market street. Some of the men walking towards the end of

the parade performed certain audacities in that

marketplace. One fellow entered the shop of a food vendor

and carried out a basket of sweet-cakes; he distributed the

cakes to his friends. When he crowned the vendor with the

upturned empty basket, all his friends laughed

uproariously "Ha ha ha haha ha."

Another gallant fellow plucked the flower tote from the

hands of an elderly woman. Scattering the flowers in all

directions he shouted "Hey friends, its raining flowers!"

Two soldiers trying to catch the flowers shouted gleefully

and raised a hue and cry! Yet another fellow stopped a

bullock cart on the road and unyoked the beast from the

cart; he drove the animal into the crowd by twisting its tail;

the terrified animal ran helter skelter in the crowd,

plunging against innocent bystanders. Gleeful laughter

followed this endeavor!

Vandiya Devan was watching all this. Aha! These fellows

also tease and play pranks just like the men of Pazluvoor.

Their pranks are irksome to others. How fortunate that I

escaped their sight by standing aside. Otherwise, a little

conflict would have taken place! My venture would have

been wrecked, he thought. But one difference was obvious

to him. The people on these streets did not resent these

activities of the Velir men very much. Some of them even

joined in their pranks and enjoyed the merriment and

laughter.

When he turned around to ask about this, the youth with

the flower baskets was nowhere to be seen. He had

vanished somewhere in the crowd and commotion.

Perhaps he had gone on his business.

On approaching the gate, he found that no one was allowed

inside the fort after the Velaikara Battalion left for the day.

Only members of the royal household, the ministers and

generals had the right to enter or leave the fort at all times

of night or day. Vandiya Devan heard that the households

of the Lords of Pazluvoor also had that privilege.

He changed his intentions of entering the fort that very

night. He did not wish to show the signet ring in his

possession and try its powers. It is better to spend the night

outside the fortress, do some sightseeing and enter after

sunrise tomorrow. Even if I go in tonight, it is not possible

to gain entry into the royal palace and meet the Emperor to

deliver my letters.

Vandiya Devan rode slowly along the streets surrounding

the outer ramparts of Tanjore Fort enjoying the various

sights presented around him. His horse, which had crossed

several leagues that day was very tired. Soon he must give

it some rest. Otherwise, tomorrow, when the need arose

the horse may become useless. He must soon find a

comfortable place to spend the night.

Tanjore was at that time a new, growing, spreading city. It

was evening time. Hundreds of street lamps had been lit

throwing brilliant light everywhere. All the streets were

noisy with crowds of people. Travellers from far and near,

who had come to the city on various businesses walked

here and there. People from other Chozla cities and

countryside were there. Persons from nations taken into the

Chozla fold recently were also there. Several folks

crowded to that capital city from nations spreading across

the lands between the North Pennar river and the southern

Cape, and between the eastern seas and the western ocean.

In that crowd he could also spot foreigners, dressed

curiously from the distant lands beyond the Vindhyas and

across the seas.

People crowded to the shops of vendors selling sweetfritters,

roasted meats and rice-cakes -- like flies hovering

around sugar syrup -- as they bought the foodstuffs. Fruits

like banana, mango and jack were heaped in mounds

outside the shops. Words were not adequate to describe the

elegant flower kiosks. Gardenia and jasmine, fragrant

frangipani, oleander, chrysanthemum and marigold,

champaka and iruvatchi, hibiscus and trumpet lilies were

heaped in baskets; maidens flocked around them like bees

buzzing over flower groves.

When he saw the flower shops, Vandiya Devan

remembered the youth with the flower baskets who had

stood next to him. If I could meet that young man again,

how useful it would be! Perhaps he would have helped me

find a comfortable place to spend this night in this city...

As he was thinking, as if to give life to his thoughts, he

saw the youth walking down the street in front of him.

Vandiya Devan hurried forward to accost him again.

"Thambi, your baskets seem to be empty. What happened

to all the flowers? Have you sold them all?"

"I did not bring the flowers for sale. I brought them for

worship and decoration at the temple. I have delivered

them at the place I serve and am now going back home,"

said that youth.

"In which temple do you serve, delivering these flowers?"

"Have you heard of the temple of Tali-kulattar?"

"Oh! The name Tanjore Tali-kulattar seems familiar. Is it

the same? Is it a large temple?"

"No; it is a modest place. For some time now, only the

temple of the Goddess Durga has been enjoying favor in

Tanjore. Special worship, food offering, sacrifice,

festivities, ceremony and carnival all take place there. The

royal family and the Pazluvoor households have been

patronizing that Durga temple. There are no such

important patrons for the temple of Tali-kulattar. Not many

people come to worship there..."

"You are in service to deliver flowers. Do you get paid

well for this?"

"My family has subsidies for this service. From the times

of my grandfather our family had grants from Emperor

Gandara Aditya for delivering this flower-service. My

mother and I have been continuing the practice."

"Is the temple of Tali-kulattar built in brick, or has it been

renovated in granite?" Vandiya Devan asked the question

because he had seen several small brick-work temples

being renovated in stone and decorated with granite

sculpture.

"It is still brick-work. I have heard that it is soon to be

renovated in granite. Apparently, the Elder Pirati in

Pazlayarai wishes to begin the renovation work as soon as

possible. But, ..."

"But what? Why did you stop?"

"What is the use of repeating idle gossip? One must look

around in all directions before talking in the daytime; at

nighttime do not even open your mouth. This is a public

square where four roads meet! So many people around

us..."

"We can stand in such a spot and talk bravely of any

secret. In this crowd and noise nothing we speak will be

heard by anyone."

"What secrets do we have to talk about?" asked the youth,

eyeing Vandiya Devan with some suspicion.

Aha! This young man is very intelligent. It would be very

useful to make friends with him. I can learn about several

things from him. But I should not raise useless doubts in

his mind, thinking such thoughts, Vandiya Devan said,

"Yes, what secrets do we have? Nothing. Thambi, tonight I

need a place to rest and sleep well. I have journeyed a long

way and am very tired. Where can I stay? Can you help me

by guiding me to a good rest house?"

"There is no dearth of places to stay in this city. There are

several inns. In fact there are many government rest houses

for the use of foreign visitors. But, Sir, if you would like

..."

Before the youth could finish, Vandiya Devan interrupted,

"Thambi, what is your name?"

"Amudan; Sendan Amudan."

"Oh! What a sweet name! My mouth tastes the sweetness

just by hearing it. (Amudu meaning nectar.) Were you

about to say that I could come to your house if I was

willing?"

"Yes; how did you know Sir?"

"I have magic skills; that's how! Where is your house?"

"Our gardens are in the suburbs, a little beyond the city

limits. Our house is in the middle of the flower gardens,"

said Sendan Amudan.

"Ah! I must surely come to your house. I cannot rest in

peace in this city commotion tonight. Moreover, I would

like to make the acquaintance of that good woman who is

mother to a good son like you!"

"She who gave birth to me is indeed a good woman; but

she is unfortunate..."

"Dear, dear! Why do you say that? Perhaps your father

is...?"

"Yes, my father is dead. But that is not the reason. My

mother is unfortunate from birth. You will know when you

see her. Come Sir, let us go."

They walked for about half an hour and reached the flower

gardens beyond the city limits. The fragrance of night

blooming flowers made Vandiya Devan's head swim with

uncommon exhilaration. The noise and din of the city was

not heard in that pleasing grove.

He could see a small tiled house in the middle of the

flower garden. Two thatched huts were also seen close by.

Two families who helped in the garden lived in those huts.

Amudan called out to one of those men and asked him to

feed and water Vandiya Devan's horse and tie it to a tree

after grooming it.

He then led his new friend into the house. As soon as he

saw Amudan's mother, Vandiya Devan realized her

misfortune. She was mute without any speech; she was

also deaf without any sense of hearing. But he saw her

gentle, good looking face filled with a kindness and love.

Her eyes shone bright with a keen intelligence. Was it not

the caprice of nature to endow a superior intellect on those

with some bodily handicap?

That elderly woman understood that her visitor had come

from foreign parts by the signs made by Amudan. Her

expressive face showed welcome and concern for him.

Soon, she placed platters of fresh banana leaves before

them and served a meal. First came string-cake

accompanied by sweetened, freshly squeezed, coconut

milk. Vandiya Devan felt that he had not eaten such

delicacies in his lifetime! He ate about ten or twelve cakes

and drank a liter of coconut milk. Sour sauce with tubers

and steamed millet flour followed. He did them justice.

Even so, his hunger was not satiated. In the end he partook

of a quarter measure of cooked rice and a liter of yogurt!

Only then did he rise from his platter.

While eating, he asked about and gleaned several facts

from Amudan. He enquired about who besides the

Emperor and his retinue lived in Tanjore Fort.

The mansions of the Elder and Younger Lords of

Pazluvoor were inside. The officers and clerks who were

attached to the treasury and granary lived inside because

the royal treasury, counting house and granary were inside

the fort. The confidante and friend of Sundara Chozla, his

Prime Minister, Honorable Anirudda Brahma-raya as well

as the Chief Clerk of edicts and proclamations also lived in

the inner fort. Soldiers guarding the fort of Tanjore under

the command of the Younger Lord Pazluvoor, lived inside

with their families.

Besides this, the streets of the goldsmiths, silversmiths,

jewelers and dealers in precious gems and coin merchants

were inside the main fort. Hundreds of clerks and writers

working for the Tax Ministry under the Elder Lord

Pazluvoor were also provided accommodation within. In

addition to all this, the famous Temple of the Goddess

Durga Nisumbasudhini was in one corner of the interior

fort. The temple priests, servants, dancing girls and

musicians attached to the temple and their families, lived

inside near the temple.

Hearing about all this, Vandiya Devan asked, "Are all the

ministers and officials inside the fort today?"

"How can everyone be inside? They will be going out and

coming back in the course of their various duties. For

sometime now, the Honorable Prime Minister, Anirudda

Brahma-raya, has not been inside the fort. It is said that he

is gone to the Chera Kingdom. The Elder Lord of

Pazluvoor went out four days ago. Rumor says that he has

gone to the central provinces beyond the Kollidam."

"He might be back now. Do you know?"

"The palanquin of the Young-Queen of Pazluvoor came

back this evening. I saw it near the gates myself. But there

was no sign of Lord Pazluvoor. Perhaps he is delayed

somewhere and will come back tomorrow."

"Thambi! Does Prince Madurandaka also live inside the

fort?"

"Yes, his mansion is next to the Pazluvoor Palace. Isn't he

the bridegroom married to the daughter of the Younger

Lord Pazluvoor?"

"Oh! Is that true? I did not know that till now!"

"Not many people know it. Because of the Emperor's ill

health the wedding was not celebrated with pomp."

"Good. Is the Prince inside the fort tonight?"

"Must be. However, Prince Madurandaka does not emerge

from the fort very often. People cannot see him commonly.

It is said that he is involved in his devotions to God Shiva

and that he spends his time in meditation, yoga and

worship."

"But he has entered into matrimony after all these years."

"Yes, that was somewhat surprising. People also say that

the mind and intentions of the bridegroom transformed

completely after the marriage! Why should we bother

about that? Better not gossip about the nobility."

Vandiya Devan desired to learn of several other things

from Sendan Amudan. But he did not wish to pry too

much and raise his suspicions. The friendship of such a

amiable youth would be very useful to him. It was his

good luck that he found such a convenient and comfortable

place to stay in Tanjore. Why should he spoil the good

fortune? Moreover, tiredness of the long journey joined

forces with the sleeplessness of the previous night. His

eyes were drowsy with sleep and exhaustion. Realizing his

state, Amudan quickly made up a bed for him.

In the drowsiness of sleep, towards the end, Vandiya

Devan's mind glimpsed the glamorous face of the Young-

Queen of Pazluvoor.

Oh God! What beauty! What scintillation! His experience

of being tongue tied and immobile upon suddenly seeing

that ravishing, enchanting face reminded him of another

experience.

As a child, once when he was walking through some

woods he suddenly spied a cobra swaying its raised hood.

Its beauty was incomparable. The attraction was beyond

description. Vandiya Devan had not been able to take his

eyes off the swaying hood of the snake. He could not even

blink his eyelids. He stood there as if hypnotized; the

snake continued its swaying dance. As the snake swayed,

his body began to sway in rhythm -- what would be the

result, no one knew. Suddenly a mongoose pounced upon

the snake. A furious contest between the two started. Using

the chance the boy ran to his escape...

Dear me! What a comparison! How can I equate the

majestic beauty of this maid without equal in the world,

with a swaying snake? Her gentle, tender face will quell all

hungers of those who catch a glimpse of it! ... I am going

to meet her tomorrow! How sweet her voice! Her beauty is

extraordinary. But, how about the other maid whom I saw

at the astrologer's house and on the banks of the Arisil? ...

Her face too, was radiant. It too glowed with a loveliness.

Both are exquisite beauties; but what a difference! That

has dignity and decorum; while this has allure and

glamour.

Thus, while his heart was comparing the two attractive

women he had met recently, a third maid intervened. That

merciless tyrant, the Empress of Sleep took charge of him

completely.

*****

Chapter 26 -- Danger! Danger!

Vandiya Devan entered the audience chamber ahead of the

poets. He guessed that the stately person seated on the high

throne was the Younger Lord of Pazluvoor. Several

persons stood around him in deferential postures with

hands folded and lips sealed. One person stood with

several bundles of palm-leafs, letters which had arrived

that day. The accountant waited on the side with his books

to render the previous day's accounts. Leaders of the guard

patiently awaited his orders for the day. Servants lingered

in readiness to execute any order that was given. A couple

of maids stood behind the throne waving the white-whisk

fans. Another fellow stood ready with the box of betel

leaves and condiments.

Even Vandiya Devan, who had no dearth of self-esteem or

pride, approached the Younger Lord Pazluvoor with some

humility and timidity. The younger brother seemed even

more imposing than the elder. Upon sighting our gallant,

he asked with a cheerful face, "Thambi, who are you?

Where have you come from?"

The usually harsh mein of the Younger Lord Pazluvoor

always brightened upon seeing brave young men. He was

eager to recruit fearless young men from all over the

country into his company of guards.

"Commander! Sir! I come from Kanchi. The Prince has

sent me with letters." Vandiya Devan answered in a

deferential voice. Upon hearing the word Kanchi, the

Commander's face darkened.

"What? What did you say?" he asked again.

"I have come from Kanchi City with letters from the

Prince."

"Where are they? Give them here!" he commanded with

contempt, but his face showed some disquiet.

Vandiya Devan drew the letters from his waist pouch, but

still reverently, said, "Commander, the letter is for the

Emperor!"

The Younger Lord Pazluvoor did not care about that, he

snatched the roll of palm leaves from him and looked at

the seals eagerly. He then gave the roll to a subordinate,

asking him to read it.

After listening, he mumbled, "Nothing new!" He seemed

involved in his own thoughts.

"Commander! The letters I brought," started Vandiya

Devan.

"What about the letters? I shall give them to the Emperor."

"No! Sir! The Prince asked me to deliver them personally

into the hands of the Emperor."

"Oh! You don't trust me? Did Prince Aditya tell you that?"

asked the Commander of Tanjore with anger clouding his

face.

"The Prince did not say anything like that. Your elder

brother ordered it."

"What? What? Where did you see the Elder?"

"I stayed in the house of Kadamboor Sambuvaraya for a

night on the way. I met him there. He sent me, with this

signet ring..."

"Ah! Why didn't you say so in the first place? Did you stay

the night at Kadamboor? Who else had come?"

"Several dignitaries from Mazluvoor, the Central

Provinces, Thiru-munai-padi and elsewhere had come..."

"Wait! Stop! I must talk to you at leisure. First, you can go

in and deliver this letter to the Emperor and come back.

Those Tamil poets will be here soon and if you give them

a chance they will not stop their blabberings. Come back

here. Hey! Who is there ...? take this man to the Emperor's

bed chamber!" ordered the Younger Lord of Pazluvoor.

Vandiya Devan followed the servant into the inner

courtyards of that palace.

For some time now, the throne of the Chozla Empire --

bound by the roaring seas on three sides -- had been

transformed into a sickbed. Emperor Paranthaka Sundara

Chozla was reclining on that bed. Though he had delegated

all affairs of the state to his officials and ministers,

oftentimes he had to receive particularly indispensable

persons on certain important occasions. These days he was

mostly under the care of his physicians. But, it was

essential for the welfare of the empire that his ministers,

army generals, captains, and the leaders of the Velaikara

Battalion should come to his presence daily.

When Vandiya Devan saw the emaciated, sickly

appearance of the Emperor -- who had performed

celebrated deeds of valor in various battles and acquired

fame as a brave warrior, who was called `Sundara Chozla,

the Handsome One' by all the country and nation, who was

renowned to be like the God of Love in looks -- he could

not utter a single word. His eyes filled with tears. He

approached closer to the bed and bowed low; then

submitted the letter.

The Emperor began opening the letter as he asked in a

faint voice, "Where are you coming from? Whose letter is

this?"

"My Majesty! My Lord! I come from Kanchi City; I bring

this letter from Prince Aditya." Vandiya Devan spoke the

words with a trembling tongue.

Immediately, the Emperor's face brightened. The Empress,

Vanama Devi, daughter of Thirukovalur Malayaman, was

seated near him. He looked at her saying, "Devi, your son

has sent a letter!" he began reading.

"Ah! The Prince has built a Golden Palace at Kanchi! He

wants me and you to come and live there for a while!"

saying this, the Emperor's face became sadder than before.

"Devi, look at this activity of your son! My grandfather,

that famous Emperor Paranthaka, collected all the gold in

the palace vaults to cover the roof of the temple at

Chidambaram making it a Golden Temple! No person born

in our clan built a golden palace for their personal

dwelling! They considered the building of temples to be

more important than the building of palaces. But look at

what this Karikala has done? Ah! How can I atone this

outrage against the Gods?" said the Emperor.

Devi's face, which had cheered up on hearing that there

was a letter from her son, now became more melancholy

than before. She could not give any reply.

At that instant Vandiya Devan gathered courage and

boldness. "My Lord! There isn't anything so very wrong in

what your esteemed son has done! He has done the right

thing. Are not his mother and father the first Gods for a

son? So, is it not right that your son should build a Golden

Palace for your dwelling?" he asked.

Sundara Chozla smiled, "Thambi, who are you? Do I know

you? You seem very intelligent. You talk very cleverly.

Even if his parents are Gods to their son, they are not that

for others! Golden temples should be built only for Gods

worshipped by one and all!"

"My Lord! His father is God to the son; the king is God to

all his subjects. The religious texts says that a monarch

possesses the qualities of God. Therefore, it is quite

appropriate to build a golden palace for you."

Sundara Chozla looked at his wife, Malayaman's daughter,

once again, "Devi! Look at this boy; see how resourceful

he is? If our Aditya has the council of such men we do not

have to be so concerned about him. We need not worry

about his heedless nature," he said.

He then looked at Vandiya Devan, "Thambi, Whether it is

right or wrong about building the Golden Palace at Kanchi,

one thing is clear. It is not possible for me to come to

Kanchi now. You are seeing my condition. I am

completely bed ridden like this. It is not possible to

undertake a long journey. Aditya must come here to see

me. We too wish to see him. Come back tomorrow. I shall

have a letter prepared in reply," said the Emperor.

Vandiya Devan, could hear the noise of several people

coming down the corridor. Oh yes! That group of bards

and poets is coming here. The Younger Lord Pazluvoor is

perhaps coming with them. Then, I may not be able to

disclose to the Emperor all that I have to narrate to him. I

must briefly tell him everything right now. Vandiya Devan

made this decision within a few seconds; "My Lord! Sire! I

seek your grace, please listen to my petition. It is important

that you leave Tanjore. Danger surrounds you here.

Danger! Danger!" said Vandiya Devan.

As he was speaking these words the Younger Lord of

Pazluvoor entered the chamber. The bards and poets

followed him.

The last few words uttered by Vandiya Devan fell in the

ears of the Commander of Tanjore. Anger flashed brightly

on his face.

*****
