Chapter 14: Army Departure
When the sun rose in the eastern horizon on Vijayadasami, certain unusual events were occurring in Kanchi. Mamalla Chakravarthy after performing ceremonies like Yatra Danam and Graha Preethi[i] at the entrance the hoary Pallava palace, sought the blessings of the elders including Rudrachariar, took leave of his mother Bhuvana Mahadevi and left for the battle field mounted on the royal war elephant. The din of the war trumpets blown then caused the multi-storeyed mansions of Kanchi to vibrate and echoed across the city’s mandapams.
Rows of elephants, horses and chariots that stood ahead of and behind the royal war elephant started moving in unison towards the northern gates of the Kanchi Fort. As this procession made its way through Kanchi’s thoroughfares, beautiful women standing in the upper storeys of the mansions showered fragrant flowers and akshadai[ii] mixed with turmeric and cheered, “Jaya Vijayi Bhava!” This war-bound procession, heartily cheered by the womenfolk, reached the northern entrance of the fort in a muhurtham. The fort gates were flung wide open. Beyond the gates stood an ocean like army that extended up to the horizon. Numerous flags fluttering in the breeze amidst that army resembled the frothy white waves that rise in an ocean when strong winds blow.
Across the moat that ran adjacent to the northern gates, Mamalla Chakravarthy finally bid farewell to Manavanman and his two cherished children. When he lifted and embraced Mahendran and Kundavi, he wondered when he would see them again. This thought caused tears to well in his eyes. After lowering the children to the ground, he told Manavanman, “My dear friend! I am leaving these children, their mother and this Pallava Kingdom under your care. You ought to care for them like the apple of your eye and hand them back to me when I return. Manavanmarey! As opined by Paranjyothi, I am leaving behind one part of the army that is stationed at Thirukazhukunram. If Kanchi is under threat because of the Pandya Prince or his army, don’t hesitate to use that army.”
“So be it, Prabhu! Please do not worry about Kanchi!” said Manavanman. “I’m glad! I was concerned that you would obstinately insist on accompanying me in the last minute. Your behaviour befits a true friend!” said Mamallar whole-heartedly. Then Mahendran said for the thousandth time, “Appa! I too will accompany you to the Vatapi War. Take me along!” Mamallar told his son, “Mahendra! Don’t be concerned about the Vatapi War. The Lanka War is going to be even fiercer. You may go there, decimate the man who appropriated your uncle’s kingdom and return your uncle’s kingdom to him!”
After speaking thus, Mamallar abruptly dissociated himself from his children and mounted the royal elephant. That was it! That gigantic army started moving slowly as though the ocean itself was relocating from one place to another. The clouds of dust that rose when this gargantuan army advanced in unison completely obscured the earth and the sky. Manavanman, Mahendran and Kundavi stood at the entrance of the fort and watched without batting an eyelid till the clouds of dust completely disappeared.
[i] Yatra Danam means danam (charity) prior to the travel (yatra). Graha Preethi means appeasement (preethi) of the planets (graham). Both these ceremonies were performed to secure success in the expedition.
[ii] Akshadai – Raw rice. This is usually mixed with turmeric and showered on those embarking on campaigns and newlyweds as a blessing.
