Sumeetha Manikandan's Blog, page 4
July 6, 2016
Chapter 26: Anirudhar’s Request
When Anirudhar’s presence was announced the crowd parted on both sides to allow his palanquin through to the courtyard. They had immense respect for his person and had total trust upon his loyalty towards the king. As he made his way through to the forefront of the crowd, many spoke to him expressing their distress about Prince Arul Mozhi Varmar’s fate. He soothed their fears and allayed their fears about the Prince by telling them about the rescue plans that were underway. When the palanqu...
July 2, 2016
Chapter 25: Prime Minister Arrives
The city of Pazhaiarai was in turmoil that day. People converged from every corner of the city onto the street that housed all the royal palaces of Kings. Old men and women, children, girls, boys and soldiers everyone was out on the streets that day. Vaishanavaites, Shaivaites, Kalamugars forgot their inherent differences and stood shoulder to shoulder outside the palace demanding to know what happened to their dear prince.
Young men with sticks and sickles stood together banging their weapo...
June 25, 2016
Chapter 24: She Regained Consciousness
Vanathi fainted yet again and for a while she remained unaware of what was happening around her. Soon, she started to regain her senses and became aware of the fact that she did not marry the Prince of her dreams beneath the seas. She remembered hearing the distressful news about the Prince’s death at the sea and coming to the lake. She remembered fainting and falling into the waters. As soon as she realized this she felt an almost physical pain of a hundred spears searing her heart apart....
June 23, 2016
Chapter 23: Vanathi
Princess VanathiIf the poets were asked to describe the beauty of Princess Vanathi, they would surely compare it with the lovely elegance of the dusk. When the sun sets in the evening after a glorious day there is a hint of sadness and a still peace. That’s probably why the Gods of nature lit the skies with the lustrous moon and many millions of stars to compensate for the disappearance of the sun. While it is true that the lovely lotus flowers close their petals during the dusk, the jasmine...
May 31, 2016
Chapter 22: What’s that noise?
As they neared the lake, Vandiya Devan saw Princess Kundavai waiting for him in the boat but he hesitated to move forward due to Azhwarkadiyan’s presence.
Realizing this Azhwarkadiyan said, “Why are you standing here hesitating? The Princess has been waiting for you long. Get on the boat and give her the good news, ‘The Prince has arrived and is safe’ and then you can go on about your exploits. I will take my leave now and see if I can control the madness that we have unleashed upon the city...
May 20, 2016
Chapter 21: Are you truly my Mother?
“My Child! When your father ascended the Chola throne the Kingdom was in shambles. You know all about your grandsire King Paranthaka Chola. During his glorious reign, the tiger flag of the Cholas flew all the way from Elangai to Krishna River. However during the last years of his reign many misfortunes fell upon the royal family and the Kingdom. Rashtrakutas came with a huge army to oust our rule. They fought with our army that was led by the King’s heir and Crown Prince Rajadhithan at Thakol...
April 30, 2016
Chapter 20: Mother & Son
Dowager Queen SembiyanmadeviPrince Madhuranthakar went to his mother’s quarters for a private audience upon her request. Everybody in the kingdom unequivocally respected and revered this dowager queen for her single-minded devotion towards Lord Shiva. The Prince too had great respect for his mother once but now he bore only rage and contempt towards her. She was the sole reason for his lack of kingship.
How could a mother act thus, that too towards her own son? Even in stories, legend and myth...
April 17, 2016
Chapter 19: At the Nick of the Time
During the welcome reception of Thirunaraiyur Nambi, Pinagapani couldn’t enter the Sabha room. Nonetheless, he stayed with the thronging crowds outside and kept his eyes trained on Vandiya Devan. Vandiya Devan didn’t notice him because he was more intent upon sending silent messages through his eyes to Princess Kundavai. There was one more man who was looking at both of them unnoticed and that was our old friend Azhwarkadiyan Nambi.
After foretelling disastrous fortunes for Prince Madhuranthak...
After foretelling disastrous fortunes for Prince Madhuranthak...
April 10, 2016
Chapter 18: The Soothsayer
As the crowd dispersed from the Sabha Room, Sembiyanmadevi told her son, “Madhuranthaka! Do rest awhile and then come to my chambers. I will bid farewell to Nambi and his entourage and join you there. I have important matters to discuss with you,”
“As you wish, Mother.” said Madhuranthakan and withdrew to his quarters, which was just as well. He would need sometime to compose himself as his heart was brimming with anger, jealousy and resentment.
How dare she bring such pious beggars to the pal...
“As you wish, Mother.” said Madhuranthakan and withdrew to his quarters, which was just as well. He would need sometime to compose himself as his heart was brimming with anger, jealousy and resentment.
How dare she bring such pious beggars to the pal...
April 1, 2016
Chapter 17: Thirunaraiyur Nambi
Vandiya Devan entered Pazhaiarai city again along with Prince Madhuranthakan’s entourage. As they passed through the Chola warriors houses at Ariya Padai Veedu, Pambai Padai Veedu, Pudu Padai Veedu, Manapadai Veedu and through the many temples and the market, Vandiya Devan noted that people didn’t greet the Prince enthusiastically and nor were they curious enough to throng the streets to gawk at him. He couldn’t help but remember the excitement and delight of the citizenry during his la...
