Nandini Vijayaraghavan's Blog, page 3

Chapter 29: Traitor

 

The conversation that was taking place on the river bank between Pulikesi and the bikshu was becoming increasingly contentious. Emperor Pulikesi tried hard to talk Naganandi out of his obsession for Sivakami. But all what the Emperor said in this regard served to fuel Naganandi’s anger. When Pulikesi increasingly spoke in a demeaning manner of Sivakami, the bikshu furiously defended her and spoke even more highly of her. When the combative conversation between the brothers escalated and they were about to physically attack each other, a gory incident that occurred in the vicinity caught their attention.

A man shrieking, “Aiyyo! Aiyyo!” in a bloodcurdling manner came running and stood for an instant on the banks of the Vadora River, that was flanked by perpendicular cliffs. He again screamed, “Aiyyo!” rushed towards the river and jumped into it. He sank into the river. Shortly thereafter, his head resurfaced above the water some distance away from where he had jumped. A horrific scream that caused rocks to shatter was heard. The man sank into the water once more, never to rise again.  There were no signs of his sinking there. The Vadora River continued flowing with a tinkling sound along its mountainous course.

Emperor Pulikesi observed this incident which had transpired in a few seconds with rapt attention, without batting an eyelid.  When the man who jumped into the river resurfaced shrieking and sank again, he felt his chest tightening. After staring intently at the spot where the man had sunk for some time, Pulikesi turned around and looked at Naganandi. The smile that then appeared on the bikshu’s face caused Pulikesi to shiver. “Anna! What did you do to that resident of the chaithya?” asked Pulikesi. The bikshu let out a ghastly laugh and said, “What did I do to him? Nothing at all! I blessed the man who painted such a portrait. When he bowed to receive my blessing, I scratched the rear of his neck with my little finger slightly. He must have felt a burning sensation when the poison in my nail mingled with his blood. Shortly thereafter, he must have felt that his entire body was on fire. His brain must have also felt the heat. To cool his body and brain, he ran in that manner and jumped into the river. Along with his body and brain cooling down, his life also left him!”…”Aiyyo! Anna! When did you become such a cruel demon? After joining the sangam of Buddha, who is the very embodiment of mercy, and donning ochre robes, how could you commit such heinous acts?” asked Pulikesi.

Naganandi stared at Pulikesi and hissed, “Oh! Did you realize that I was a merciless demon only now? Didn’t I commit crueler acts than this for your sake and for the sake of your kingdom? Why did you not come forward to preach justice to me then? Have you forgotten that you had happily agreed when I suggested that we poison Kanchi’s drinking water and kill all its residents?…” “Yes! Yes! I have not forgotten all that; but that was in the past!” said Emperor Pulikesi and heaved a sigh.  After staring at the river for some time, he looked at Naganandi.

“Anna! I have not forgotten all the assistance you have rendered me. My life is yours and so is this kingdom. I have done nothing for you in return for all the support you have extended to me all these days. I intend doing so now. I have experienced the pleasure of sitting on the Vatapi throne and ruling the kingdom for thirty five years. I have had enough. You assume the pleasure of ascending the throne and the responsibility of ruling the kingdom from now. I will spend the remaining days of my life in the Ajantha Sangramam, donning the ochre robes you’re currently wearing. You spent your youth at the Ajantha Mountains, which is the abode of Prakrithi Devi[i] and Kalai Devi[ii]. I will live here during my old age. You assume the burden of ruling the kingdom henceforth…”

When Pulikesi spoke thus, the bikshu understood that these were genuine words that came from his heart. A smile replaced the fury that was raging on his face thus far. When Pulikesi paused and remained silent, the bikshu built castles in the air. His face reflected his joyous dreams.

“Anna! What do you say? Are you agreeable to this?” asked Pulikesi. Though the bikshu completely trusted his words, he asked again to reconfirm Pulikesi’s intention, “Thambi! Are you stating the truth?  Or are you mocking this mere ochre clad bikshu?” “Anna! I swear by the holy name of our grandfather, Satyacharya Pulikesi, that I’m stating the truth. I am prepared to prove my intention this very instant. I will undertake the vows of a bikshu today itself. I will also speak to the Acharya Bikshu and release you from monkhood. But on one condition. You must give up that dancer from Kanchi.”

The glance that Naganandi shot at Pulikesi resembled that of a tiger staring at the hunter who had killed its mate! Pulikesi might have met the same fate as the artist who had painted the portrait ‘The Dancing Maiden’s Surrender’. But at that point of time, the duo observed seven to eight people hastening towards them from the opposite banks of the Vadora River. They were not civilians; they included ministers and commanders. It seemed as though they were coming to communicate an important and urgent message to the Emperor. Observing this, the bikshu controlled the fury raging within and said, “Ah! I suspected that was some treachery in your offer to abdicate the kingdom in my favour. My suspicion has come true!”

“Anna! Think before you speak! How can a sculptor’s daughter ascend the throne that was once occupied by Satyacharya Pulikesi? I will never ever consent to this.  Chase away the temptress who caused a rift between you and me, ascend the Vatapi throne and rule the kingdom for as long as you live!” pleaded Pulikesi.

Like before, Naganandi hissed like a cobra and said, “You malicious man! You sinner!   May doom befall you! May your capital be set to fire and be reduced to ashes! Your kingdom will be ruined! Even if I were to secure Devendran’s position, I will not give up Sivakami. Do you think I will sacrifice her to secure this lowly Chalukya Kingdom? Never! You are going to soon face the consequences of your ungrateful and treacherous behaviour. From this moment, our relationship stands severed. I will never ever meet you again. Here I leave. I will take Sivakami along and leave your kingdom. Look at those people! They bear news of your destruction!”

As Naganandi was sprouting these fiery words, those on the opposite bank crossed the bamboo bridge that spanned across the river and were walking towards the rock on which the Emperor and the bikshu were seated. True to his words, Naganandi took two steps forward and then hesitated as though he was struck by an afterthought. It seemed as if he wanted to confirm the news borne by those who were coming.

The Emperor was shocked observing the anxiety and fear writ large on the faces of those who were coming. He asked, “All of you have come as a group. What’s the occasion? Is there some important news?”

“Yes, Prabhu! Indeed it’s important news. But I feel hesitant to convey an implausible news!” said the Prime Minister of the Chalukya Kingdom.

“What’s the important news? Who bore the message? From where did he come from? All of you are pallid with fear. Are our enemies invading the Chalukya Kingdom? Tell me quickly!”

“Maha Prabhu! You just stated the news!”

“Why are you blabbering? What did I say?”

“Didn’t you ask if enemies are invading our kingdom?”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, Emperor!”

“It’s indeed unbelievable news. Who is the aggressor? It cannot be Harshavardhanar from the north. Recently I received a cordial invitation from him. We do not have foes in the west and east. Our attacker would have to come from the south.  Is Mamallan of Kanchi invading us?”

“That’s the news, Prabhu!”

“I cannot believe this. Even if that were the case, why are all of you so unsettled? Nothing is lost!”

“Perumane! A large part of our army is stationed on the banks of the Narmada River. Yet another chunk is in Vengi…” said the Prime Minister hesitantly.

“So what? Can’t we bring our forces to Vatapi before Mamallan leaves Kanchi?”

“Mamallan is not in Kanchi, Prabhu! The Pallava army had crossed the North Pennai River a week ago. It must have neared the Tungabhadra River by now!”

“How miraculous! Who brought this news?”

“They brought this message from Vatapi. They rushed non-stop without even halting at night!” said the Prime Minister and produced two emissaries before the Emperor.

“Who sent you? Have you brought a manuscript?” asked a shell-shocked Pulikesi.

“No, Perumane! There was no time to even pen a message. The Chief of the Vatapi Fort verbally asked us to communicate this message to you. Six of us left Vatapi five days ago. Four people fell down on the way. The two of us managed to reach here.”

“Minister! Could they be stating the truth? Didn’t we hear that Mamallan was constructing ships for the Lanka invasion?”

“Yes, Prabhu! This news is difficult to believe. But, they do bear the insignia of the Chief of the Vatapi Fort. It seems that another set of emissaries are following them with a detailed manuscript. If they’re stating the truth, the Pallava army must have crossed the Tungabhadra River by now. As a famine has broken out in the province on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, we had redirected the army stationed there to Vengi only a few days ago.”

Pulikesi stood stunned for some time. A truth must have struck him suddenly. He looked at Naganandi who stood a short distance away listening to this conversation.

He again looked at the Prime Minister and asked, “Minister! What was our espionage force doing? Why wasn’t the news of Mamallan’s invasion conveyed to us before? Why didn’t the news of the Pallava army leaving Kanchi reach us when we were still at Vatapi?”

The Prime Minister bowed and said, “Prabhu! The chief of our espionage force was removed from service one year ago. Our bikshu assumed his responsibilities. You should ask the adigal!”

The gazes of everyone assembled there including the Emperor fell on the bikshu.

Pulikesi asked, “Adigal! Were you aware of Mamallan’s impending invasion beforehand? Did you intentionally hide this news from me?”

“Thambi! Do you want me to respond to your query in the presence of everyone assembled here?” asked the bikshu.

“Adigal! Have you forgotten what you had said some time ago? Didn’t you say that the relationship between us has ceased to exist? Now, why do you profess the existence of one?  Please state the truth immediately!”

“In that case, I will speak. I was aware of Mamallan’s invasion beforehand. I did not tell you as a punishment to an ungrateful sinner like you!” roared Naganandi.

When the Emperor commanded, “Imprison this traitor!” the eight people present there surrounded the bikshu.

The bikshu immediately drew out the small, curved dagger fastened to his waist and said, “Careful! The person who nears me will immediately go to Yama Loka!”

The eight people drew out their respective swords from their sheaths.

“Well done! The eight of you, who are the epitome of bravery, will together kill a lone bikshu. Emperor Pulikesi’s fame will spread all over the world. Mamallan too will be impressed and return,” said the bikshu in a mocking tone.

Hearing this, Pulikesi said, “Stop! Don’t tarnish your swords by killing that debased traitor. Give way!”

The eight people, obeying the command, made way. But they continued to be watchful thinking that the bikshu may attack the Emperor.

Emperor Pulikesi told the bikshu, “Adigal! It would be a mistake to kill you. It is not the appropriate punishment for you who betrayed your brother who reposed his faith in you and your country. You must live long and atone for the monumental sin you have committed. You must recollect your treachery and shed repentant tears. You wicked ghost in human form! Go! Go to Vatapi and take your Mohini along! Uphold at least this promise of yours! I don’t want to see you as long as you’re alive! You depraved man who dared to betray a kingdom driven by your lust for a woman! Go! May you live long and repent recollecting your betrayal!”

Naganandi stood like a stone statue listening to the anger-filled emotion-laden words uttered by Pulikesi. When Pulikesi stopped speaking, he started walking eastwards along the river bank without uttering a word.

Pulikesi, who was staring intently in the direction the bikshu went, immediately turned around after he left and wiped his tears. Then he looked at those present and said, “Minister! Commander! The message the emissaries have conveyed must be true. There is no room for doubt. I ignored your words of caution regarding the bikshu. Though all of you and I are going to face the consequences of this, nothing is lost. We will teach Mamallan that it’s no joke to intentionally trifle with a tiger. We will butcher all the Pallava soldiers who crossed the Tungabhadra River and will ensure no one returns. All these days, I regretted that I was unable to secure a definitive victory in my invasion of the southern country. Now there is an opportunity to redress the regret. The Pallava Nadu is going to be annexed to the Chalukya Kingdom.”

 

[i] Prakrithi Devi – Mother Nature

[ii] Kalai Devi – Goddess of Art

Chapter 28: Festivity & Disaster

 

The sight of centuries-old lush green banyan trees standing tall with widespread branches is breathtaking. The aerial roots of such ancient banyan trees grow close to the parent trees and the offshoots of the parent trees appear to be independent trees themselves. Two faiths that developed as offshoots of the Sanathana Hindu Dharma[i] and established themselves as distinct faiths were Buddhism and Samanam.  In ancient times, these two faiths were instrumental in significantly augmenting the artistic treasures of Bharata.

Two thousand years ago, bikshus started carving chaithyams and viharams out of the granite rocks that lay on the banks of the crescent-shaped river, whose precipitous flow tore across the inaccessible Ajantha Mountains. The wonderful arts of sculpting and painting flourished in that secluded province for almost six    hundred years up to the times of Emperor Pulikesi I and Emperor Pulikesi II. Sculptures carved out of indestructible boulders and portraits painted with indelible paints abounded. The Brahmas[ii] living in the chaithyas created Gods and Goddesses, valorous men and women, handsome males and females who were beauty personified who captivated the eyes and hearts of the viewers.

During the thirty sixth year of the reign of Emperor Pulikesi, a festival whose grandeur had not been witnessed by that province thus far was conducted. That year was also the last year of the Chalukya Emperor’s reign. In ancient Bharata Nadu the influence wielded by the various faiths waxed and waned with the rise and fall of the ruling dynasties. Like in the present times, those days too there lived narrow-minded people deeply attached to their respective faiths who lacked religious tolerance and in whom prejudices ran deep. Periodically, great souls who viewed all faiths equitably and who caused arts to flourish also emerged.

During the times of this epic, foremost amongst the kings who possessed such forbearance were Harshavardhanar in the north and Mahendra Pallavar and Mamalla Narasimha Pallavar in the south. Emperor Pulikesi of Vatapi, after returning from his Kanchi expedition, gradually joined the ranks of such broad-minded kings. He encouraged arts to flourish by endowing sizable grants to the Ajantha Buddha Sangramam. Due to this, the Ajantha bikshus acted in a manner that was unprecedented during the last six hundred years – they decided to invite Emperor Pulikesi to preside over a festival commemorating sculptures.

A highway was constructed across the forests and mountains to receive the Emperor and his retinue. The Emperor and his retinue, minsters and strategists, army commanders, famous poets and art connoisseurs of the Chalukya kingdom and foreign dignitaries travelled on elephants, horses and palanquins to Ajantha to participate in this art festival. The Ajantha bikshus accorded royal welcome and warm hospitality to the visitors. The visitors divided themselves into groups and visited the chaithyams and viharams and appreciated the sculptures and paintings.  As it was possible to clearly view the life-like paintings on the inner walls of the viharams only during noon when the sun was shining brightly, arrangements were made for the guests to stay overnight so that they could see the paintings on the following day and then return. After the Chakravarthy’s important engagements for the day were over, arrangements were made for relaxation.

Evening set in; the sun was setting behind the imposing mountain peaks in the west. As time passed, the shadows cast by those mountain peaks extended towards the east. These shadows caused the golden glow cast by the setting sun on the high peaks in the east to recede southwards. The half-moon shaped Vadora River sang, danced, frolicked, leapt, tripped and rose again as it swiftly flowed. Parijatham tress covered with lush green leaves, flowers and buds that grew on the sloping rocks extended up to the horizon. They were interspersed by konrai trees covered by its bright hued blossoms. Two statuesque men were sitting on a riverside rock and conversing. They were Emperor Pulikesi and Naganandi Bikshu.

The brothers were conversing, seated on that very rock on the banks of the Vadora River they had sat on thirty five years ago, sharing their fantasies about the future and delineating their strategies for capturing the Chalukya kingdom and taking it to great heights. But the difference in their appearance and the course of their conversation between then and now was stark. The river that had reflected their innocent faces thirty five years ago now mirrored their line-ridden, wrinkled and cruel faces that manifested the maturity age endows, their worldly experiences, the gory acts they had engaged in, their inner turmoil and deep rooted passions.

Importantly, intense anger was evident on Naganandi Bikshu’s face. Angry sparks flew from his blood shot eyes. Every work he uttered was akin to an agniastram[iii]. “Ah! Thambi, you ask me what I wish for. Shall I tell you? A horrific earthquake should erupt this very instant, consume Ajantha Mountain and push it deep down. I wish that a thousand thunders simultaneously erupt, destroying the chaithyams and viharams, the bikshus residing here, you and your retinue and myself!” said Naganandi.

Hearing this, Pulikesi said in a laid-back manner, “Adigal! Our Ajantha trip has been truly beneficial. Words are inadequate to express my happiness. For some time now, you were transforming into a very docile person. Only today, you seem to be the Naganandi Bikshu of old!” So saying, he smiled. “Yes, thambi, yes! Today, I have become the old Naganandi. Careful, you will face the consequence of this transformation!” hissed the bikshu like a snake.

“Anna! What do you propose doing to me?” asked Pulikesi. “I am going to stab you with this poisoned dagger tonight when you’re asleep…” Pulikesi burst out laughing. Then he enquired in a mocking tone, “Then what will you do? In other words what do you intend doing with my corpse?” “I will fling it in this river.” “Then? What will you tell those who enquire about me?” “No one will ask!” “Why not? Won’t the citizens of the Chalukya kingdom enquire how their Emperor vanished in the dead of the night?”  “They will not! Only if they come to know of the Emperor’s disappearance will they enquire. No one will come to know of that.” “How is that possible?”

“I had once saved your life by donning your robes; I was beaten up and tortured. In another instance, I had disguised myself as you, combatted with Mahendran in the battlefield and had killed him by wielding the poisoned dagger. Our identical appearance will help me. People will never come to know of your disappearance. The disappearance of Naganandi Bikshu will not even cause a ripple. By right, this Chalukya kingdom is mine. I whole-heartedly gave this kingdom to you. For the last thirty five years, I thought of nothing but your welfare and progress. But you humiliated me in the presence of several people today by calling me merciless and ungrateful person devoid of fraternal affection! Ah! I am extremely shocked that this earth has not yet split into two and consumed you!”

“Anna! Anna! What are you saying? How did you bring yourself to curse me thus? In what manner did I humiliate you?” “There can be no greater insult than this. What can be more degrading than your command to paint a portrait with indelible dyes of Sivakami prostrating before you and seeking your forgivance? Is this why you brought me here? Is this the reason behind your organizing this art festival? Ah! You wicked beast! Hell awaits you, who used one art to degrade another!”

“Anna! What has overcome you? How did that dancer from Pallava Nadu mesmerize you? What power does she possess to separate two brothers, who despite having two distinct physical bodies shared a soul? Anna! Anna! Look at me and speak! Recollect our intimate friendship of thirty five years and speak! Thirty five years ago we had sat on this very rock and had built castles in the air. You have achieved most of what we had dreamt about. Keep this in mind and speak! Tell me with this divine Vadora River, Akasavani and Bhoomi Devi[iv] as witnesses! Has that maiden from Kanchi become more important to you than me? Are you cursing me thus on account of her?”

The bikshu said in a tone that was harsher and angrier than before: “Yes, yes! I speak with the lotus feet of Buddha Bhagavan as witness! I swear by the Sangam and Dharmam[v]. Sivakami is far more important to me than you! You, your kingdom, sons and friends are not equal to a speck of dust on her foot. Doom will befall your descendants and you, who disgraced her! Do you know what became of the artist who painted the picture of her seeking refuge?” “Adigal! What did you do to that unfortunate man?” The bikshu laughed in a blood chilling manner and said, “Wait and watch! Soon, someone will inform you!”

“Anna! I have realized one thing. It is a blunder to uphold the vows of celibacy and monkhood from a very young age. One must renounce the world only after experiencing the joys and tribulations of worldly life. People, who embrace monkhood during their youth, fall for the charms of a temptress later in their lives and become crazy like you!” “Pulikesi! I was patient all along! I will no longer tolerate you uttering even a word about Sivakami.” “Adigal! You are so merciful to Sivakami and strive your utmost to uphold her honour. Does she reciprocate your feelings? Does she feel a thousandth of the allegiance you feel for her?”

The bikshu’s facial expression indicated that Emperor Pulikesi’s questions had the impact of his heart being sawed into two by a sword. Nevertheless he overcame that intolerable sorrow very quickly and said confidently, “You don’t have the right to ask that question; but I will tell you. Sivakami is not as hard-hearted as you. She also feels affection for me”. “Anna! I never imagined even in my wildest dreams that you could be deceived thus!” “Thambi! I have not been deceived; Sivakami saved my life the night we embarked on our journey to Ajantha.” “How did that happen? What danger befell you for Sivakami to rescue you?” “I was about to stab myself with this poisoned dagger. Sivakami held my hand and saved me.” When the bikshu spoke, that incident appeared in his mind’s eye. Tears filled his eyes. Pulikesi smiled and said, “Aiyyo! Have you, a genius, changed thus? Do you know why Sivakami saved your life? She wants you to be killed by her lover, Mamallan. That foolish girl still harbours such fantasies!”

At the background of the brothers’ conversation was an incident that had occurred that afternoon. Emperor Pulikesi, the bikshu, the Chinese traveller and luminaries of the Chalukya kingdom were viewing the amazing paintings at Ajantha as a group. The divine life of Buddha Bhagavan and incidents from his previous incarnations were depicted in the interior walls of the chaithyams and viharams. Scenes from social life of those times were portrayed on the outer walls of the verandahs. The dominant theme amongst the contemporary paintings was the life of Emperor Pulikesi. One such painting showed Emperor Pulikesi, seated majestically on his throne, receiving tribute from emissaries of the Persian King.

It is not surprising that this painting enthused all the viewers. However another painting not only caused discomfort amongst the viewers but was also instrumental in triggering a disaster later on.  That doomed painting depicted a dancer prostrating at the feet of Emperor Pulikesi and seeking his forgivance. There was no doubt that the artist who painted this portrait was very gifted. He had used his imagination to paint the image of Pulikesi. In that portrait, Pulikesi resembled an angry Devendran who was about to decimate his foes. The artist had captured the intense sorrow and the beseeching expression of the maiden who was prostrating very well. The scared and pitying expressions of the ladies in waiting served to highlight the dancer’s surrender.

The artist had also depicted a bikshu worriedly rushing towards this scene. On observing the depiction of the bikshu, the viewers understood that he was hastening to save the dancer from the king’s punishment. When the person who was explaining the paintings uttered a few words about the philosophy underlying the painting, everyone looked at Naganandi in unison. For an instant, Naganandi’s face resembled a snake with its hood raised. The very next moment, Naganandi realized that a hundred eyes were observing him closely. Immediately, his facial expression changed and he smiled. “Wonderful! Wonderful! This painting is peerless. The expressions and imagination are exquisite. Who is the artist who painted this? He needs to be duly rewarded!” said Naganandi.

 

[i] Sanathana Hindu Dharma – Hinduism

[ii] Brahmas – The artists who created the sculptures and paintings are compared to the creator here

[iii] Agniastram – Fire (agni) emitting arrow (astram)

[iv] Akasavani and Bhoomi Devi – Goddess of sky and earth respectively

[v] Dharmam – Justice

Chapter 27: The Conflagration Within

 

Naganandi Adigal, whose eyes were as captivating as a snake’s, pointedly gazed at Sivakami who was staring at him with indescribable surprise. “Sivakami! Don’t you believe me? If only I could open my heart and show you… If only I could tear open this hard heart and showing you the fire raging within all day and night…” Speaking thus, the bikshu punched himself hard at his chest twice. Immediately he grabbed the small dagger fastened to his waist, removed the dagger from its sheath and was about to stab himself. Sivakami quickly held his hand and prevented him from doing so.

In the brief span of time during which Sivakami had held Naganandi’s hand, she underwent two amazing experiences. She realized that Naganandi’s hand and his entire body were trembling. Nine years ago Sivakami, who had the same feelings for the bikshu as she did for her father, happened to accidentally touch his hand a few times. Then she had thought, “His physique is taut like a diamond. His body is not made of mere flesh, blood, nerves and skin. It seems as though his entire body is made of bones. He must have undertaken extremely harsh penances to harden his body thus”. It surprised Sivakami that that very bikshu’s body has lost its rigidity and was supple.

Naganandi while continuing to hold the dagger was staring at Sivakami for some time. Then like someone who had regained his consciousness, he flung the dagger away. Immediately, Sivakami too let go of his hand. “Sivakami! I suddenly lost my mind and became mesmerized! Please remind me what I had told you a while ago and why I removed this dagger,” asked the bikshu. Sivakami responded, “Swami! Some time ago you said that you were giving up your monkhood and that you were going to ascend the throne and rule the kingdom” and then hesitated.

“Yes, Sivakami! What I said was the truth. I’m going to Ajantha for this very purpose. Thirty five years ago, I undertook the vows of a monk on the banks of the Ajantha River. I am going to renege on my vows at the banks of that very river and return. I am going to seek liberation from that very honourable Guru who had indoctrinated me as abikshu. Do you consent to this?” asked Naganandi Adigal. Sivakami, who was gripped by an incomprehensible fear, said, “Swami! What is this? Why do you have to renounce Buddhism – a faith you’ve practiced for all these years? As a consequence of your action, wouldn’t you develop worlidly attachments?  The penances you have observed all these years will become futile. How do you stand to gain by your action?”

Even as she spoke, she instinctively knew that she was committing a blunder by asking these questions and that she had fallen into that bikshu’s trap. The bikshu asked her in turn, “Do you ask how I stand to gain?” and laughed out aloud. “Don’t you know? In that case, I will tell you. Heed me! It is for your sake I’m going to give up my penances as a monk, Sivakami! It is solely for you! As prescribed by the Ajantha tradition, I am going to seek the Guru’s consent to give up my vows to acquire worldly knowledge. But I have violated my vows several years ago itself.  I flouted my vows that very day I saw you – a statue endowed with life, in your father Aayanar’s forest residence amidst the wonderful stone statues.   But I don’t regret it. I am prepared to spend sixteen thousand years in hell in exchange for living with you for one day. I am ready to forego enlightenment in lieu of being the recipient of your affection for one moment…”

Sivakami trembled out of fear. The suspicion that was smouldering within her all these days turned out to be true. But why had the fake bikshu concealed his emotions for so long?  Why had he spared her for so long and had not troubled her in any manner? She got the responses to these questions the very next instant.

“Sivakami!  An opportunity arose nine years ago for me to redeem my soul and for you to safeguard your happiness. I would have probably upheld my vows had you accompanied Mamallan when he had come here to fetch you or had you given me an opportunity to unite the two of you. You too would have led a happy life thereafter. But you had unnecessarily suspected me, had aimed the poisoned dagger at my back without understanding my true intention and had injured me. The poisoned dagger did not kill me that day. But if that very poisoned dagger were wielded on me today, I will not live beyond half a nazhigai! Sivakami, when you had held my hand some time ago, a doubt arose in your mind. You were shocked that my hand, which was hard like iron and stone nine years ago, is now so soft. You are the reason for that change, Sivakami! I had hardened my body by observing harsh penances. By consuming venomous herbs for long, I had converted my blood into poison. Those days if a poisonous snake bit me, only the snake would die. No harm would befall me. When the odour of my sweat spread, all the poisonous snakes in the region would slither away quickly unable to bear the intensity of the odour. You yourself have observed this several times…” When Naganandi Adigal said this, both of them were reminded of the incidents that had occurred at Mandapapattu ten years ago on a full moon night.

“By consuming therapeutic herbs and undergoing treatment, I have transformed my previously steely body into a soft one. I have eradicated the poison that had mingled with my blood. It was in these efforts I was engaged in for the last nine years. This was the reason for my not meeting you for several days at a stretch. Sivakami! I am capable of leading a householder’s life like a thirty year old youth. After all this you cannot reject me. You will have to atone for the sin of causing me sorrow through your rejection for several hundred rebirths hereafter! Even then you will not be absolved of your sin!”

Sivakami felt that her head was about to explode. When the bikshu sat in front of her and spoke in this manner, she also wondered if it was a dream for a moment. The comfort and happiness the thought provided her disappeared the very next instant. No; this is not a dream but horrific incidents occurring in reality in her presence. It was a fact that the bikshu was staring at her with his blood-shot eyes.

As soon as Sivakami realized that danger was looming large, her mind attained clarity. There was only one way to escape from this lunatic. She had to buy some time from him by being humble and pleading with him. If God were kind to her, Mamallar would have freed her and taken her along with him before this frenzied bikshu returned from Ajantha Otherwise, she would have to employ an alternate tactic. So Sivakami opened her mouth to beg and plead with the bikshu.

The bikshu prevented her from doing so by saying, “No, Sivakami! You don’t have to tell me anything today. You don’t have to respond in haste. I initially thought of discussing these issues with you after returning from Ajantha. But by the time we stopped for the night at the state guest house on the outskirts of Vatapi, I decided that I ought to divulge my innermost feelings to you and that it is only fair that I give you enough time to think through everything and come to a decision. Neither am I going to force you nor pressurize you. I will never ever ask you to act in a manner that is contrary to your wishes. But I will tell you what I have to say in a single breath; please heed me patiently. You can communicate your decision to me once I return from Ajantha.” When Sivakami heard these words, she became somewhat placated and less agitated.

Naganandi started relating his tale again from the beginning, “The instant I saw you at your father’s residence, you usurped the place in my heart that was previously occupied by my brother and the Chalukya Kingdom. Since then all my thoughts and actions became flawed. The Vatapi Emperor’s invasion of the southern country was not a success only on account of those mistakes. Ah! Your tender heart would melt if only you knew how much mental torture I had experienced those days. On one hand, the fiery love I felt for you scorched my heart. At the same time the intense envy I felt towards those associated with you, your friends and those whom you loved seared my mortal body. You would have been shocked had you been aware of the ferocious conflict akin to the war between the Devas and the Asuras[i] that was raging in my heart then. At one point of time I used to feel an uncontrollable fury and urge to kill all those associated with you. But I lost the courage to do so as I feared that you will lose your affection for me if you came to know of this. I had several opportunities to kill Mamallan and Mahendra Pallavan. But they survived because I was scared of the consequences should you come to know. Didn’t Paranjyothi rescue you from the mad elephant the day he arrived at Kanchi? It was for this reason I helped him escape from the prison and brought him to your house. I could not bear the sight of you expressing your gratitude to him. Kalaivani! I was also jealous of your father’s influence on you. But as he was fortunate to beget you, I saved him from the soldier who was about to wield the sword on him. Since then, I have been gloating about my hands as these were the hands that saved your father.”

Hearing this, Sivakami’s heart truly melted. “This bikshu may be a merciless demon; his heart may be the abode of a ghost; the blood flowing in his veins may contain snake venom. But hadn’t he saved my father’s life on account of his love for me?” thought Sivakami. Understanding Sivakami’s train of thought, the bikshu spoke further like one possessed, “Listen to me, Sivakami! I had saved Aayanar because he had given birth to you. Let me cite an example to illustrate how I sought revenge on those who antagonize you. Haven’t you lived fearlessly in Vatapi unaffected by any danger all these years? You may have probably guessed the reason for this. It was only because everyone knew that you were living under my protection that no one approached you. One woman in the palace was envious of this. She was the Chief Consort’s sister. That woman, who was endowed with a venomous mind, tried hard to seduce me. As she was not successful, she started bad-mouthing you. ‘Do I lack the beauty of the artist from Kanchi?’ she had asked. The following day, when she neared me, I held her hand and scratched her with my finger nail. She slept that night, woke up the following day morning and saw herself in the mirror. That was it; she lost her mental stability and became deranged! She was looking so hideous. She left this city without informing anyone and was loitering around the mountains for long. Now she has joined the kabalikas and is feeding herself by engaging in cannibalism…”

Sivakami was again gripped with fear; she wished that this frenzied bikshu would leave soon. “Sivakami! A few days ago I inadvertently met that embodiment of Kali[ii]. Do you know what she said? ‘Swamigal! You are bound to hand over you lover, Sivakami, to me one day. My hunger will be satiated only if I consume her body!’ said that mad woman. She thinks that I will hand over your body to her for her to consume. She did not realize that my hunger for you is a hundred times more intense than hers! How will she understand the ardour that grips me every time I see you that makes me want to gobble you up?”

Suddenly Naganandi Bikshu was transformed into a python. It seemed to Sivakami that he was approaching her like a python that was nearing her with its mouth wide open and its forked tongue protruding out with the intention of  gorging her. As she moved back with her eyes tightly shut, she shrieked, “Aiyyo!” Naganandi laughed and said, “Sivakami! Did you get scared? Open your eyes and see. It’s me, the bikshu, who is speaking!” Sivakami opened her eyes. She realized that the sight she had seen some time ago was a fantasy. Nevertheless her eyes were filled with fear. Naganandi stood up and said, “Sivakami! Think about all what I had said! You seem to think that I’ve gone mad! Fortunately, I have not yet become mad. I still possess clarity of thought. But if the love I bear towards you is not reciprocated, I may become crazy in a few days. Then, I cannot predict my actions.

Sivakami, I will take leave of you. You must strengthen your resolve and communicate your decision to me when I return. I am about to perform a sacrifice for your sake whose magnitude far exceeds all the sacrifices I have made for you thus far. You will come to know about it before I return. After you come to know about it, you cannot but feel mercy for me.” After speaking thus, Naganandi gazed at Sivakami with uncontrollable eagerness for some time. He then abruptly walked towards the entrance. Long after the bikshu had left, Sivakami was trembling.

 

[i] Devas and Asuras – Gods and demons respectively

[ii] Kali – An angry embodiment of Goddess Parvathi

Chapter 26: The Rise of Neelakesi

 

Sivakami felt tumultuous emotions after Gundodharan’s visit. Thoughts akin to mountain-high waves rose and lashed fiercely within her. Time hung heavily on her; every moment seemed to be an unending eon. She repeatedly recollected every word uttered by Gundodharan. She frequently wondered if she had spoken to him appropriately. She also often worried about what he would relate to Mamallar. Whenever Sivakami recollected Gundodharan cautioning her not to divulge Mamallar’s impending invasion, a smile appeared on her sorrowful face. But, she was soon to realize how crucial that word of caution was.

Three days after Gundodharan’s visit, exuberant chaos prevailed in Vatapi. Sivakami came to know that the Emperor Pulikesi was leaving for the Ajantha Art Festival on that day and that his procession would pass through the highway that ran close to her house. She knew that she could watch the procession from one of the windows in her house. Finally, the Emperor’s procession passed by in the third jaamam of the afternoon. Emperor Pulikesi was majestically seated on the Royal Mount (the elephant). Naganandi Bikshu and the Chinese traveller followed him in a palanquin.

The Emperor’s three young sons were seated in a beautiful golden chariot. Travelling ahead of and behind the Emperor in several carriages were the kingdom’s senior ministers, feudal lords and army chiefs. The euphoric cheering of the citizens accompanied by the sound of musical instruments had a deafening impact. Seeing this, Sivakami was reminded of Mahendra Pallavar leaving for the Mamallapuram Art Festival. Ah! Previously Pulikesi was completely devoid of artistic sensibility! He has now undergone a complete transformation! Was he influenced by his visit to Kanchi?

Whenever Sivakami thought about that procession, she was irritated. She consoled herself thinking Pulikesi’s ostentatious ways and arrogance was soon to come to an end. It was possible that Mamallar reached Vatapi before they could return from Ajantha. Wouldn’t they be terror-stricken when they come to know about this? Sivakami then felt that it was wrong on her part to have told Gundodharan that there was no need for a war. There was another reason that heightened her fury. It seemed that the bikshu who was seated in the palanquin had turned around and looked at Sivakami’s house for a moment. Her expectation that Naganandi would come again to bid farewell before he embarked on the voyage was not fulfilled. She thought, “How arrogant the fake bikshu is!” This thought served to fan her fury further.

That evening, when Naganandi rode to her house on horseback and entered her house, Sivakami was very surprised. “Swami! What is this! I thought you were en route to Ajantha! Aren’t you going?” she asked. “I’m definitely going, Sivakami! I have an important chore to perform at Ajantha; you’re connected with it. I rushed back because I wanted to tell you about it. Tonight itself, I will reach the place where the Emperor is camping!” Without allowing Sivakami to speak, Naganandi Bikshu asked, “Did you watch this afternoon’s procession?” “Yes, I did. I was reminded of  Mahendra Chakravarthy leaving for Mamallapuram from Kanchi for the Art Festival. It seems that Emperor Pulikesi will outshine even Mahendra Pallavar,” said Sivakami. “There is no doubt he will outshine Mahendra Pallavar. The Vatapi Emperor is not the blood thirsty Pulikesi of old. He is the new Pulikesi who is passionate about and appreciative of arts,” said Naganandi. “In that case, the Ajantha Art Festival will be a lavish event,” said Sivakami.

“There’s no doubt about that too. The bikshus at Ajantha have made the necessary arrangements to welcome and host the Chakravarthy appropriately. It seems that acharyas from Nalanda, Sri Parvatham and several other seats of Buddhism have come to participate in the festivities. You must be aware that it was the Ajantha Sangramam that had given refuge to the Vatapi Emperor and had protected him during his youth. Despite this, the Emperor had not extended any assistance to the Ajantha Sangramam for long. The Jain monks did not allow that. They insisted that all state assistance must be extended only to Jain monasteries and temples. But now the Emperor has had a change of heart. He is awarding state grants to exponents of sculptures and paintings irrespective of their faith – Samanam, Buddhism, Saivism, Vaishnavism and Sakthar. Hence, in all of Bharata it is in the Chalukya Kingdom that arts flourish best. Vatapi has overtaken Kanyakubhaj and Kanchi!” When Naganandi proudly spoke thus, Sivakami listened with genuine interest. Naganandi asked, “Sivakami! Do you know who is responsible for the Vatapi Emperor’s change of heart?” Sivakami promptly responded saying, “There’s no doubt it was the exponent and connoisseur of all arts – Naganandi Adigal!”

Naganandi’s face was far more genteel than it had been nine years ago. The cruelty that was evident in his face previously had now disappeared. Sivakami’s response caused him to smile and further enhanced the glow of his face. He smiled as he looked at Sivakami with his gentle and captivating eyes and said, “Kalaivani[i]! You stated the truth. It was I who converted the blood-thirsty warmonger Pulikesi into a connoisseur of arts. But before that can you guess who had transformed me into someone who was obsessed with arts?” asked Naganandi Adigal.

Sivakami thought that the bikshu was referring to her. Nevertheless, she asked, “How would I know, Swami?” “Yes; you would not know. I have not told you thus far. Aren’t you aware that there are several divine paintings on the walls of the Ajantha Caves painted with indelible dyes? Amongst those paintings, is a portrait of a maiden performing Bharata Natyam. It was that portrait that ignited the spark of artistic appreciation in me. Sivakami! You must see that wonderful painting one day…” “I don’t harbour futile desires. In this birth, I will never ever be fortunate enough to view the wonders in Ajantha!” said Sivakami. “Don’t speak thus! In a certain sense, I am satisfied that you’re not accompanying us this time. That’s because neither you nor I will be at peace should you come with us. But change is the only permanent phenomenon in life. There will be a change soon.”

Sivakami was startled when Naganandi spoke thus. She observed Naganandi cautiously when she asked, “How and in what manner will there be a change?” “The time may come for you to be liberated from this cage and freely travel across the cosmos, singing joyously!” “That day will never come,” said Sivakami and heaved a deep sigh. “In that case, aren’t you hopeful that your oath will be fulfilled?,” asked Naganandi.

Sivakami gritted her teeth and said, “No; I lost that hope long ago!” But she felt fear and confusion within. Is this treacherous bikshu suspicious? Was he trying to extract the truth from her? Probably, Gundodharan has been trapped by him. “Sivakami! You’ve lost hope that your oath will be fulfilled. But you will not leave this city without your oath being upheld. Isn’t that the case?” “Yes, Swami. That’s how it is!” responded Sivakami boldly. That was when she gratefully recollected Gundodharan’s words of caution.

“Ah! I will never ever consent to your being in such a situation, Sivakami! I have to act in the manner I said I would to the Chinese elder yesterday. If Mamallar does not fulfill your oath, I myself will do so. I myself will set this city on fire!” “Ah! Why do you speak thus? Why do you have to perpetrate such cruelty to satiate this mad woman’s obstinacy? No, never.” “In that case, you must give up your meaningless oath.” Sivakami, who wanted to change the course of the conversation, said, “Swami! You have spoken a lot about me. That’s enough. Tell me about yourself; tell me about Ajantha!” “Yes! I came here primarily to speak about myself. I am going to be born again in Ajantha. I will not return as an ochre robe clad bikshu. I will return as Neelakesi Maharaja draped in the finest silks!” When Naganandi uttered these words, Sivakami viewed him with surprise.

 

[i] Kalaivani – Another name for Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of learning and arts

Chapter 25: Thus Spoke Mahendrar

 

After allowing Sivakami time to sob, Gundodharan said, “Thaye! In South Tamil Nadu there’s a saying ‘One is patient to cook food but impatient for it to cool.’ You may have also heard this adage. You waited for so long. How can you lose your patience when your oath is about to be fulfilled?” “Gundodhara! Are you preaching about the virtues of patience to me? Are you lecturing about patience to me, who has been living in the enemy’s city for nine years without any solace or support?” exploded Sivakami with uncontrollable fury.

“Thaye! I am not advocating patience to you. I expressed my powerlessness thus. I wish to remind you of another episode from Ramayana. When Hanuman met Seetha at Ashoka Vanam, he requested her to leave with him. He said that he would safely take her back to Rama. But Seetha Devi refused to accompany Hanuman…!” said Gundodharan.

“Gundodhara! Why do you cite the example of Seetha Devi? I am neither Seetha Devi nor the daughter of the Ruler of Mithila; I’m a humble sculptor’s daughter…!” “Amma! Neither am I Hanuman, though my physical form may resemble Lord Rama’s emissary[i]! But I don’t possess even a minute fraction of his power. I am incapable of single handedly setting fire to Vatapi and taking you along with me! What can I do?” “Ah! Why do you remind me again of my cursed oath? Didn’t I tell you that I’ve given it up? I only asked you to take me along…”

“Amma! Didn’t Mamallar, standing at this very spot in this house, plead with you to accompany him? You had stubbornly refused. You had asked him to fulfill your oath and then take you away. I stood listening to what you had said. Now, Mamallar is coming prepared to fulfill your vow. Amma! Tomorrow, which is Vijayadasami, has been fixed as the auspicious day for the Pallava army’s departure. If things go as planned, in exactly one month the Pallava army will surround the Vatapi Fort and lay siege. You will see with your own eyes your oath being fulfilled. Please be patient for some more time, without losing courage…”

“Gundodhara! You have failed to understand what I said. Neither have you understood my intentions. I did not speak out of fear or impatience. I wish to prevent another gory war being fought on account of me. Haven’t I undergone enough tribulation in my lifetime? The rage I felt at that time prompted me to undertake that oath. Now when I think about it, I feel it’s foolish. Untold atrocities will be perpetrated during the course of a war. Several people will die. Innocent people will face difficulties. How can one be confident about the outcome of war? I do not wish such difficulties to occur due to my foolish and obstinate behaviour. That’s why I’m asking you to take me along!” said Sivakami.

Gundodharan stood stunned, unable to respond to Sivakami. After thinking for some time, he said, “Amma! Even if you were to renege on your oath, Mamallar cannot abandon the Vatapi invasion. He will definitely fulfill the command Mahendra Pallavar had passed on his death bed!” Sivakami asked, “Ah! What was Mahendrar’s command?” “He had commanded that the oath the sculptor Aayanar’s daughter had undertaken must be fulfilled at all cost! He had forcefully said that only if Sivakami Ammai is fetched back after setting Vatapi ablaze, will the slur on the Pallava dynasty be erased. He had requested Mamallar and the Ministers’ Council to incessantly work towards this goal!” said Gundodharan. Sivakami said, “Ah! Was the Chakravarthy so benign to me? My opinion of him was so wrong!” and starting shedding tears again. She then enquired about Mahendra Pallavar’s death and the goings-on in Kanchi for the last nine years. Gundodharan gave her a detailed account. But there was one incident he did not broach. He was unable to muster courage to speak about it.

When it was time for Gundodharan to leave, Sivakami asked in a yearning voice, “Appane! Will Mamallar definitely come? Or are you deliberately misleading me?” Gundodharan said, “He will definitely come to uphold the honour of the Pallava dynasty!” She said, “True! For him, upholding the honour of the Pallava dynasty is of utmost importance. That’s why he is coming after so many years. If he were coming on account of his affection for me, he would have done so long ago and taken me back.” Gundodharan thought to himself, “Ah! Pleasing women is an arduous task. Why do some people almost kill themselves trying to satisfy such difficult to please women? Isn’t this sheer madness?”

Then Gundodharan asked frankly, “Amma! Didn’t Mamallar come incognito here one day placing his affection for you above the honour of the Pallava dynasty? Didn’t he plead with you to accompany him?” “Yes, Gundodhara! I did commit a blunder then. Please tell Mamallar that I’ve undergone enough punishment for this during the last nine years. Please also tell him that I’ve been holding on to my life for so long only to meet him once and seek his forgivance!” said Sivakami. Fortunately, that helpless maiden was unaware of  the harsh tribulations that lay in store for her. Had she foreseen this, would she have continued to live?

Gundodharan hesitated as he was about to leave. It seemed as thought he wished to say something, but was hesitant to do so. Sivakami emboldened him saying, “If you have anything else to say, don’t hesitate!” “Devi, I have nothing else to say. There’s a belief that women cannot keep secrets. One such episode features in Mahabharata too. Amma! Please don’t get angry; the news of my visit here and Mamallar’s impending invasion should not be disclosed here!” A sad smile appeared on Sivakami’s face.

“Gundodhara! Haven’t I caused enough hardship to Mamallar for so long? Will I betray him to these vengeful oppressors? Here, I know no one but Naganandi Bikshu. So you may return peacefully!” said Sivakami. Then she said, “Gundodhara! You called yourself Hanuman. Your conduct should befit the name. You must stay by Mamallar’s side always and protect him! These scoundrels are venomous. They kill by wielding poisoned daggers. Aiyyo! Should he be in danger again because of my foolish obstinacy?” Gundodharan, at that moment, understood why Sivakami did not wish for a war to break out. He realized that the reason was her concern that some danger may befall Mamallar at the battlefield. His respect and regard for Sivakami grew multi-fold.

 

[i] Lord Rama’s emissary – Refers to Lord Hanuman, the monkey God

Chapter 24: The Coral Trader

 

After Naganandi and the Chinese traveller had left, Sivakami sat immobilized like a stone statue for some time. Old memories flooded her. The breach of the Thirupaar Kadal Dam, the threat to her life on account of the flood, Mamallar arriving at the right moment, helping her on to the earthen boat and rescuing her seemed to have occurred just the previous day. A slight smile appeared on her beautiful, sculpted face thinking that she, who did not die by sinking in that deluge, was going to die by falling in the well in the muttram of her house.

She wondered how it would feel when she was falling into the well and after she fell into the well. What would she think about when she struggled for breath in the water? Will she recollect Mamallar rescuing her when she fell off the boat at Mandapapattu? As she was thinking thus, she heard a voice in the street call out, “Pavazham[i] for sale! Pavazham!”  Sivakami disconnectedly muttered to herself, “Indeed! The pavazhamalli tree is growing in this house! Even after I die by falling into the well, it will continue to blossom!” She again heard the voice call out, “Pavazham for sale!”

She could not fathom why she shivered on hearing that voice. Had she heard that voice before? Soon, the coral trader entered the house and said, “Amma! Do you want to buy pavazhams? These are rare high quality pavazhams. Their hue outshines the Ajantha paints!” On hearing the word ‘Ajantha’ Sivakami was taken aback. She stared at the mature face that sported a thick moustache and beard. Ah! Those eyes! Those eyes that looked towards her with affection and devotion! “Amma! Do you recognize me?” Asking thus, that coral trader sat next to her and untied his bundle.

Sivakami recognized Gundodharan’s voice. Nevertheless, she was unable to trust her eyes and ears. She asked, “Is it you, Gundodhara?” “Yes! It’s me, amma! Have you forgotten me?” asked Gundodharan humbly. “Yes, appane! I have forgotten you. How many years have passed since all of you had left after saying that you would return?” asked a slightly irritated Sivakami. “Amma! Would it have sufficed if we had just returned? Didn’t we have to prepare to fulfill your oath?” said Gundodharan. “Ah, the oath! The disastrous oath!” said Sivakami. She then looked at Gundodharan and said, “I have given up my oath, Gundodhara!”

Gundodharan stared at her uncomprehendingly. “Amma! What are you saying?” he enquired. “It’s nothing, appa! Aren’t you referring to my oath! I myself have relinquished it!” “Please don’t speak thus, amma! The oath you have undertaken is the oath Tamizhagam has undertaken. It is everyone’s responsibility to uphold it!” “Have you come disguised thus to fulfill the oath? Is that why you’re carrying corals?” asked Sivakami with a mocking smile. “Thaye! I am visiting you here like Hanuman, who in his capacity as Rama’s emissary had visited Seetha. Ramabiran[ii] is going to come here leading an ocean-like army!” he said.

Overcome by emotions, Sivakami trembled. Ah! Was her nine-year long wait going to truly bear fruit? Is Mamallar going to come here and fetch her back to Kanchi? Is the well that was waiting to gobble her up going to feel cheated? “Yes, amma! A Pallava army of a size not witnessed hitherto by the southern country has been mobilized. Mamalla Chakravarthy and Commander Paranjyothi are leading that army!” said Gundodharan. “Did you say Mamalla Chakravarthy?” asked Sivakami, who was taken aback.

“Forgive me, amma! What I said has shocked you. Mamalla Prabhu is now the Chakravarthy of the Pallava Kingdom. Several years have passed since Mahendra Chakravarthy’s soul departed to heaven.” Hearing this Sivakami shed copious tears. She had been angry with Mahendra Pallavar for several reasons. Nevertheless the deep affection and devotion she had developed for him as a child remained intact. Gundodharan remained silent for some time to allow Sivakami to give vent to her sorrow.

Sivakami abruptly stopped sobbing and exclaimed, “Gundodhara! I beseech you. I will not remain in this city even for another moment. Take me away right now!” Gundodharan stood frozen out of shock. Observing this, Sivakami said, “What are you thinking of? This is also the opportune time. It seems that Pulikesi and the fake bikshu are leaving for Ajantha in another two days. Security is lax here these days. We can easily escape. If you’re unwilling to take me along, please be merciful and push me into the deep well at the backyard of this house!” Then she resumed sobbing.

 

[i] Pavazham – Coral in Tamil

[ii] Ramabiran – Another name for Lord Rama

Chapter 23: The Chinese Traveller

 

As days passed, the ignominy Sivakami felt on account of being made to dance at the Vatapi street junctions diminished. The prisoners from Tamizhagam found suitable jobs and settled down in Vatapi with their families. Some of them used to visit Sivakami occasionally. Sivakami observed that her visitors bore no anger or hatred. She understood that it was her naivety that prompted her to undertake such an oath and that it was foolish not to have left Vatapi with Mamallar and to have sent him back.

Nevertheless, as is characteristic of women, Sivakami blamed Mamallar for her mistakes. “No matter what, I was an ignorant girl! Humiliation and anger caused me to undertake such an oath. Shouldn’t a man and a wise one like him have forcibly abducted me from here? Didn’t Commander Paranjyothi ask him to act thus; why didn’t he listen?” she often thought.

As years passed, Sivakami gradually lost hope that Mamallar would return to fulfill her oath and to take her back. She understood that it was a colossal task that required monumental effort. Sometimes she thought of sending a message to Mamallar stating, “The oath I had undertaken was erroneous. I had asked you to carry out such an impossible mission out of ignorance. You need not heed it. Please somehow take me back from this place!” But Naganandi’s taunting words prevented her from putting that thought into action.

When the dagger Sivakami had flung found its mark on Naganandi’s back, that crafty masquerader had said, “Ah! What have you done? I wanted to send you back with them!” Hence, Sivakami’s anger towards Naganandi dissipated. She regretted her action and felt sympathetic for the bikshu. Naganandi secretly exulted that his deceitful words had the desired impact. He took full advantage of the sympathy Sivakami felt for him. A few days after that incident he claimed that he himself would escort Sivakami back to Kanchi. Sivakami not only declined his offer but also reminded him of the oath she had undertaken. Naganandi had smiled sarcastically and had asked, “Will any one undertake such an oath that will never ever be fulfilled?!” Sivakami had boldly said, “Why don’t you wait and watch!”

Sivakami, who was in a self-imposed imprisonment in a far-off country where she knew no one, found solace in her occasional conversations with Naganandi. Conversing with the bikshu, who had traveled across the country and was well-versed in several arts, was an invigorating past time. Sometimes, Naganandi enticed her saying, “It’s fine if you don’t want to return to Kanchi. I will take you to Ajantha. You can learn first hand about the indelible dyes your father was eager to know about!” Sivakami used to respond saying, “I will not leave this city without my oath being fulfilled!”

Sivakami had felt ecstatic three years ago when the rumours of an impending Pallava invasion were rife.  When it turned out to be false, Naganandi’s taunts had hurt her. Nevertheless she had not revealed her feelings and had tried to uphold Mamallar’s prestige by saying, “Please be patient! Adigal, please be patient! The Pallava army will invade the next year, if not this year! Wait and watch!” Three years had passed since she spoke so proudly. “Is there any point in continuing to be hopeful? How long can I deceive myself and live this sorrowful life? Enough, enough! Nine years have passed. The well beside the pavazhamalli tree in the muttram of Sivakami’s house persuasively beckoned her, ‘Come! Come! Attain refuge in me!”

It was in this situation that Naganandi visited Sivakami one day, accompanied by a Chinese traveller named Hiuen Tsang. He had travelled across several countries and had visited several kingdoms. After visiting one of the three renowned kingdoms in Bharata Kandam – Harsha’s empire, he had come to Vatapi. After visiting Ajantha in the Chalukya kingdom and the Nagarjuna Mountain in Vengi, he intended visiting the Pallava kingdom. Naganandi, who came to know of this, had brought him along saying, “The daughter of the most illustrious sculptor of Pallava Nadu resides here. Her expertise in Bharata Natyam is unparalleled. Let’s visit her”.

Sivakami’s conversation with the Chinese traveler reminded her of her old aspirations and rendered her rapturous.  Hiuen Tsang described at length the countries he had visited and the scenic spots and artistic wonders therein. He also enquired Sivakami about the art of sculpture that flourished in Tamizhagam. When Naganandi mentioned that Sivakami’s father, Aayanar, had sculpted indestructible statues of Sivakami in various dance postures, Hiuen Tsang expressed boundless amazement. He earnestly requested Sivakami to demonstrate some of those dance postures. After nine years, Sivakami felt genuine passion to perform the art she had assiduously learnt. She demonstrated a few dance postures and abhinayams to the Chinese traveller. Hiuen Tsang was amazed watching her dance. Naganandi lost self-consciousness and was elated.

When Hiuen Tsang enquired about Sivakami, Naganandi informed him about the circumstances that led to her imprisonment and the oath she had undertaken. “I told her several times that I will escort her back to Kanchi after obtaining the Emperor’s approval. She did not heed me. It pains me that her wonderful art is incarcerated in this house. Sometimes, I think that I myself should set Vatapi ablaze for the sole purpose of freeing her!” said Naganandi.

Hiuen Tsang closed his ears and then said, “May Buddha Bhagavan prevent such a calamity from occurring!” Then that elderly soul sermonized about the greatness of mercy and ill-effects of war. He narrated the story of Buddha Bhagavan stopping a ceremony to save the life of a goat. He highlighted the just rule of Emperor Ashoka. He said that Harsha Chakravarthy’s reign in the current times was also just and that he had banned cruelty inflicted on animals in his kingdom. Sivakami interjected saying, “But, Adigal! You are unaware of the atrocities committed by the Vatapi Emperor’s soldiers in Tamizhagam. That’s why you sermonize thus!” The Chinese bikshu responded as follows:

“Thaye! I am aware that men are transformed into beasts during war! Atrocities of a much larger scale than what you had witnessed may have occurred. But if one kept seeking revenge, there will be no end to violence. To avenge the Chalukya Emperor’s invasion, the Kanchi Chakravarthy will invade Vatapi. The scions of the Chalukya dynasty will invade Kanchi again to seek revenge. Just like a tree growing from a seed and seed-bearing fruit growing in a tree, the cycle of evil in this world will be never-ending. Someone must forget and forgive for the sake of this world’s well-being. Thaye, no matter what, please do not wish that your horrific oath should be fulfilled! No one will be benefited by that. Ah! There are thousands of households in this vast city. Lakhs of people reside here. Amongst them are the aged, children and helpless women like you. If this city is ablaze, won’t all these innocent people suffer untold misery? Think about it!”

Listening to Hiuen Tsang, Sivakami’s confusion heightened. Naganandi Adigal then interjected saying, “Sivakami! Didn’t you hear what this great soul had to say? It’s futile to dwell on events that have transpired. How is being vengeful beneficial? Isn’t it enough that you’ve performed a penance for nine years? In two days, this Chinese elder and the Vatapi Emperor are leaving for Ajantha; I am accompanying them. Please come with us. At Ajantha, you will witness wonders that cannot be witnessed elsewhere in this world!”

Sivakami’s artistic soul was tempted for an instant. She felt like saying, “So be it, Swami! I will come!” But her lips refused to utter those words. A voice from the deep recesses of her heart said, “Sivakami! Why are you thinking treacherously? After refusing to accompany Mamallar when he had called you, will you go with this bikshu? Won’t Mamallar be anguished if he were to come here when you are visiting Ajantha?”

Sivakami strengthened her steadfast heart and said, “Respected bikshus! I am thankful for your deep concern for this orphaned maiden. But I am not fortunate to view the wonders at the Ajantha Mountain. I do accept what this Chinese elder had said. I will henceforth not wish that my oath be fulfilled. May the city of Vatapi and its citizens flourish and not experience sorrow! I hope no harm befalls them on account of me. But, I will spend my life only in this house. I will not consent to leave this city under any circumstance!”

Chapter 22: The Pavazhamalli Blossomed

The Pavazhamalli[i] Blossomed

 

Sivakami was living comfortably at the Vatapi palace. That is, she was physically comfortable. But her peripatetic soul was devoid of an iota of peace. Years passed. With the onset of each year, the seasons also passed. Sivakami devised a method to keep track of the years and seasons. In the house where she stayed, there grew a pavazhamalli tree at the backyard close to the well. Sivakami herself planted the pavazhamalli creeper close to the well the year she arrived at Vatapi.

Naganandi Adigal, while describing the mountainous province of Ajantha, had said that during the months of Aavani and Purattasi the innumerable parijatham trees that grew in the region were in full bloom. The gentle breeze use to spread the fragrance of these flowers across great distances, pleasantly intoxicating the passersby. Hearing this, Sivakami had requested him to bring one of those creepers along. According utmost priority to her request, the bikshu fetched a pavazhamalli plant for her from Ajantha. Sivakami planted that creeper and tended it carefully with water and her tears.

When shoots grew on the pavazhamalli creeper, Sivakami’s heart skipped a beat. When a new branch grew, her grief-stricken heart became exultant. When buds sprouted for the first time and blossomed into flowers, Sivakami forgot her sorrows and floated in an ocean of bliss. She felt happy gazing at the petals of the flowers that resembled a parrot’s beak and the deep red stalks. As the day passed and the sun travelled to its zenith, the tender flowers dried up, charred and finally withered away. Her heart, which had also temporarily soothed down and had felt optimism, became hard and scorched. When the plant became firmly rooted and grew several widespread branches, Sivakami did not have to carefully tend it any longer. Sivakami started counting the passing years and seasons by observing that plant.

In winter, when the chill used to penetrate up to the humans’ bones, the leaves of that pavazhamalli tree used to dry up and wither away. During spring, fresh leaf buds used to sprout. During summer, the leaves matured and buds used to emerge. Rains used to accompany the fierce westerly winds. During the months of Aani and Aadi, the pavazhamalli plant used to oscillate precariously. Unable to bear this sight, a dazed Sivakami used to remain inside the house. During the months of Aavani and Purattasi, the lush green leaves of the plant were covered by the flowers in full bloom. During those seasons, Sivakami used to sit on the stairs leading to the muttram and used to gaze at the plant for long. She used to recollect that during Navarathri and Vijayadasami, the deities of the temples in Tamizhagam used to be adorned with pavazhamalli flowers. She would also think that one Vijayadasami had passed since her arrival at Vatapi. Counting thus, Sivakami realized that nine Vijayadasamis had passed since she came to Vatapi.

 

[i] Pavazhamalli & Parijatham – Night flowering jasmine

Chapter 21: Pulikesi’s Art Enchantment

 

When Gundodharan said that Pulikesi was not in Vatapi and that he had headed to Ajantha, the four people were both joyous and surprised. They posed a volley of questions to Gundodharan in unison, “Is that true?” “Has he really gone to Ajantha?” “What work could Pulikesi possibly have in Ajantha?” Then Mamallar said, “If all of us pester Gundodharan thus, how will he be able to respond?”

Gundodharan bowed to the Chakravarthy and said, “Pallavendra! I will tell you the news I could ascertain for sure. Emperor Pulikesi has gone to Ajantha. Apparently, a Chinese traveler is visiting. I am unable to pronounce his name; people said that his name was Hiuen Tsang. After visiting Kanyakubhja, Kashi and Gaya in the north, he arrived at Vatapi. Apparently he extolled Chakravarthy Harsha’s reign at Kanyakubhja. To demonstrate that he was in no way inferior to Chakravarthy Harsha, the Vatapi Emperor has personally accompanied that traveller to show him the wonderful paintings and sculptures at Ajantha! Prabhu! Apparently Emperor Pulikesi is extremely fascinated by the arts these days! Apparently he is carving sculptures out of all the rocks in Vatapi in an attempt to emulate the sculptures in Mamallapuram! I myself saw some of the sculptors in Thondai Mandalam, whose limbs were not amputated but who were imprisoned, working on those rocks. But, listen to this joke. When Pulikesi showed the sculpted rocks to the Chinese traveler, Hiuen Tsang, he apparently said, ‘It was only after seeing these sculpted rocks did Mahendra Pallavan of Kanchi attempt to replicate these at Mamallapuram. I taught him a lesson and returned!” Do you know how I felt when I heard this? My blood boiled. The Jayasthambam at the Vatapi street junction that falsely proclaims that Pulikesi of Vatapi had defeated Mahendra Pallavar of Vatapi is still intact. Prabhu! I consoled myself thinking that this monument will survive only for another three months and returned. No preparations for war are underway at Vatapi. It seems that they are not anticipating our invasion! The Vatapi army is now scattered; with one section stationed at the banks of the Narmada River in the north and another section at Vengi in the east!”

When Gundodharan paused after speaking thus, Mamallar told Paranjyothi, “Commander! Did you see? We ourselves did not expect Shatrugnan’s strategy to work so well!” Then, Shatrugnan said humbly, “Pallavendra, why do you call it my strategy? I only executed what you and the commander had together decided!” Commander Paranjyothi responded to this saying, “Shatrugnan is stating the truth! Haven’t the three of us learnt all this from Mahendra Pallavar? If we do win this war, we owe the ensuing glory to Mahendra Pallavar!” “Commander! I object to your saying, ‘If we do win this war’. Why do you doubt our victory? But I don’t understand which strategy all of you are referring to; it will be good if you tell me!” said Aditya Varman.

“Well said, thambi! You will realize that Mahendra Varmar’s training has stood us in such good stead when you understand the strategy. For the last nine years when the commander and I were preparing for this invasion, Shatrugnan’s espionage force was working very skillfully. Some of our spies, goaded by Shatrugnan, started selling our military secrets to the Vatapi Emperor. Initially they sent facts and won Pulikesi’s confidence. Three years ago they sent a message that stated that the Pallava army was to invade Vatapi. Believing this, Pulikesi was well-prepared. But, as the Pallava army did not invade Vatapi, he felt cheated. After being deceived thus for three years, Pulikesi angrily cast aside the old spies. The new spies sent a message saying that there were no plans to invade Vatapi this year and that more soldiers were being recruited into the Pallava army to retrieve Lanka for Manavanman. We came to know beforehand that Pulikesi believed this message. We also came to know that Pulikesi split the Chalukya army stationed on the banks of the Tungabhadra River into two and sent one section to the banks of the Narmada River and the second section to Vengi. Now Gundodharan tells us that Pulikesi himself has headed to Ajantha. Hasn’t Shatrugnan’s strategy worked?”

Once Mamallar finished talking, Aditya Varman said, “Pallavendra! The Prince of Lanka has been of immense help to us in this regard! It is only because of Manavanman’s presence in Kanchi were you able to mislead Pulikesi!” “After sending the Pandya Kumaran, whom the Samanars had confused, back to Madurai, Manavanmar is fetching the Pandya army to war. This is no mean achievement,” said Shatrugnan. Mamallar said harshly, “Manavanman may have been of great help to us. But I can neither forget nor forgive him for cheating me!” “Pallavendra! What’s this? When did the Prince of Lanka cheat you?” asked the commander. “I had mentioned to him the key reason on account of which he could not accompany us to Vatapi.  I had told him that if he were to lose his life on the battlefield, the royal family of Lanka would become issueless. So I had forbidden him from accompanying us. It is in this matter that Manavanman has cheated me!” said the Chakravarthy. “How can he cheat you in this?” asked Aditya Varman. “Within a week of our departure, the royal family of Lanka has a progeny! Apparently, Manavanman’s wife was ten moths pregnant when we had left. On the fifth day of our departure, she gave birth to a son. In this matter, even Shatrugnan failed to communicate the truth to me!” When Mamallar said this, everyone including the commander burst out laughing. “Oh! I now know!” said Gundodharan. “What have you discovered now?” asked Mamallar.

“Prabhu! When I was atop that banyan tree, I saw a large cloud of dust in the south. It seemed as though an army was advancing. From your conversation, it is apparent that the Prince of Lanka is hastening here with the Pandya army,” said Gundodharan. When Mamallar said, “Oh! Has he already come?” the large smile on his face was evident in the moonlight. He then asked Paranjyothi, “Commander! Notwithstanding this, what do all of you opine? Do you think I should forgive Manavanman’s fault and take him along with us?”

The commander’s voice was tinged with hesitation when he said, “Yes, Prabhu! We would have to take him along!” When Mamallar said, “In that case, the three of you cross the river tonight and make arrangements for the army’s accommodation. Gundodharan and I will stay back and bring Manavanman along. There are a few issues about which I need to question Gundodharan”, the other three who were astute immediately boarded the boats waiting for them at the river bank. After they left, Mamallar pointedly looked at Gundodharan. Gundodharan said in a soft tone, “Pallavendra! I saw Aayanar’s daughter at Vatapi; she is doing well. She is awaiting our arrival with bated breath”. “I’m sure that unfeeling woman’s well-being is under no threat. I’m the one who is struggling after losing all peace of mind,” murmured Narasimha Varmar.

Chapter 20: Friends in the Moonlight

 

The banks of the North Pennai River presented a wondrous sight in the night when the full moon floating in the firmament showered its milky white glow, transforming this world into a dream world. The previous night one could hear the sonorous sound of water flowing; that vast river shone like liquid silver. The entire region was tranquil. One would admire that scenic sight and wonder if such joy may be experienced only in heaven.

But that night, chaos prevailed on the banks of the North Pennai River. Innumerable elephants, horses, chariots and carts were crossing that river. The golden ornaments adorning the elephants, the silver trimmings fitted to their tusks, the various jewels that embellished the naturally statuesque horses and the chariots’ canopies plated with gold shone in the moonlight. When several rows of elephants and horses occupied the entire river and crossed the water at the same time, the resultant din was akin to the lashing of waves in an ocean when cyclonic winds blew.

On one bank, the camp housing the infantry extended up to the horizon. The glimmer of the sharp spears the warriors held blinded one’s eyes. The fluttering noise of the thousands of Rishabha flags hoisted in that army camp was heard.  On the opposite bank, close to the river pier a solitary tent was pitched. Four people seated on the ornate carpet spread on the grass that grew by the tent were conversing. Ten to twelve warriors armed with sharp spears and swords fastened to their waists were alertly standing guard at a short distance away from the four people, who were Mamalla Chakravarthy, Commander Paranjyothi, the King of Vengi – Aditya Varman and the Chief of the Spies – Shatrugnan.

The King of Vengi, Aditya Varman, was Mamallar’s cousin i.e.  a progeny of Simha Vishnu Maharaja’s brother. That clan ruled the region to the north of the Godavari River as an independent vassal of the Pallavas. When the Chalukya Emperor invaded Kanchi, his brother Vishnuvardhanan impeded Aditya Varman from coming to the aid of the Pallava Chakravarthy. Vishnuvardhanan decimated Vengi’s ruling dynasty and ascended the throne. But Vishnuvardhnan breathe his last before Pulikesi returned to Vatapi from his southern expedition. The person responsible for cutting short Vishnuvardhanan’s reign and life was Aditya Varman. But, a few years later when Pulikesi invaded Vengi leading a large army, Adity Varman retreated to the south with whatever was left of his army and was waiting for the opportune time. When Mamallar invaded Vatapi with a gargantuan army, Aditya Varman joined hands with him.

Commander Paranjyothi was relating in detail how he was stunned when he saw the massive Vatapi army at the banks of this very North Pennai River and how a disguised Mahendra Pallavar had pursued and rescued him from under the very nose of Pulikesi. The other three were listening to him with wonder. Aditya Varman was the most surprised amongst the three. All this information was new to him. He regretfully said, “Ah! I was not fortunate to meet that Vichitra Siddhar!”

Then Mamallar said, “The Prince of Lanka also rues thus. I’m not bragging because he is my father. One must be fortunate to even see him. One must have committed good deeds for several births to move closely with him. He took me along and traveled across the southern country for three years. On moonlit nights like this, the two of us used to spend time joyfully, sitting alfresco. Whenever he used to embark on a journey, he used to bring his Parivadhini veenai[i] along. Whenever he played the veenai, it seemed as though the sky and the earth came to a standstill and listened to his music. The wind too would cease blowing scared to interrupt the divine music. Leaves would not rustle. Birds would not chirp.” “Anna, please stop! If you speak thus, I will lose my resolve. I feel that war and bloodshed are futile and that I would prefer to play the veenai and live my life joyfully!” said Aditya Varman. Mamallar laughed heartily and said, “Once upon a time, Mahendra Varmar too uttered such words. He said that if kings lost their lust for land, the earth will be heavenly. He said that wars were futile. No one should produce weapons like spears and swords. My father often used to say that the ironsmith’s furnaces should be used to mould ploughs used by farmers and chisels used by sculptors. But he changed his mind completely the day he heard the news of the Chalukyas’ impending invasion. The youth who had flung a spear at a mad elephant captivated him more than a thousand sculptors and sixteen thousand workmen…!” Speaking thus, Mamallar smiled at Paranjyothi.

“Aren’t you referring to the incident that had occurred on the day Commander Paranjyothi arrived at Kanchi? I wanted to ask him about it one day,” said Aditya Varman. “No one managed to win my father’s confidence as much as Paranjyothi did. There were times I felt envious of him. I have even suspected on a few occasions that my father may overlook me and coronate our commander. But I was prepared for that too. Even today, if our commander consents…” When Mamallar was speaking in this manner, Commander Paranjyothi interjected.

“Prabhu! Please do not speak in this manner. I do not aspire to rule a kingdom or ascend the throne. I was born in a poor family in a village. I came to Kanchi, promising my mother that I would return after educating myself. Twelve years have passed; I haven’t fulfilled my word yet. I continue to be illiterate. As soon as this war is over, I will fulfill the promise I had made to my mother. If you feel impelled to abdicate the throne in favour of someone else, you may coronate the Prince of Lanka who is waiting to rule a kingdom!” Mamallar immediately gestured with his eyes to Aditya Varman and Sharugnan, both of whom smiled knowingly.

Mamallar’s immense affection for Manavanman pricked Paranjyothi constantly. Mamallar well understood the situation. This was the primary reason for his prohibiting Manavanman from participating in the Vatapi War. His gesture to the other two seemed to convey, “Didn’t I say so?”  He then told Paranjyothi who sat with his head lowered, “Well said! Are you asking me to hand over the kingdom that was once ruled by Mahendra Pallavar to that fool? Despite my asking him not to come in no uncertain terms, he is coming. I am wondering what punishment I should accord him. I’m extremely furious with him. I feel like chasing him back to Lanka. Commander, what’s your opinion?”

The commander thought for some time and said, “Why do you want to stop someone who’s raring to come to the battlefield? Manavanmar’s arrival will be beneficial; it will be good if he leads our elephant force. “I somehow am not in favour of this. Manavanman has come seeking our assistance and has sought refuge in us. Wouldn’t it appear as though we won because of his support?…” said Mamallar.

Shatrugnan, who was mostly silent till then, said, “Chakravarthy! Please do not think thus. You don’t require anyone’s help to win this war. Your skill in warfare is unparalleled. You will vanquish Vatapi and return victoriously even in the absence of the Commander and Aditya Varmar. Those who are fortunate to be part of this invasion are blessed. If Manavanmar participates in this expedition, people will never ever attribute your victory to him. It’s an unequivocal fact that he will attain a greater stature because of his participation.”

The commander and Aditya Varman whole heartedly agreed with what Shatrugnan said. “Moreover, Manavanmar has trained our elephant force very conscientiously. It’s not fair to ask him not to come to the battlefield,” said the commander. “I heard that the Prince of Lanka has trained the elephants in an ingenious manner. Please tell me about it,” asked Aditya Varman. “That’s true; previously we used to get the elephants to bang against the fort gates to force open them. During the siege of the Kanchi Fort, the old method did not work thanks to Mahendra Pallavar’s foresight. As the fort gates were fitted with spear tips, the elephants on banging their heads against the fort gates became frenzied and hastily retreated. Now Manavanmar has trained the elephants to force open the fort gates with iron poles, demolish the ramparts with crowbars and to set the interiors of the fort ablaze by flinging illuminated torches.”

“Ah! I have never heard of anyone utilizing the elephant force in this manner till now!” said Aditya Varman. Commander Paranjyothi harboured no personal enimity against Manavanman. Mamallar’s deep affection for him was the reason for his discontentment. So when Mamallar spoke of him disparagingly, Paranjyothi started supporting Manavanman. “That’s why I’m saying it’s not fair to send Manavanman back. Wouldn’t the person who trained the elephant force be desirous of leading that very elephant force to war?” asked Commander Paranjyothi.

As they were speaking, the gigantic banyan that stood in the vicinity shook vigorously. Thousands of birds that had sought refuge for the night in the dense branches of that tree took to flight by flapping their wings and chirped noisily. The birds circled the tree and sought refuge again in its branches. “What happened to that tree suddenly? Did any wild beast climb that tree? Why are the birds shrieking thus?” When Mamallar was speaking, Shatrugnan who was staring in the direction of the tree said, “Prabhu! No wild animal climbed the tree. A domesticated two-legged animal is climbing down the tree!”

When he clapped loudly, one of the soldiers who stood guard a short distance away came running. “Look there! Someone is climbing down that banyan tree. Catch him and produce him here!” commanded Shatrugnan. The soldiers rushed towards the banyan tree, grabbed the man who was climbing down by his hands and dragged him along. The leader of the soldiers bowed and said, “Prabhu! Here’s the Vatapi spy!”

Mamallar and Paranjyothi burst out laughing because the person whom the soldiers had produced was none other than our old friend, Gundodharan. “Gundodhara! What’s this? Why did you call yourself a Vatapi spy?” asked Paranjyothi. “Yes, Commander! I had stated the truth! I meant ‘the spy who has been to Vatapi’ when I said ‘Vatapi spy’. Immediately the soldiers grabbed me and dragged me along. My body still aches at the places where they held me!” he said. “Fine. But what were you doing atop the tree? How long were you sitting there?” asked the Chakravarthy.

“Prabhu! I reached here last night itself. When I woke up this morning, I saw our army approaching. I immediately climbed the tree. All this time I have been counting the number of warriors in our army and thinking whether this army is adequate to defeat Pulikesi of Vatapi.” “What conclusion did you reach? Is this army sufficient?” asked the Chakravarthy. “Swami! I have no doubts about this. But Emperor Pulikesi, who has headed to the Ajantha Caves, should return before we reach Vatapi! I am worried about the proposed course of action if he is outside the fort!” said Gundodharan.

 

[i] Parivadhini Veenai – A string instrument