Chapter 35: Vatapi Ganapathi
Vatapi Ganapathi[i]
Human character may be categorized into two types. The first type of people takes the recurring acts of cruelty they witness very lightly. Then they start thinking. Finally they are able to engage in such cruel acts as a matter of habit. Incidents that initially arouse pity in them fail to evoke any emotion over a period of time. The second type of people feels more and more enraged and not indifferent when they repeatedly observe acts of brutality. When they see suffering, they feel more sorrowful. The more they witness injustice and violence being perpetrated, the firmer their resolve becomes to eradicate these evils. Commander Paranjyothi was of the second type. He did not belong to the demonic tribe of humans who became increasingly bloodthirsty when they witnessed gore. At the Vatapi War, he observed rivers of blood flowing in the battlefield, mountains of human corpses that piled up and the moans of those who were grievously injured and on the verge of death. This led Paranjyothi to think, “Why should such atrocities occur? Why do humans have to engage in barbaric acts and kill each other?”
Sivakami’s message reached him when he was in this state of mind. He felt that every word written in that message was true. He thought that God himself had preached thus through Sivakami Devi to prevent him from engaging in such brutal acts. If this were not the case, why did Aayanar’s daughter have to write to him instead of writing to Mamallar directly? Paranjyothi thought that as Sivakami Devi had herself said that there was no necessity to fulfill her oath, Mamallar would immediately acquiesce. Who stood to gain by tormenting the citizens of Vatapi in retaliation to the brutality perpetrated by Pulikesi at Pallava Nadu ten years ago? Moreover, there was no guarantee that the violence would end with this! We are avenging the injustice committed by Pulikesi ten years ago by torturing the citizens of Vatapi. Similarly, the Chalukyas may seek revenge on Pallava Nadu in a few years from now. When sovereigns seek revenge to uphold their honour and their dynasty’s glory, innocent people on both sides are put to untold misery.
Commander Paranjyothi was thinking along these lines. Intermittently he also recollected Mamallar’s scornful words, which made him sad. Wasn’t he under the delusion that Mamallar’s emotions and intellect functioned in unison? Not only was Mamallar extremely dismissive of his suggestion, but he had also humiliated him! Wasn’t this trait characteristic of royalty?! Ever since the Prince of Lanka had come to Kanchi, Mamallar’s character had undergone a complete transformation! All these troubles are because of Manavanman. When Commander Paranjyothi had sought three days’ time from Mamallar, he had said that he needed the time to make preparations to attack the fort. The reason was valid. Commander Paranjyothi had learnt from his experience that it was preferable to make due preparations and complete a task in a day rather than embarking on a task unprepared and complete it in ten days’ time. So, in that instance he deployed his war strategies to the fullest.
However, in addition to the stated reason there was another important reason on account of which Commander Paranjyothi had sought three days’ time. He was desirous of safely bring Sivakami Devi, who was still residing within the fort, out before the attack began. How can one be sure that no harm will befall Aayanar’s daughter if she were to remain inside the fort when the Pallava army attacked the fort from outside? Mamallar and Paranjyothi had discussed this issue previously. Shatrugnan and Gundodharan were commissioned to ascertain if there existed a secret tunnel that led inside the fort so that a few people could be sent into the fort ahead of the attack. The Commander had sought three days’ time to see what became of their efforts.
The third day was drawing to a close; it was the sunset of the third day. If Mamallar were to pass orders that night, the attack would have to start. But Shatrugnan and Gundodharan had not returned. How can this tricky situation be resolved? It would be good if Mamallar were to change his mind and accept the truce without engaging in combat. If not, how can we ensure that no danger befalls Sivakami Devi?
Thinking thus of possible outcomes, the Pallava Commander was riding by the ramparts of the fort. It seemed that there was some disturbance within the fort. All these days dead silence had prevailed within the fort. But at that point of time all kinds of noises were heard. Paranjyothi felt heightened confusion on account of this. He brought his horse to a halt when he reached the main entrance of the fort. To attack the fort, it was imperative to first demolish the gigantic gates fitted to the massive main entrance. Only then was it possible for all the soldiers to enter the fort at the same time and capture the city within a short period of time. Though arrangements for this had already been made, the Commander wished to take one final close look before commanding the warriors in the elephant force to launch the attack.
So, he dismounted the horse and walked towards the entrance. It was then the exquisitely carved sculptures located at the entrance of the Vatapi Fort caught his attention. Amongst those sculptures was an idol of Ganapathi. Paranjyothi stood close to the idol with his arms folded. He silently prayed as follows: “Vinayaka Peruman, who removes all barriers! Please bless us so that the task for which we came ends well! Please be with us so that we may safely hand over my guru’s daughter, Sivakami Devi, back to her father, Aayanar. If you were to fulfill this prayer of mine, I in turn will ensure that you’re not harmed when we attack this fort. I will take you back to my native village, build a temple, consecrate you in that temple and perform daily prayers.
The instant Paranjyothi finished praying, a lot of commotion prevailed amongst the Pallava soldiers who were stationed some distance away from the fort entrance. When they observed the top of the fort entrance, they exclaimed in surprise. As this attracted the Commander’s attention, he looked towards the soldiers. One of them called out, “Commander! The white flag has been lowered!” The Commander hurried to the spot where they were standing and looked at the top of the fort entrance. The flag of truce that was fluttering for the last three days was no longer hoisted!
[i] Ganapathi – A son of Lord Shiva, whose possesses an elephant face and a human body
