Nandini Vijayaraghavan's Blog, page 5

Chapter 9: War Trumpet

 

“Devi! This ancient Pallava Kingdom is extremely fortunate to have a virtuous woman like you seated on the throne! It is the fruit of my good deeds during my past several births that I have you for my consort!” When Mamallar spoke, his deep and firm voice choked. Vanamadevi felt goosebumps. Though she wanted to articulate her feelings, she was unable to. The Pallavendrar continued speaking.

“The beacon of the Pandyas! Heed me! You’re not just my Queen Consort but also the mother of  Mahendra Kumaran, who will succeed me to this throne. You are the Chakravarthini who mesmerized the citizens of the Pallava Kingdom and won their allegiance in a moment. A few days after my father, Mahendrar’s death, the Ministers’ Council coronated me and seated me on the Pallava throne. You were seated on that very throne beside me. Our family guru, Rudrachariar, blessed us saying that the two of us seated on the throne was akin to Devendran and Indrani seated on the throne in heaven. Hearing this, the courtiers cheered enthusiastically. When the courtiers recollected that on your arrival there was a heavy downpour in Kanchi, where it had not rained for some time, they unanimously proclaimed that you were indeed Indrani. Tamil poets conferred the title Vanamadevi on you and sang verses eulogizing you. Since then courtiers and citizens have been proudly addressing you as Vanamadevi and Indrani. No one in this world has the right to make a lofty soul like you to abdicate the Pallava throne…”

Vanamadevi interrupted him asking, “Swami! Do I have a claim just to the Pallava throne and not your heart?” Mamallar was taken aback hearing this unanticipated question. He composed himself and told Vanamadevi affectionately, “Ah! You never broached this subject with me even once despite harbouring such a doubt in your mind for nine years. You exemplify what the unerring Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar, said:

 

The virtuous who worships her spouse over the Creator

Gains such power to cause, at will, torrential rain.

 

Any other woman who harboured such a suspicion would have brought it up a hundred times with her husband everyday and would have made life hell for him!” “Prabhu! In that case, is what I heard in the palace and that which people spoke about across the country untrue? Is it my folly that I spent nine sleepless years fretting about this?” asked Vanamadevi slightly optimistically.

“Devi! Rumours are not devoid of a grain of truth. All what you heard about is not untrue. But it is an incident that occurred in my previous birth,” said Mamallar and was introspective for some time. He then heaved a deep sigh and said, “Yes! That occurred in my previous birth. It is a dream that has waned and disappeared. In my youth, when my life as Mahendra Pallavar’s only son was filled with joy and I was oblivious of sorrow, I fell in love with a sculptor’s daughter. I was ready to lay my body, soul, possessions and the glory of the Pallava Kingdom at her feet. But the day pride gained dominance over affection in her heart and she obstinately disregarded my tender words when I had travelled over a hundred kadu to rescue her, there was no place for her in my heart. Neither have I forgotten her; nor have I been able to forget her. The sole reason is that I have been unable to fulfill the promise I made to her. The spirit of Sivakami, who is residing is a far away land in our enemies’ fort, is perpetually tormenting me and robbing me of peace at daytime and sleep at night. The day I uphold my word by defeating the Chalukyas and freeing her and hand her over to her father; that day that unfeeling woman’s spirit will cease agonizing me. That very day, I will banish all memories of her from my heart. Then only thoughts of you, our children and the welfare of the Pallava Kingdom will prevail. Devi! Do you trust me? Or do you think that these are misleading words uttered by a worldly-wise man?” asked Mamallar.

That very instant, Vanamadevi stood up from the bed, prostrated before Mamallar and said, “Prabhu! I don’t distrust your words. Even if I were to observe that your behaviour contradicts your words, it is my eyes that I will fail to trust. I will not doubt you!” Mamallar dwelt for sometime on the difference between the Sivakami’s suspicion and pride laden love and the tranquil love expressed by the most virtuous of Pandya Nadu’s women. He returned to reality with a start, held Vanamadevi’s hands, seated her next to him on the bed and said:

“It’s good you brought up this subject now. You have removed a huge burden that was weighing on me. In return, I am handing over the major responsibility of overseeing this expansive empire to you and leaving. Though the Ministers’ Council will attend to the matters of the state during my absence, they will consult you for important matters and act accordingly. But, Devi! I am giving you the sole responsibility of performing an important task. You must promise me that you will fulfill that task.” When Mamallar said this, Vanamadevi was surprised and concerned. “Prabhu! If you believe that this helpless woman is capable of executing the task, please command me to do so. I consider it my fortune to execute your orders!”

“It’s an extremely important task! Your brother’ son Nedumaran, who left Madurai leading a large army, with the express intention of joining me in the Vatapi expedition has not reached Kanchi yet. He has sent me a message stating that he is staying at the banks of the Varaha River because he is unwell, that he would reach Kanchi in a week and that I ought to wait for him. It is impossible for me to delay this expedition. It is imperative for me to leave on the day which our dynasty’s guru has said is auspicious. Devi! I have received news that Nedumaran has fallen for the Samanars’ enticing words. You are aware that the Samanars’ are thirsting to settle scores with me. You must ensure that Nedumaran causes no harm when he reaches Kanchi.”

Mamallar had hardly finished talking when Vanamadevi majestically said, “Prabhu! You may leave without worrying about this matter. I will not allow the family in which I was born to harm you. If I come to know that Nedumaran harbours such evil thoughts, I will stab him with a dagger!” Mamallar smilingly said, “Don’t do that! Wouldn’t your tender hands that resemble the petals of a jasmine ache if you were to wield a dagger? Don’t wield the dagger. If the necessity arises, procure some effective poison from Namasivaya Vaidhyar, mix it with milk and give it to him!…But I don’t think such a necessity will arise. My suspicion may be unfounded. But it is essential for royalty to foresee such situations and take the necessary precautions, especially when one is embarking on an expedition to a faraway country!”

Mamallar had hardly stopped talking when a deafening noise that caused the palace walls to vibrate was heard. It was not possible to fathom whether the din which enveloped the bedroom chamber came from a far away place or from the core of the earth. It was not just the ears but the entire body that experienced the impact of that noise. Mamallar stood up with a start saying “Ah! It’s midnight! The war trumpet is being blown!”

The din from the trumpet that caused Mamallar to stand up with a start also brought before his eyes gory scenes from the battlefield. Gigantic war elephants resembling massive granite hills, combatted with each other letting out shrill cries. Hundreds of chariots moved at a pace that caused the earth to vibrate, clashed against each other and shattered into smithereens. When thousands of horsemen wielding spears rode on horses that travelled faster than wind to the centre of the battlefield and attacked each other, the sparkle of the spears was blinding. Lakhs of soldiers wielding sharp swords killed each other. The bloodshed in the battlefield resembled the flow of a large river. The lifeless corpses of elephants, horses and mutilated humans floated in the river of blood. Mamallar could also visualize the pride-filled face of a woman amidst this gruesome sight! Needless to mention, it was the face of the sculptor’s daughter, Sivakami.

Volume 4 Chapter 8: Vanamadevi

 

The residents of Kanchi were transforming the night prior to the army’s departure into day. None of Kanchi’s five lakh residents barring the infants slept. The street lamps across the city were shining brightly. The elephant force, cavalry, infantry and chariots harnessed with white horses assembled at Kanchi. They were being organized to report at the palace at dawn. As the Chakravarthy was leaving for war the following day, the womenfolk stayed awake all night decorating the streets and the entrance of their houses. Banana trees bearing ripe fruit, bunches of tender coconut leaves, festoons, fabric curtains and tender coconut shoots were used to decorate the city.

The women painted the outer walls of the houses and drew artistic kolams[i] at street corners. Most of those kolams depicted battle scenes. Warriors riding horses and elephants and foot soldiers wielding swords and spears featured in those kolams. One kolam depicted the Pandavas[ii] seated in five chariots wielding bows and arrows. Another kolam portrayed Rama and Lakshmana engaged in fierce battle with the ten-headed Ravana. Yet another kolam illustrated Abhimanyu single-handedly fighting the several warriors who had surrounded him. Ah! The Kanchi women were well-versed both with Bharata Kanda’s heroic epics and the art of drawing.

The Chakravarthy’s palace was also buzzing with activity that night. The palace entrance and moonlit courtyard were decorated with banana trees and festoons. Thondai creepers bearing crimson flowers were suspended everywhere. At the moonlight courtyard, the glow from the swords and spears that were smeared with ghee[iii] and then polished blinded one’s eyes. The ornaments meant for elephants and horses were gleaming.

While the thoroughfares and the palace entrance were agog with excitement, the anthapuram was pin drop silent. The ladies in waiting walked around noiselessly carrying out important tasks. When they had to speak, they whispered into each other’s ears. The reason was that the Chakravarthy had come to the anthapuram to bid adieu to his consort.

The Chakravarthy was seated on a feather soft mattress laid on an ivory bed that was decorated with blue silk fabric and strings of pearls. The Empress of the Pallava Kingdom and the Pandya princess, Vanamadevi, was standing deferentially in his presence. In the adjacent chamber, Prince Mahendran and Princess Kundavi were sound asleep on the silk mattress spread out on a golden bed.

Nine years ago, the Pandya princess, Vanamadevi, had wed Mamallar. Her beauty was reminiscent of the beauty of the Pandya women described in epics and poetry. Her skin tone resembled the pleasing hue of the red lotus. Her black eyes resembled the black beetles that buzzed around the lotus flowers. Didn’t Uma[iv] Devi, whose beautiful form had distracted Lord Shiva who was engaged in the most severe penance and had caused his heart to melt, choose to be born in the Madurai Pandya dynasty when she incarnated on earth? Hadn’t Lord Shiva, stopped dancing at the graveyard and discarded his repulsive accessories like the human skull and assumed a handsome form to marry Parvathi Devi who was then born in the Pandya dynasty? Words are inadequate to describe the beauty of Vanamadevi who was born in the same Pandya dynasty.

The Chakravarthy said, “Devi! It’s time for me to leave. Tomorrow, I too will leave for the battlefield at dawn!” Vanamadevi did not respond. A single tear that surfaced in her eye gleamed like a pearl in the glow of a lamp. “I don’t know how long it will take for me to return. I don’t even know whether I will return at all. Devi! I am giving you a major responsibility to shoulder. You must accord utmost attention in bringing up Mahendran and Kundavi. You must safeguard the Pallava Empire and hand it over to Mahendran when he comes of age!” When Mamallar said this Vanamadevi, who was standing till then, sat at his feet and cried.

“Devi! What is this? Are you, who are a descendant of the valorous Pandya dynasty, reluctant to bid adieu to your husband who is headed to the battlefield?” asked the Chakravarthy, who became slightly disconcerted. Vanamadevi looked up to him and said, “Prabhu! I don’t possess an iota of such reluctance. Neither will the situation necessitate me to oversee the kingdom and hand it over to Mahendran when he comes of age. There are several expert astrologers at my birthplace, Madurai. They have spoken at length about my marital life. There is no doubt that you will return victoriously after winning the Chalukyas and razing Vatapi to the ground!” “Then, why did you shed tears? Who caused you sorrow? You must speak frankly,” said Mamallar.

“Swami! The astrologer who spoke of my marital life also mentioned something else. He said that I will attain the lotus feet of Goddess Meenakshi[v] before you. I wept because I was concerned that this may happen before you return. I do not want to depart to heaven before seeing you return victoriously”. When Vanamadevi said this, her wide eyes were brimming with copious tears again. Mamallar lifted the beacon of the Pandya dynasty and made her sit next to him on the bed. He wiped away her tears with his angavastram.

“Devi! I too will make an astrological prediction; heed me! I will return victoriously after decimating Pulikesi and razing Vatapi to the ground. When I lead the victory procession around Kanchi seated in a golden chariot drawn by white horses, you will be seated by my side. Mahendran will be seated on your lap, while Kundavi will be seated on mine…”

“Prabhu! I don’t harbour such desires. It would suffice if I saw you return victoriously from your expedition. If I continue to be alive even after you return, I will hand over this position and the joy of being by your side to whom it rightfully belongs and step aside. If you so desire, I will continue to occupy a small place in this palace. If you desire otherwise, I will return to my birthplace!”  Mamallar was aghast when he heard these words.

“Devi! What is this? Why are you speaking in a manner you have not spoken in the last nine years? What did you hear? What is at the back of your mind when you speak thus?” asked an emotionally drained Mamallar. “Swami! Do you believe that I will be ignorant of something those in the palace, the residents of Kanchi and the entire Kingdom know about?” “I’m unable to fathom what you’re talking about. What is the mystery those in the palace and the entire country are aware of?”

“There is no mystery, Prabhu! It is about the reason for you invading Vatapi.” “Why am I leading this expedition? What did you hear?” asked Mamallar. “Do you want me to state the reason? You are going to free the sculptor Aayanar’s daughter…” “Ah! You too know about this. How long have you known? How did you come to know about this?”

“I have known this for a long time. Nine years ago when I entered this palace after marrying you, your mothers and the ladies in waiting used to look at me sympathetically. They used to sigh concernedly looking at me. Gradually, I surmised the truth from their conversation. Swami! Within a year of becoming your chief consort, I came to know that someone else occupied your heart…” “Despite knowing this, you did not broach that subject with me even once. Not even once in the last nine years did you point an accusing finger at me. Devi! I have heard of virtuous women in stories and epics. None of them match up to you,” said Mamallar proudly.

“Prabhu! Your words give me goose bumps. But I am not worthy of this honour!” said the Pandya princess. “No one but you are worthy of this honour. Despite knowing that your lawfully wedded husband had lost his heart to someone else, you did not question me about this even once. Neither did you accuse me. Can there be a woman who’s more virtuous than you?”

“Swami! Why should I accuse you? It is my father and my brother, who are guilty. Weren’t they obstinate that you marry me? Didn’t my brother, Jayanta Varman, become enraged at your refusal and invade the Pallava Kingdom? You defeated him at the banks of the Kollidam River and chased him away. None of us believed my brother who claimed to have defeated you when he returned to Madurai. We derived happiness by discussing how you had humbled his hubris. Even then, my brother did not spare you. He left no stone unturned to ensure that we are married so that he could substantiate what he had claimed…”

“Devi! Do you still believe that I married you on account of Jayanta Varman’s insistence?” When Narasimha Varmar posed this question, a smile appeared on his face. “No, Prabhu! You did not marry me on Jayanta Varman’s insistence. You married me for the welfare of the Pallava Kingdom. You married me because it was essential for you to befriend the kings in the South if you had to wage war against the demonic adversary in the North. It was not my brother’s duress that prompted you to marry me. You married me heeding your father’s advice. I came to know about all this within a few days of my coming to this palace…” “Still, you did not question me about this even once. Ah! How true it is when people say that the depths of a woman’s heart cannot be comprehended!” thought Mamallar when he observed his consort’s face closely. Her lotus-like face did not reveal an iota of rancour; immense faith, boundless love and tranquility were evident!

Vanamadevi said: “Swami! I have never ever dwelt on your reasons for marrying me. That’s because I was clear about why I married you. When news of your defeating Jayanta Varman at the banks of the Kollidam River reached Madurai, my heart sought you out. That moment I decided that I would marry only you and that if I were unable to marry you, I will remain unmarried all my life. My desire was fulfilled. I was fortunate to have wed you. For the last nine years, I have resided joyously in your palace. Prabhu! I do not expect this happiness to last forever. Others should have an opportunity to live happily too. The day you return to Kanchi bringing back Aayanar’s daughter, I am prepared to relinquish my rights to the golden throne of the ancient Pallava dynasty and my role as your wife in this palace,” said Vanamadevi in a choked voice. She then looked at Mamallar with tear-filled eyes. Mamallar understood that every emotion-laden word uttered came from an untainted heart that bore no ill-will.

 

Kolam – Designs drawn on the floor using rice powder.

Pandavas – Five brothers who are key characters of Mahabharata

Ghee – Clarified butter

Uma – Another name for Goddess Parvathi

Meenakshi – An incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, who is the presiding deity of Madurai – the capital of the Pandya Kingdom

Volume 4 Chapter 7: Kannan’s Worry

 

Royal mounts (elephants) fitted with beautiful ambaris were waiting outside the main entrance of the temple. Royal palanquins made of ivory and gold dazzled brilliantly. The Chakravarthy’s ornate chariot fastened with two beautiful white steeds also stood outside the temple. Kannabiran sat in the chariot holding on to the horses’ reins. His face gave away his indescribable worry.

People had congregated to view the beautiful chariot and the high breed steeds harnessed to the chariot. One of them asked, “Charioteer! Why do you look so downcast?” Kannan did not respond. Another man said, “Why ask him the reason for his worry? Tomorrow, doesn’t he have to leave for the battlefield? He is concerned that he would be separated from his wife and child!” Hearing this, Kannabiran’s eyes reddened with anger. He whipped the speaker with the ornate whip that he had never used on the high breed horses.

Luckily the man stepped away quickly and escaped unhurt. The mischief monger stood some distance away and continued, “Appane! Why are you so angry? If you are unwilling to proceed to the battlefield, give me the chariot! I will go!” Yet another onlooker said, “Pazhaniandi[i]! Why do you annoy Kannabiran? He is worried because apparently the Chakravarthy has asked him not to accompany the contingent that is leaving for the war tomorrow!” The onlookers sighed sympathetically.

Kannabiran rode Bhuvana Mahadevi and the others who had stepped out of the temple to the palace and then returned home. When Kannan returned to his house after leaving the horses in the stables and patting them, he saw a novel sight. Kannan’s son who was now ten years old was swirling a long sword around. As he swirled his sword around, a myriad expressions flitted across his face. Sometimes that innocent countenance exuded anger, while at other times it revealed the difficulty on being trapped in a tight corner. Sometimes the joy of decimating a foe was also apparent on his face!

Kamali sat at some distance away from her son and avidly watched him pretending to fight at the battlefield. Unknown to her, Kannabiran noiselessly entered the house. Kannabiran initially smiled happily watching the above-mentioned scene. The next instant his smile transformed into a frown. When Kannabiran angrily chided, “Murugaiyya[ii]! Stop playing!” the boy stood stunned. Kamali, who was both surprised and shocked, looked at Kannan.

“Throw away the sword! Why does a charioteer’s son require a sword? If you so desire, play with a horse whip! But don’t even touch the sword! Do you understand?” growled Kannan. Hearing this they boy let the sword drop to the ground, ran to Kamali, sat on her lap and sobbed. Kamali asked, “What’s this, Kanna? Why do you make the boy cry? Tomorrow you are leaving for war. One does not know how long it will take for you to return!”

“Kamali! Give up such hopes! Your husband is not leaving for the battlefield. I am going to idly while away my time in the city ofKanchi. This is the Chakravarthy’s command!” said Kannan. Extreme disappointment was then evident on Kamali’s face. “What is this Kanna? Why is the Chakravarthy cheating you thus? It seems he is taking the sculptor Aayanar, who is now disabled, to the battlefield?” she asked. “Lord Rama ought to have destroyed the island of Lanka when he invaded it with an army of monkeys!” said Kannabiran

“Why are you speaking in riddles? What is the connection between Lord Rama destroying Lanka and you proceeding to the battlefield?” asked Kamali. “There is a connection. Had Lanka submerged in the sea then, the Prince of Lanka wouldn’t have come here, would he? I am required to stay behind to ride the chariot for him! The Chakravarthy commands thus!” “Ah! In that case, is Manavanman also not going to war? Aren’t the Chakravarthy and he friends?” “They are close friends, that’s why this situation arose. If Manavanman’s life is in danger at the battlefield, it seems that Lanka’s royal dynasty will come to an end. Manavanman has no heirs yet. So the Chakravarthy has commanded the Lankan prince not to go to the battlefield; I have been stopped for his sake!”

“Is that the reason? Then you don’t have to worry, Kanna! The Prince of Lanka and you will be able to proceed to the battlefront shortly!” said Kamali. “How do you say this?” asked Kannabiran suspiciously. “There is a reason; the Princess of Lanka is to give birth to a child shortly.” “Oh! Was this what you meant when you said that the Princess of Lanka is unwell? Ekambareshwara! May a son be born to the Princess of Lanka!” said Kannan with his palms folded, turning towards the direction of the Ekambarar temple.

 

[i] Pazhaniandi – The mischief monger’s name

[ii] Murugaiyya – The name of Kannabiran’s son