Thiruvaruril Pirandhor

2

Thiruvaruril Pirandhor

 Thiruvarur….

 The holy temple of Thyagarjan…

 The Easan Sannathi…

 Iraivan has been dressed up most magnificently and seen in all His brilliance.

 The king Manu Chozhar along with his reigning queen is standing having darisanam. The Gurukkal is conducting the Deeparadhanai to the auspicious sound of nadaswaram and the ringing of the temple bells. All the assembled bow their heads in reverence.

Gurukkal (in his loud and metallic tone)

      Hail to Sivan who is the Lord of the South!

      Hail to Iraivan who is the Lord of Everyone of Every country!

After bowing to Easan he comes out of the sanctum sanctorum and shows the deepam to the king.

Gurukkal

 The glorious successor of Anabhaya Chozha! The emperor of Chozha mandalam! Manu Chakravarthy, who never falters in dispensation of justice! Hail to you! Hail to Your kingdom! Let Emperuman be merciful to bless you to rule over this country   . Let your clan proliferate like the banana plants for generations to come.

The blessings of the Gurukkal change the mood of the king which has been glum to one of happiness and his eyes sparkle with a new found lustre. The king and the queen touch the deepam in all reverence.

Mannar 

Gurukkal Perumane!  You blessed that my clan will spread for ever like the banana cluster as if you have realised my long felt agony!  Will I be blessed with a child? Will my clan spread?

Gurukkal

 To those who have firm faith in Him, Easan makes them undergo a lot of trials and tribulations. He tests whether they have the determination to endure the tests, overcome them and come out successful. To those who have firmness, He will help them get over the difficulties! He will bestow limitless happiness at the end. He has never forsaken any of his devotees. By His grace, you will be blessed with a child without doubt.   Unusually, the Royal Court has assembled today. Even the Devas are waiting to hear your verdict on the cases.   Let Easan help you deliver appropriate judgments.

Mannar

Is this also a test of Easan? 

Gurukkal leaves the place in silence with a faint smile without answering the king’s question.

     *******

The King’s court….

 The soldiers are controlling the unprecedented crowd worried that they may not spill over to the centre of the court. The Amaichchar, the Senathipathi and other officials of the kingdom are awaiting the arrival of the king. The Court attendant announces the arrival of the king Manu Chozhar in a loud voice.  There is a sudden silence in the hall. The Amaichchar, the Senathipathi and all others stand up. The women folk who are seated above unseen by the public also stand up. The king enters the Royal Court hall. He   goes straight to the throne and bows to his seat. He then turns around and pays his respects to the gathered public and then to the assembled officials. He looks up and pays regards to the womenfolk who are accommodated above. He takes his seat and picks up his Royal baton.

All the public hail the king and take their seats. The Amaichchar walks up to the throne and bows to the king.

Mannar

Amaichchar Perumane! You may start the proceedings.

Amaichchar

Mannar manna!  Your subjects are living happily without a shade of worry about any kind of crimes. There have been no instances of murder, theft, fear, cheating or harassment under your rule.  The fact that the court hall has not been opened for a long time is proof of this.   

Afraid to proceed further, he hesitates.

Mannar (encouraging)

Please go ahead.

Amaichchar

We are compelled to assemble the court today as   four murders have been committed on a single day, yesterday.

Taken aback by this news the crowd lets out a loud shout.

Amaichchar

We have imprisoned all the four convicts.  I will produce them here one by one, if the king approves.

The king gives his approval and the minister looks at the Senathipathi who signals the guards to bring the first convict.  Two guards lead a lean and black youth with completely shaven head. He is shackled in his hands and legs. The whole assembly is watching the youth.

Amaichchar

This man goes by the name of Karuppan. He is twenty two years of age and by profession a barber. He has without any feeling of remorse cut the throat of a customer and killed him while giving him a shave. He refuses to narrate what has happened in spite of questioning him a number of times. The one who has lost his life goes by the name of Somanathan, aged about forty years. He is a widower but has a son and a daughter. Even the most hard hearted were moved by the crying of these two children. They have already lost their mother. They have now become orphans because of the cruel act of this man.  People like him must be given exemplary punishment so that others will fear even thinking of committing such acts.

The king looks at Karuppan.

Mannar

Your name… ?  

Without answering Karuppan looks at the king furiously.

Karuppan (highly agitated)

 Am I dog or what? You have bound my hands and legs in chains. First remove these fetters. I will then answer all your questions.

The assembled public is stunned to observe the fury of Karuppan.

The King scrutinises Karuppan’s face intently. There is neither anger nor compassion in his gaze.

Losing his composure, the Amaichchar goes near Karuppan.

Amaichchar

It is the custom in this kingdom to chain the convicts who have committed murders.

Karuppan (arguing)

I will not run away and escape. If that were my intent, I would not have surrendered voluntarily to the guards.

 Amaichchar

You are chained not only to prevent your escape. You have taken the life of a man already. We have to take precaution that another life does not come to harm by you. That is why you have been chained. 

The King intervenes…

Mannar

Guards!  Remove his fetters.

The order of the king surprises the assembled public. The guards remove his fetters immediately.

Karuppan

 I bow to the king with my folded hands to the King for his mercy. I will answer all the questions put to me.

Mannar

Your name… ?  

Karuppan

Karuppan.

Mannar

What is the enmity between you and the man you have murdered? 

Karuppan (sadly)

I don’t even know the name of that person. Nor I know any other details about him.

The public lets out an anguished expression in disbelief which reverberates all round the court hall.

         *************

There are two under a tree….

One is Karuppan, sharpening his razor on a length of dog hide for giving a shave. The other is Somanathan of   huge physique on a wooden seat.

 Somanathan 

Hey!  You nasuva (barber)! Sharpen the razor properly. If there is even a minor scratch on my chin, I will tie you up and skin you alive!

Karuppan (pleading)

Ayya! My name is Karuppan. Please address me by my name.

Somanathan

You big mouth!  You want me to address you respectfully by your name. Aren’t you a nasuvan (barber)? Why can’t you be addressed as nasuvan? 

Karuppan

Ayya! You are again addressing me as barber. I don’t want any trouble so early in the day.

Somanathan

I will call you the way I like.  Nasuvan… Nasuvan.. What will you do now?

 Karuppan (calmly)

Ayya! It appears you have come here only to create a quarrel. I will not be able to give you a shave. Please leave this place and go away.

Somanathan becomes furious hearing these words.

Somanathan (shouting furiously)

Hey! You a scum of a barber! You have insulted me. Do you know who I am? Please give me a proper shave or else I will burn you along with your family alive.

His whole body is shaking in anger. Hearing him Karuppan losses his cool and his eyes turn red in anger.

He goes near Somanathan and in a second goes behind him.  Gripping his head and bending it towards his leg on one side, he slits his throat with the sharp razor. The blood spurts on his face and Somanathan dies in agony.

      *******

The Court hall…

The king is seated in his throne and the minister in his seat. Karuppan has just narrated what actually happened. He is looking down. The public are still in awe.

Karuppan

This is what has happened.

The Amaichchar leaves his seat and goes near Karuppan.

Amaichchar

Aren’t you engaged in the trade of a barber? Just for calling you a barber, you have killed a man! The king always hails me as ‘Amaichchare’. It denotes the job I am doing.  Isn’t it our custom to hail people like wise in our homes?  Suppose the ‘vannan’ (washer man) comes to one’s door steps. Doesn’t a boy or a girl on seeing him shouts that the vannan has come? Is there anything wrong in this? 

We call a vaidhyan as vaidhyan and a vanikan as vanikan. Why must you get angry when you are called as nasuavan?

 Karuppan (with tears in his eyes)

You are right Amaichchare! I don’t know why I lost my senses at that time. The way that man addressed me …. Once my anger subsided, I realised my folly and immediately I rushed and surrendered to the guards. I am prepared to accept any punishment the king may award.

There is pin drop silence in the royal court and all eyes are on the king as to what he is going say.

Mannar (orders)

Bring in the next murder convict!

The guards rush to bring the next one.

      **********

The next accused of imposing demeanor is being brought in by the guards.  The gaze of the entire gathering in the Royal Court falls on him. Six-foot tall with a wide chest and muscular hands, he sports a thick tuft of hair drawn into a bun at the back. Wearing the dhoti   in proper ‘panchakachcham’ fashion, the exposed calf muscles are sinuous and taut.  However his right hand is hanging down as if paralysed. Since he has been chained only on his legs, the chains make an eerie sound as he walks up. Though the public are captivated by his imposing stature, his glowing red eyes give them a peculiar feeling of fear as well.  

 Amaichchar

Mannar manna!  This young man who is standing here goes by the name of Karunakaran. He is the teacher of martial arts like archery, horse and elephant riding, javelin throw, sword fight and wrestling.

There are plenty of youth under his training in the morning and evening. Yesterday afternoon, he beheaded   his old friend Thirukkotti during a friendly fight. He has tarnished the virtue of friendship. For his merciless act, it is fair that he be given the sentence of death.

Amaichchar goes back to his seat.

 Mannar

Your name..?

Karunakaran

 Karunakaran!

 Mannar

Is the person who has been killed your friend?

Karunakaran

Yes!

Mannar

Did you kill him?

Karunakaran

Yes! Mannar manna! Pray don’t ask me anything more. For my merciless act which tarnished the fair name of friendship, only the sentence of death is apt. My only prayer to the King is that please order that I be beheaded the same way. This is my last wish.

He sheds copious tears after concluding this prayer. Seeing a heroic and soldierly person shedding tears perplexes everyone present in the Royal Court. 

Mannar (in a firm tone)

Karunakara! It is not approved in the royal edicts to award punishment without a proper enquiry! Please narrate whatever has happened.

The royal command of the king hits him like a bolt and he starts to narrate the events.

Karunakaran

Thirukkotti and I are boyhood friends. Both of us are ardent students of martial arts. Under the same Guru both of us learnt many skills for twenty years.  There have been friendly matches between us most of the time. The villagers used to gather in large numbers to witness them. Our heroic contests   always draw the praise of the audience. If I win in archery one day, he would beat me in sword fight another day. If I beat him in sword fight next time he will beat me in Silambam in turn.   We were neck to neck in all events of martial arts. By stint of hard work and relentless practice we improved our dexterity.  When the training in Gurukulam came to an end, I came to Thiruvarur and he went to Cheranadu. After two years, he came to my hut yesterday morning. Seeing him after a long interval my joy knew no bounds. I asked him what he has been doing and he smiled mischievously.  I again asked him what the matter was. He said that he was teaching the art of ‘Varmakalai’.  I did not realise at that time that his mischievous smile was indicating my lack of expertise in ‘Varmakalai.

Yesterday afternoon at about four o’clock my students started coming for their classes. Proudly I introduced my friend to all of them.

At that time…..

    ******

The training fields of Karunakaran ….

There is a gentle breeze wafting among the mango and coconut trees.

The students are divided into small groups and carrying out their training. Karunakaran and Thirukkotti are seated on a cot in the centre.

Karunakaran

I have heard about Varmakalai. Even our guru used to talk about it at times. What is the difference between Varmakalai and the skills we were taught? I have also heard that it is essential to have knowledge of human anatomy to master Varmakalai. Is that true?

Thirukkotti

Yes! It is true. Varmakalai differs greatly from other martial arts. It is also much superior. It is very difficult to learn.    Only extremely intelligent people can teach as well as learn this art. It is very essential to know which part of the body one has to tap to make it immobile!

Karunakaran

Is that so? It is something strange to even hear about it.   I am very happy that my friend has become an expert in such a skill and at the same time I am sad that I am yet to learn this art. 

 Happily he embraces his friend. At that very instant the mischievous smile of Thirukkotti disappears. Karunakaran feels as if he has been stung by fire and jumps away.  Seeing his friend Thirukkotti enjoying his discomfiture, Karunakaran asks him what he has done.

Karunakaran (agitated)

What did you do to me? I felt as if I touched a raging fire.

Thirukkotti (laughing aloud)

What I demonstrated is a very minor item of Varmakalai. Even this has scared you out of your wits! Can you imagine how much torture one can inflict on the other using Varmakalai?

Karunakaran looks at his friend deeply.

Karunakaran (anguished)

It is not heroic to subdue an unarmed and unwary person using this skill.  Only cowards can stoop to such practice. You have mastered many martial arts. Is it fair on your part to have acted like this? 

The laughing countenance of Thirukkotti changes to one of viciousness.

Thirukkotti

How dare you call me a coward?

Karunakaran realises that he might have offended his friend unknowingly.

Karunakaran

Kotti! Please pardon me. It is not my intent to offend you or the art you have acquired. In the event of war or a duel, the opponents must fight with the same weapons. If the opponent is wielding a sword, one   has to fight against him with a sword only. That is the sacred edict of war. If one is an expert in Varmakalai, he must use that skill against only someone who is adept in it. If you practice this marital art against a person who is unaware of this art, it is akin to hitting some one behind his back. That is why I said that it is the act of cowards. If you are hurt by my words, please forgive me. You are my honoured guest. It is my duty to show my utmost hospitality and ensure you leave this place without any rancour.

Come, let us go and see the students who are undergoing training.

 Thirukkotti

Stop! You have insulted me and my expertise. I will prove to you what I am! You call your best student here. I will prove my capability.

Karunakaran

No! You are my guest now.  I do not want any harm to you from my students or any harm to them from you.  Come! Let us go back to my hut.

Hearing their arguments, the students stop their training and surround them.

One of his students

Aasane! Your friend is talking about ‘varmam, karmam’ and what not. Ask him to prove his skill against me.  No skill on earth can overcome a man of Thiruvarur! Give me permission.  I will show my game.

Without even getting the approval of Karunakaran, Thirukkotti jumps into the arena and pats his thighs to denote that he is ready for the contest. The student who spoke up also jumps in. The duel starts without the approval of Karunakaran. Voicing their encouragement loudly, the students surround them. Thirukkotti gives out a mild smile. Taking a bow in his hand, the student signals Thirukkotti to pick up a bow.  Folding his fore arms above his chest, he signals his refusal to accept the bow and arrows handed over to him.  

Thirukkotti

My hands are my bows and arrows.  Now shoot your arrows on me.

Hesitant to shoot the arrow against unarmed Thirukkotti the student looks at Karunakaran.  Thirukkotti beams when he hears the approval of Karunakaran to his student to shoot the arrows. As the student shoots arrows in quick sequence, Thirukkotti dodges all of them.   The student after exhausting all the arrows in his sling, throws the bow down and stands in front of Thirukkotti as if he is ready for a bout of wrestling. Thirukkotti gives out the same mischievous smile. As they lock their bodies against each other, Thirukkotti with his hand applies some pressure. The next moment, the student falls down and kicks his hands and legs as if stuck by epileptic fits. The vociferous crowds become silent. There is surprise and anger writ in everyone’s face. Another student jumps in front of Thirukkotti to avenge the horrible state to which his classmate has been reduced to. Thirukkotti blocks that boy easily with his hands and jumps behind him and gives a blow on his neck with both his hands. The boy falls down in a limp. All this happened in a fraction of a second. The students are stupefied and look at Thirukkotti as if a ghost has descended among them.

 Thirukkotti (laughing contemptuously)

Karunakara! Is that all the expertise of your students? Is there anyone man enough to take me on?     

Stung by his taunt, about six or seven students jump into the arena and surround him. Thirukkotti quickly handles them and send them sprawling to the ground.

Thirukkotti (mockingly)

Karunakara! Is this the standard of your training? Have you also lost your martial skills?

Karunakaran (angrily)

Kotti! Don’t lose your balance. It is enough and stop it now.

Thirukkotti

How can I stop without a bout with you? Come!  Fight with me and gauge my expertise. I used to burn inside whenever you won the fights against me. I used to fume whenever you cornered all the praises. I have come to take my revenge today.  How long I have been waiting for this day? Come on! Fight with me now.   I have come here more powerful and skillful than you!  I will kill you now and take my revenge.

 The horrifying countenance of Thirukkotti make the students run away in fear. Karunakaran looks at his friend who is showing so much scorn. He feels sad.

 Karunakaran

Kotti! I have always thought of you as my bosom friend.  But you have considered me as your enemy all along. Have you faked your friendship of all these twenty years? You… You are my guest here. I know your prowess. I watched quietly when my students fought with you.  Not even a scratch on your body while you are my guest is acceptable to me. You leave this place quietly. Let there be no contest among us.    Restore my students to their original state using your expertise before you go. We will still remain as friends.

Karunakaran approaches Thirukkotti with his arms extended in friendly gesture. But Thirukkotti pushes him and Karunakaran falls down losing his balance. Thirukkotti gives out a hearty laugh. The next second Karunakaran jumps to his feet putting an end to his laughter.

Karunakaran (pleading)

Let there be no competition between us. If you win, it is as If I have won. Likewise if you lose, it is as if I have lost. There is no victory or defeat among friends. Please restore my students to their original state. They have come here reposing their faith in me. Don’t bring disrepute to the art we have learnt!

Thirukkotti

Stop all this useless talk and fight with me. You are not my friend. You are my enemy. I have come here only to take revenge. Today is a golden day for me. Come On!

Patting his thighs he challenges Karunakaran for a fight.

 Karunakaran (to himself)

If I do not take up the challenge and fight with him, even my own students might ridicule me.

Karunakaran readies himself for the fight.

Karunakaran

Let there be a fight as per your wish. What weapon you want to take up?

Thirukkotti

My only weapons will be my two hands. You may choose any weapon you like if you wish.

Karunakaran

Why will I also take up one if you do not want any weapon?

Expecting that Karunakaran will give this answer, Thirukkotti starts his attack immediately. Both of them fight fiercely. As he has already experienced an attack using Varmakalai earlier, Karunakaran dodges from getting into Thirukkotti’s clutches and at the same time not giving him any respite from his attacks.  Unable to meet the challenge, Thirukkotti starts losing his grip in the fight. Realising   that it is unwise to delay further usage of Varmakalai against his foe, he jumps behind Karunakaran and pinches his right shoulder.  Karunakaran’s right hand goes limp as he staggers. Quickly regaining his balance he is attacked by Thirukkotti again.  Though the students get highly perturbed by observing the unjust use of Varmakalai by Thirukkotti, they are amazed by the skillful parrying by Karunakaran. At one point, the neck of Thirukkotti is locked in by the left hand of Karunakaran. Unable to extricate himself after some struggle, he manages to release his head from the lock and jumps takes up a sword lying there. He charges at the unarmed Karunakaran who dodges the attack and picks up another sword lying on the ground with his left hand in a jiffy. Swirling it around, he cuts off the head of Thirukkotti. Unable to see the twitching body of his friend in a pool of blood, Karunakaran closes his eyes. He runs off to the palace guards and surrenders in spite of vehement opposition from his students.

      *******

The Royal Court…

The gathered public is looking at Karunakaran who has brought out the events alive by his narration      and the Amaichchar.

Amaichchar

Mannar Manna! The beheading of Thirukkotti who has come as a guest is a crime and cannot be justified by whatever reason. Murder it is! Karunakaran has himself appealed for the punishment he wants to be awarded. I therefore request that the King to order beheading of Karunakaran.

Mannar

 I will give my verdict after hearing all the other killers. Amaichchare! Call the next one.

Amaichchar

 Yes! Manna! Here is the third murderer. 

The guards bring in a middle aged man in fetters.

Amaichchar

This man called Meyyappar is a trader who goes off to far off lands to earn money. He has earned a good name in the town for his good nature and generosity.  Having gone to the temple with his wife and children he has killed a devotee who has come there with the Soolayudham of the temple. He refuses to divulge the reason for his act in spite of sustained questioning.  What can we do if he refuses to speak? Does he feel that he can escape punishment by keeping quiet? Only Mannar can decide as to what to do.

There is a tinge of frustration in the minister’s tone.

Mannar

Meyyappare! You appear to belong to noble and high society. How can you commit such a killing?  What has happened? Come out of your silence and give your reply.

Meyyappar

Mannar manna! The crime of murder I have committed is not compatible either to my nature or to the country I belong to. I always weigh plenty of various options before taking any decision. In this case, I have taken the decision in an instant and deprived a man of his life unjustly. I am a great sinner. I have dishonoured the faith reposed on me. I am unfit to walk this earth even for a second more.

The public watch in hushed pity the man who starts wailing uncontrollably after finishing his speech.

Meyyappar (with tears in his eyes)

I belong to traditional visya community. I am a great devotee of Siva.  My conduct is impeccable. I know the intricacies of trading and accounting.  I can predict which commodity in which place will fetch profit and by how much if traded. Therefore I keep travelling to far off countries with products for here for sales and bring from there rare items here for selling. This is my business.  Being fond of sea voyage, I travel overseas frequently for business though I have accumulated enough wealth. I was leading a luxurious life with my good natured wife and an equally good son.  Why would I need anything more than this? It is all in my destiny! Due to my ill fate, I have lost everything and am standing before you as a murder convict.

Wiping off his tears he continues.

Meyyappar

Recently, I met with a person named Sangaman belonging to the city of Koodal while returning by ship after concluding my business.  The acquaintance turned into a close friendship. Both of us exchanged all our personal matters. Sangaman also has a good natured wife and a son. His son of about twenty years of age is paralysed and bedridden due to some disease. Sangaman is constrained to earn money by going overseas in order to meet the heavy expenditure for   his son’s medical treatments.  As the days went by our friendship also intensified.

On one of those days…..

      ******

Meyyapan and Sangaman are on the upper deck of the ship sailing homewards. There is untold misery in Sangamon’s face.

Meyyappar

Nanbare!  You look very much perturbed! Is there anything worrying you?

Sangaman  

Meyyappare! Something is bothering my mind. I have been debating myself for the past few days whether or not to divulge it to you.

Meyyappar

What, my dear friend! Don’t you have confidence in me? What is so secretive? 

Sangaman 

I have enormous faith in you.  The thing which is bothering me is that I do not know how to swim! Do you know swimming?

Meyyappar

Yes! I learnt it a long time ago when I decided to go overseas. During our voyage anything may happen. If the boat or ship capsizes, at least we may be able to save our lives. It is very essential to know swimming. Why haven’t you learnt it?

Sangaman 

Earlier there was no necessity. Now I am spending sleepless nights worrying something untoward might happen!

Meyyappar

Are you worried that this ship will capsize and you will die?

Sangaman

No! I have no fear of death. I want to sell off the stuff I have brought along after reaching our shores and with that money to give medical treatment for my son. In case the ship capsizes, I will not be able to reach ashore. Who will then spend money for my son’s treatment? My only worry is that my son gets cured and leads a happy life.

 Meyyappar

Leave everything to Easan and be calm. Everything will turn out for the good.

Sangaman

No! My friend!  My worry will always be troubling me. Whatever happens to me, I want my son to be cured. Come. Take this bag from me.

Meyyappar accepts the bag handed over by Sangaman and looks inside. His eyes widen in amazement. Inside the bag are brilliant diamonds and other sparkling gems.

Meyyappar

Oh! What a fantastic sight! With these sparkling diamonds one can even buy a whole kingdom!

 Sangaman

I do not need a country or a kingdom. It is enough for me if my son gets cured.

Meyyappar (surprised)

That is fine! Why are you handing over this to me?

Sangaman

It is better if this bag is with you rather than with me. Even if the ship capsizes, will you not survive and save my son since you know swimming?

Hearing these words Meyyappar is saddened  

Meyyappar

The faith you have reposed on me has made me frenetic. The ship will reach the shores safely. In case something untoward happens, I will hand over this bag to your wife and son.  I promise this with the Lord of Thiruvarur Thyagesan as witness.

Sangaman

At last my mind is now totally at peace.

It was becoming dark and both of them go down to the lower deck, have their food and retire to bed. After some time there is loud noise all around. The pirates are jumping onboard the vessel from all sides creating a terrifying noise.  Any one on their path is mercilessly chopped down by their swords. To save their lives many of the passengers jump into the sea. Meyyappar runs looking for Sangaman. There is wailing all around.  He is unable to locate Sangaman. Scared that any more delay will land him in the hands of the pirates, he readies himself to jump into the sea. He makes sure that the bag of diamonds given by Sangaman is securely tied to his waist. He jumps into the sea not waiting for even a second more. At that very moment he hears a loud wail and looks back only to see that his friend Sangaman is tossed overboard by the pirates. An unfathomable   sadness engulfs him. Tossed by a huge wave, Meyyappar starts to swim in utter darkness. Not realising how long he has been swimming, he is overcome by fatigue. Remembering Easan Thiruvaruran he loses his consciousness.  He realises that he has been swept ashore and lying there holding on to a wooden log when he regains his consciousness.

Quickly he checks his waist to confirm whether the bag is intact. Finding it secure, his mind goes back to Easan in reverence.

Thiruvarur…

The palatial residence of Meyyappar…..

On seeing him, his wife and son run to him. Hugging him they start crying.

His Wife (crying)  

Thank God you are alive!  Hearing the news that your ship has been attacked by pirates and many of them have been killed, I have more or less given up my life. I will not let you go overseas ever. The agony we have undergone is enough for this lifetime. We have enough wealth for generations to come. From now on do not ever leave us.        

 The concern of his wife and son for his wellbeing makes Meyyappar go into raptures. 

          *******

Days pass by…

To make up the loss of goods and money he incurred, Meyyappar puts in sustained hard work day in and day out. . His promise to Sangaman slips away from his mind totally. One evening, after having his supper, he is waiting for his wife. She comes and sits next to him.

His Wife 

Dear husband! I have wanted to ask you something and somehow or other it slips from my mind. I now remember and let me ask you before I forget again.

She goes to the almairah and picks up a blue bag and hands it over to him. Meyyappar jumps up in a fit on seeing the bag and his wife gets scared seeing his reaction.

Meyyappar

How come this bag is with you?

His Wife 

You cast off the clothes you have been wearing when you came home after the voyage. I found this bag among your clothes when I picked them up for washing. I kept this bag safely. I wanted to remind you about this bag but somehow I forgot about it. Is there anything wrong?   Why are you looking so perturbed?

Meyyappar (to himself)

How I did not remember?  I pray that nothing untoward should have happened to his son. Easane! Only you can help me and save me. 

Without answering his wife, he replaces the bag in an iron safe. Taking another bag full of gold coins from there he runs out.  His wife runs follows him and reaches the entrance totally confused. By that time Meyyappar mounts his steed.

Meyyappar

Nachchiyare! I am off to the city of Koodal. It may take ten to fifteen days for me to return. I will tell you all the details after my return.

The horse gallops like a shot!

      ******

The City of Koodal…

 After due enquiry, he enters the palatial residence of Sangaman. He is distressed to note the silence and gloomy atmosphere prevailing there. He guesses the grief stricken lady in white clothes as the widow of Sangaman and folds up his hand respectfully.

Meyyappar

Sister! I am Meyyapan.  I am coming from Thiruvarur. Sangaman and I travelled together in the ship. It is the will of God! Attacked by pirates, I jumped into the sea and escaped from death. I came to grief when I saw those wicked men throwing Sangaman into the sea.  Within a few days of our acquaintance, we became very close to each other. He was always worried about his son. He bade me to arrange for medical treatment for his son should some calamity fell on him. I gave my promise that I would do as he wished. How is his son now?  Can I see him? 

 Feeling as if she has got a fresh lease of life on hearing his words, she takes him to her son. Meyyappar is in tears seeing the pitiable condition of her son lying limp. He hands over all the gold coins he has brought along to Sangaman’s wife. The very next day, eminent doctors are called in to start the treatment for her son. Meyyappar returns home. Days turn to weeks and weeks into months. Meyyappar visits Sangaman’s son every fifteen days. During each visit he gives enormous amount of gold coins. Sangaman’s son gets completely cured in due course. In order that he can start a business, he gives him bountiful gold coins.  When Sangaman’s son falls on his feet to get his blessings, he remembers the promise he has made to Sangaman. He returns home in peace.

     ******

Meyyappar’s residence…

Meyyappar and his wife are seated on their bed.  His wife is preparing tamboolam and handing it to him.

Nachchiar (happily)

What a relief to see you happy after a very long time!

Meyyappar

Yes! It is true! Due to the grace of Easan, my friend’s son has recovered fully from his ailment.  As I have given my word, my responsibility will be over when I hand over the bag of diamonds to them.

Nachchiar frowns as she hears this.  Seeing the change in her countenance Meyyappar asks what the matter is!

Nachchiar

Have you kept account of money you have spent for the medical treatments and the seed money given for starting a business etcetera?

Meyyappar (laughing)

Have a heart! Will anyone keep an account of expenses incurred for his friend?

Nachchiar

How ridiculous! You have offered enormous amount of gold coins and say that you have kept no account of it! This is against the traditions of our clan.  We must keep the bag of diamonds with us to even out the expenses we have incurred for them.

Meyyappar (confused) 

You have no idea of its value! Even one diamond in that collection will be worth more than what my father, grandfather and I have earned in our life time. With this bag of diamonds we may be able to buy a whole country. This entire property belongs to Sangaman’s family. I will have to return it definitely.

Meyyappar says this with certainty.

Nachchiar

Your justification is illogical!  You have squandered our wealth to stand by your promise given to your dead friend, because you are a good man.  Will they not have lost everything if you have not swum and escaped death?  Even your own valuable goods have been lost with the ship.  While you can incur loss, why is that you feel your friend cannot?  At times don’t people give valuable stuff   in return for a pittance when they are in difficult situation? Leave aside all this! Won’t there be any share for you for bringing this invaluable stuff? You have done your duty true to your conscience.  You have also liberally given them gold coins more than they have expected.  It is barter! The diamonds in return of gold coins! This is also business. These diamonds are now ours.  Let these diamonds be with us for having brought their stuff safely and for having looked after their family earnestly. You took care of his family out of true friendship.  Friendship is one thing and business is another. Please do not mix both. You should act now like a businessman. The diamonds are ours and you sleep devoid of any worries.

She goes to a sound sleep. However, Meyyappar is perturbed and unable to sleep any further.

      ******

The days pass by…

On the one hand Meyyappar is worried that he is committing a wrong and on the other hand taunted by the logic of Nachchiar. Not able to discern which is right he spends his days in great confusion.

One evening…

He goes to the temple of Thyagesan with his wife and son. He observes someone looking at him intently at the entrance. The face looks familiar. Thinking who could it be, he enters the temple. Suddenly recollects that he is Sangaman.  Questioning himself as to how the dead man has come alive, he again looks back and confirms that he is none other than Sangaman. He gets highly flustered.

Meyyappar (to himself)

Is he following me after ascertaining my identity? In case he recognises me… Suppose he corners me for cheating him… Alas! What reply can I give?  Why this disgrace should befall on me, born in a noble family? Suppose Sangaman seeks justice from the king… What will happen to the fair name of my clan?  Alas! My heart is heavily burdened and about to burst!

Seeing the changes in her husband, Nachchiar tries to speak to him. Meyyappar signals her to keep quiet.

Meyyappar chides her to go ahead with their son in a strict tone. Distraught, she proceeds speedily ahead with their son. 

Meyyappar is walking as if in a trance. At one place, he wants to steady himself and takes the support of a staff planted on the ground.  While he withdraws the hand realising that it is a Soolayudham, it comes off from its base into his hand. There is some movement behind his back. He hears being addressed ‘Nanba! Meyyappa!’ He discerns that Sangaman has reached him. For a fraction of a second his only concern is that the fair name of his clan is going to be sullied. With his hands firmly gripping the Soolayudham he turns around plunges it against Sangaman. It pierces his heart and blood spurts out. There is not even a whimper of a cry from Sangaman. He merely looks deeply into the eyes of Meyyappar and breathes his last.

     *******

That night…

Meyyappar locks himself into his room without taking food. In spite of repeated banging of the door by Nachchiar and his son, he refuses to budge. He keeps walking up and down in his room throughout the night.  In the morning, he comes out only to see his wife and his son sleeping just outside the door. On seeing them, he could not control his tears. With the disheveled hair and crumpled garments he walks barefoot to the king’s palace making the onlookers spell bound. Reaching there , he surrenders to the guards.

       ********

 The Royal Court…

Amaichchar (getting up and moving towards Meyyappar)

Meyyappare! Fearing that your friend may expose your treachery of usurping the diamonds and bring disgrace to your clan, you silenced him by spearing him with the Soolayudham. This happened in the evening. You go to sleep at night but   sleep eludes you. You surrender to the palace guards in the morning. Knowing well that the death penalty is imposed for the crime of murder and that the fair name of your clan will be ruined forever when the facts are brought out in the Royal Court, you confessed to the guards forgetting why you committed the crime in the first instance!  Your action is baffling!   

Without answering the Amaichchar, Meyyappar covers his face starts wailing aloud. Due to pin drop silence in the court, his crying is echoing all around loudly.   The public are curiously waiting to hear what he is going to reply. Regaining his composure,  Meyyappar looks up to the king.

Meyyappar

Mannare! Apprehending a blemish to the fair name of my clan, I stabbed my friend in the heat of the moment. I remained alone after I reached home. Alas! How do I describe the scene when I stabbed him? His appearance as a mendicant, his shocked look, the pain he endured because of the stabbing, the strange look he gave me, the nuances of that look, those eyes which were still alive started taunting me. Those eyes were staring at me wherever I turned whether my eyes were open or closed. That pathetic look of his appeared as if questioning me, ‘Are you the same friend of mine who promised to me calling Easan as witness? Are you the same friend who did this to me?’ This was burning my conscience.  I am treacherous. I am a murderer. I am unfit to live even for a second more. Any punishment meted out to me is fair. But my ultimate request is that I am thrown in cauldron of burning oil. Please hand over the diamonds in my keep to the wife and son of Sangaman. Please award the death penalty on me and relieve me from my distress.

He slaps his face with both the palm of his chained hands.  The hand cuff cut his face and bloodies the court hall.

    ******

The Royal Court…

There is unprecedented rush and the guards are at their wits end to control the crowd. The Amaichchar, Senathipathi and all the officials are busy handling the cases which have come up for judgment. Mannar is seated in his thrown. The Royal baton in his right hand is held straight as if to proclaim that the judgment dispensed by him will be fair and straight!

At that time…

The guards bring before the king a hand cuffed Munikumaran, a youth with a blazing countenance due to his mastery over Vedas.  His fearless looks and majestic walk overawe the public and draw their sympathy. The Amaichchar stands up to speak.

Amaichchar

The Munikumaran who is brought here is the only son of Thirunathaperuman belonging to a generation of Gurukulam teachers. His name is Parasuraman.

The mild murmuring among the public on knowing the identity of the Munikumaran is subdued by a stern look from the Amaichchar.

Amaichchar

Parasuraman is both a student and an assistant of his father. Negating a usual saying that a ‘teacher’s son is always stupid’, he is as good an expert in Vedas, administration and martial arts as his illustrious father.   But who can conquer the destiny?  He poisoned his classmate Sivanthinayakan and killed him. The other classmates did not initially realise when they saw what Parasuraman was mixing in Sivanthinayakan’s food was poison. When they noticed Sivanthinayakan falling down dead after eating the food, they realised that it was poison that was mixed in his food. They immediately informed the palace guards. We arrested him and brought him here. He refused to divulge any information saying that he would speak only to the King.   Mannar may kindly interrogate him.

Mannar

Munikumara! Did you kill that man?

Parasuraman nods his head in the affirmative.

Mannar (in a stern order)

You open your mouth and answer the question!

Parasuraman looks up to the king and then the gathered public and speaks.

Parasuraman

As the Amaichchar has said it is because of my falling into the web of fate that I did this despicable act. But Sivanthinayakan is responsible for instigating me to do this crime. My father, who is of noble character and well versed in Vedas and martial arts, is also responsible for my act to a certain extent. My father is my teacher. He used to punish me severely for even petty mistakes. I am a topper in my studies and Sivanthinayakan turned out my arch rival. While he was equally adept in studies, he was superior to me in martial arts. In his company I always felt as if I have been defeated. But he was a good fellow.   He treated me as a good friend. About a few weeks ago, I happened to have the acquaintance of a young woman named Thilakavathi while going to the river for my daily bath.   She is the daughter of a very rich merchant.  Nature has blessed her with exquisite beauty. I fell in love with her at the very first sight. Our very first meeting itself was unique!

 Parasuraman narrates…..

     ******* 

On the banks of river Cauvery….

 Men and women are having their bath in their respective segregated bathing ghats. Parasuraman takes his dip in the river chanting Veda mantras and climbs up the steps and reaches the bank. After praying to Sun god as per routine, he comes to the Pillayar Sannathi under the peepul tree and applies thiruneeru.  A group of young girls are passing by and when he turns around the hand of a passing girl touches him inadvertently. Angered for having been polluted, he looks up only to find an angel like girl facing him. Dispelling his anger quickly, he looks up to her.

Parasuraman

Penne! You have touched me and compelled to me to have a bath again! Can’t you be a little more careful while walking?

There was not a tinge of anger in his tone.

Penn

Ayya! You appear to be a Munikumaran! My hand touched you accidentally. I am also coming up after taking a bath in the river. How can my touch defile your sanctity?

Parasuraman (calmly)

It is not so! Those who teach and learn Vedas must ensure that their sanctity is not compromised by not getting touched by others.  Let us forget whatever has happened. I will go for my bath again.

 His calm reply removes whatever apprehension she had that he might chide her.

 Penn

Your calm demeanor is praise worthy! Are you learning Vedas or teaching them?

Parasuraman (with a gentle laugh)

Both!  I learn Vedas from my father and teach others whatever I learn.

Penn

I have a few doubts in some parts of Vedas. Will you be able to clarify them?

Parasuraman is delighted hearing this.

Parasuraman

Yes! Definitely! What are your doubts?

Penn

I am already late. People at home will start searching for me. About the same time tomorrow we can meet here.  But… I will make sure I stand at least a few feet away from you!  Otherwise, my touch may force you to have bath the whole day!

She leaves leaving a merry laugh behind.  Her stature and her talk get embedded in his mind indelibly.

Next day…

 Parasuraman reaches the same Pillayar Sannathi much ahead of his usual time eagerly awaiting the girl.

He is restless. He thinks, ‘Will she or won’t she come as told? How this girl has made my mind meander in a day’s time? Well! Sometime or other I also have to become a householder!  What if this girl becomes my wife?

Closing his eyes he imagines that he is leading a happy married life with that girl.  He hears being hailed as ‘Munikumara’. Opening his eyes he sees this girl standing in front of him.

Penn

Have I disturbed your meditation?

Parasuraman

Not in the least!  Do you plan to make me a munivar by calling me ‘Munikumaran’? My name is Parasuraman.

Penn (laughing)

A very apt name indeed! As far as my knowledge goes, isn’t Parasuraman a munivar?

Parasuraman is taken in by her quick wit.

 Penn

I am the daughter of Muthuvanikar. My name is Thilakavathi Nachchiar!

Parasuraman

Is that so? You are the divine daughter of Muthuvanikar. It appears that Goddess Lakshmi herself has here in person!

Thilakavathi goes into raptures hearing his praise and Parasuraman is all eyes enjoying her beauty.

Thilakavathi

Munikumarare! I have a few doubts in some parts of Vedas. Only you may kindly clarify them.

Parasuraman

Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva are the four Vedas. In which of these you have doubts?

Thilakavathi

I know Vedas are four in number. I don’t know what are contained in each of them. My doubt is only one. Are the Vedas you teach the same that is said to have been given by Iraivan Himself?

Parasuraman

Where is the doubt in this?

 Thilakavathi

They say that Vedas were  there  when the  universe was created. Vedas  have  been imparted orally in the tradition of ‘Guru-Sishya’ and preserved carefully all along. Only recently, they have been reduced to writing on palm leaves. Is it possible that Vedas may remain unaltered by additions or omissions and retain its original purity in spite of its oral transmission? Today we see that news given to a person verbally gets mutilated by either addition or reduction or totally in contravention of what has been conveyed the very next day. Vedas may also have undergone such transformation! Are the Vedas today retaining the same composition when they originated eons ago?

Not expecting such a question from her, Parasuraman stands transfixed.

Thilakavathi

Munikumara! Why are you taken aback?   Is my question very tough to answer?

Parasuraman

Thilakavathi! Your sharp wit has baffled me! Such a doubt has never been raised before! Even I haven’t asked this question to my father. If there is a question, there will have to be an answer for that.

 Thilakavathi

Is my question pertinent?

Parasuraman

Yes! It is absolutely relevant! I have to give an answer. The Vedas are composed in Sanskrit language, the language of Devas. All the contents are in the form of hymns. They are the root mantras to be recited to specified ragas and beats.  Mantras are governed by mathematics. All mantras are bound by specific mathematical formulation. Every sentence has a beginning, middle and last word. The first word of a particular sentence will be the second word of another specific sentence. Likewise second word of a particular sentence will be the third word of another specific sentence. These are composed based on mathematical formulae. If any one word is out of sequence, it will not harmonise with the raga or the beat. That word will then be replaced by the correct one. Therefore Vedas have been composed so that they can neither be altered by time or by humans.   They are recited with the same content and in the same way as they originated even today.  The learned say that the Vedas live forever and cannot be altered or destroyed. Have I cleared your doubt?

 Thilakavathi is delighted by his explanation and   Parasuraman goes very high in her esteem. She stands bowing to him expressing her regard.

Thilakavathi

Munikumarare! Your wisdom is unfathomable. You have given the most appropriate answer for my question. My lingering doubt of all these days is cleared. Your knowledge is worthy of praise.

She again bows to him. Parasuraman is beaming with pride!

     *******

It becomes a routine for Parasuraman and Thilakavathi to meet at Pillayar Sannathi after their bath and discuss various topics keeping fair distance between them.

One day as they were walking discussing some topic, Sivanthinayakan arrives at great speed in his horse and stops by them. Parasuraman looks annoyed seeing him dismount from the horse.

Sivanthinayakan

Parasurama!  Your father has suddenly fallen ill. He swooned calling your name. You must return to the asramam immediately.

 Offering his horse to the perturbed Parasuraman to proceed to the asramam, he notices him struggling even to mount the horse. Not wanting to waste any more time, he jumps onto the horse and lifts Parasuraman deftly and places him ahead on the horse.  Galloping they reach the asramam quickly.

Asramam….

The teacher is lying on his bed surrounded by students. They are fanning the unconscious teacher. Parasuraman makes a dash and reaches his father. At that very moment, the doctor arrives and the students make way for the doctor.

    ******

Parasuraman’s father is bedridden. Both Sivanthinayakan and Parasuraman are taking care of him night and day taking turns. Twenty days pass by before the old man is able to regain his strength and to take   care of himself. After this long gap, Parasuraman goes to the river for bath as per his original routine and awaits Thilakavathi at the Pillayar Sannathi. She is not to be seen. Twenty days of separation seems twenty years and feels distressed not finding her. He returns to asramam after a futile long wait. Likewise six more days pass without seeing her.  Disappointed and thinking what to do next, he goes into a coconut grove instead of returning to the asramam. 

There…

He can make out two people sitting at a distance.  Focusing on them, he realises that it is Sivanthinayakan who is seated with Thilakavathi on his lap. The scene agitates him no end. With his eyes reddened in anger he traces his steps back.

    ******

Asramam…

Parasuraman is seated in a plank in the middle of the hut and a cheerful Sivanthinayakan enters there.

Parasuraman

Sivanthi!  Just a few moments ago I saw you with a girl on your lap in the coconut grove. Isn’t she Thilakavathi Nachchiar, the daughter of Muthuvanikar?

Sivanthinayakan is shaken a little knowing that Parasuraman has seen him with his lady love, yet he regains his composure quickly.

Sivanthinayakan

Yes!

Parasuraman

Are you in love for a long time?

It takes considerable effort for Parasuraman to hide any rancour in his tone.

Sivanthinayakan

You have asked this question seeing our closeness! In fact I have seen her for the first time in Pillayar Sannathi with you.  Do you remember that I came I took you with me on horseback when our teacher fell ill? That was the day. It was love at first sight!  I learnt later that Thilakavathi also felt the same way about me that day.   Gurukulam days are coming to an end. I have arranged for my parents to come and ask Muthuvanikar   for her hand in the proper way. Very soon we are going to be married.

Sivanthinayakan turns back and leaves the place happily. Parasuraman looks at him with his eyes burning in anger.

    *****

Next day…

He reaches the river before day break, has his bath and awaits Thilakavathi.

Thilakavathi comes.  Feeling happiness on seeing Parasuraman she stands bowing to him. Parasuraman looks at her. His reddened eyes create a scare in her.

Thilakavathi (in a caring tone)

Munikumara! Are you feeling alright?

Parasuraman

Thilakavathi! The day I saw you, I have lost my heart to you! Please accept me!

Thilakavathi cups her ears as if the words have stung her.

Thilakavathi

Munikumara! You are equal to my guru! I am unable to bear what you have spoken. Your classmate Sivanthinayakan only will be my lord. I have decided to marry him. You must not even think of me. I have kept very high regard for you. Alas!  You have conducted yourself like an ordinary man !

 Not uttering a word any further, she leaves the place with tears in her eyes. Parasuraman stands totally downcast.

     *****

The Royal Court….

The king Manuchozhar is seated on his throne.

Parasuraman is standing in front of him.

The public are keenly and silently waiting to hear what further Parasuraman is going to say.

Parasuraman

Mannar Manna! When I learnt that Thilakavathi does not like to marry me, my anger turned against Sivanthinayakan. I returned to asramam. I planned deeply. I cannot win him in fight. So long he is alive Thilakavathi will not even look at me. Therefore I mixed poison in his food and killed him. My bad luck! The students who saw my act handed me over to the guards. I have not committed any crime. It is Sivanthinayakan who instigated me to kill him. He has stolen my Thilakavathi from me. He is the culprit.  I have given him the punishment he deserved. I am not an offender. I am not guilty.

After he finishes his plea, Mannar looks at him. There is neither anger nor pity in his look.

Amaichchar

Emperor of Chozha Kingdom! This Munikumaran standing here is trying to shift the blame on the dead man for the murder he has committed. A murderer must never escape from getting convicted for whatever reason. This is edict of true justice. He must be given the sentence of death for murdering his classmate.

Parasuraman

Amaichchar has asked for the award of death sentence for me from the king. I have a submission… 

If I am warded death sentence my father may die of grief. Without a son to conduct his last rites and cremation, his soul will not rest in peace. For having killed a Brahmin who is well versed in Vedas, you and your successors will remain cursed forever because of Brahma haththi thosam. Therefore, I beg that I may be pardoned and released. I will be grateful to the king for life if I am freed. You and the assembled public will be blessed for having saved the life of a Brahmin.

The king again looks at Parasuraman intently.

The Amaichchar gets up and speaks.

Amaichchar

Mannar Manna!  In your benign rule where there are no crimes or complaints, the people are happy, peaceful and content. There are four murder convicts standing in front of you now.  I bow to you and pray that you sentence all of them to death in consonance with our law which states that the price of a life is the life of whom who took. The public are keenly waiting for the verdict the king is going to announce.   Even the heavenly inhabitants assemble there to hear his judgment!

     ******

The Royal Court…

Manuchozhar takes a glance of the four convicts facing him.

Then he looks at the Amaichchar and Senathipathi.

There is pin drop silence in the hall. 

 Mannar (in a stern voice)

Amaichchare! 

The anger in his tone addressing the Amaichchar gives a jolt to him and everyone else.

Mannar continues.

Mannar

You said there are no crimes or complaints under my rule and people are happy, peaceful and content. This is your saying.  The four who are standing here prove that this is untrue. Out of them three have surrendered on their own volition accepting their crime. The fourth was caught by people who witnessed the crime and handed over to the guards. These cases have come to light on their own. It follows, therefore, that there could be cases which have not been brought to light.  Even these cases have neither been produced by the Amaichchar nor by the Senathipathi. Alas! What an able Amaichchar you are and what an able Senathipathi he is !

The mocking tone of the king shocks everyone in the hall.

The king has ridiculed two of his honourable and highly placed staff. 

Taken aback on hearing the words, the Amaichchar staggers and finally manages to get up. He walks up to the king and places his turban near the feet of the king. The Senathipathi gets up with a start and unsheathes his sword.  Bowing to the king he places the sword at his feet. Bowing again to the king he prepares to leave the hall without uttering a word.

The king is shocked and so are the public.

Mannar

Amaichchare! Senathipathiyare!  What have you done?

Senathipathi halts and stands wherever he is.

Amaichchar

Manna! I have been intimately serving you for the past so many years. I can discern every nuance of yours. I always carry out my task keeping what is running in your mind.  The ridicule   by the king unsatisfied by my work has hurt me deeply. Why am I still alive after having heard these words from the king? What shall I do?  

 The Amaichchar with folded hands is in tears. The king looks at him with a gentle smile.

Mannar (looking at the Senathipathi)

 May I know the rejoinder of Senathipathi?

Senathipathi (saddened)

My mind doesn’t permit me to continue in my post even for a second after the king has lost his confidence in my service. But I would like to say one thing.  Till today I have guarded to the best of my ability the country as per the orders of the kingdom.  I always believed and acted true to the saying that ‘To serve the king is to serve the Easan.’ Why am I in this predicament  today?

 The gentle smile to Senathipathi from the king surprises everyone.

Mannar

 Amaichchare!  Senathipathiyare!   I have hailed you as an able Amaichchar and an able Senathipathi. I have not used any improper words nor called you improperly. Still both of you resigned your posts. Why?   The sarcastic tone of my speech put you off and made you lose your balance. It made you think that even the highest posts of our kingdom seem worthless. In a second you brushed aside your high posts.  Both of you are of ripe age, very wise , knowledgeable and highly experienced. If you react to the situation like this, you can well imagine how an unlettered, inexperienced young man, Karuppan would have reacted when he was derided as ‘nasuvan’.  I enacted this drama only to make you and the others assembled here to realise that Karuppan is justified in losing his balance! I urge the Amaichchar peruman and the Senathipathi to bear with me and resume their duties.

There is a sigh of relief from everyone. The Amaichchar and the Senathipathi regain their composure and walks up to the king relieved. After bowing to the king they take back the turban and the sword.

Mannar

It is time to pronounce the judgment!

The public, the Amaichchar and the heavenly witnesses are eagerly waiting to hear the king’s verdicts.

Mannar closes his eyes for a second praying to Thyagesan and opens them again.

     *******

The Royal Court…

Manuchozhar 

After bowing to the sacred feet of Easan, I am pronouncing my judgment.  

There are four murder convicts standing here.  All the four have pleaded guilty. A peculiar thing about these four is each one of the four castes as given in the Varnasrama dharma. Karuppan is a sudran, Karunakaran, a kshatriyan, Meyyappar a vaisyan and Parasuraman a brahmanan. What does the Manu Dharma says?  For the same crime, the punishment has to be different depending on the caste to which the convict belongs to. It cannot be same. A learned and wise brahmanan must get double the punishment as would be given to others. There has been manslaughter in all these four cases committed by these four persons belonging to different sects. They have pleaded guilty for the crime they have committed.  Since I do not subscribe to the view of ‘life for a life ‘or ‘an eye for an eye’ for awarding punishment, I am giving my verdict now.

Karuppan  …..  Sudran!   He first warned Somanathan not to ridicule his profession. Somanathan dismissed his warning and repeatedly mocked his profession and threatened that he would burn him and his family alive. He cut his throat and killed him for the above reasons.

When I addressed them in a little mocking tone, the Amaichchar and the Senathipathi lost their composure and quit their eminent posts. They are learned and very wise people. They are well experienced in life. When such people can get angry and take drastic decisions in the heat of the moment, the act of unlettered and inexperienced Karuppan is to be taken as an unthinking and instinctive one. Unable to bear the humiliation heaped on him he acted so in the spur of the moment.  But immediately … Realising the gravity of the crime, he felt sorry for his act and surrendered to the guards on his own volition. Therefore I am unable to perceive him as a criminal. Therefore I pardon him and release him. I also order that the Kingdom’s administration to look after the orphaned children of Somanathan and pay for their upkeep till they reach marriageable age. I also warn Karuppan that incase, losing his mind, he commits a murder again, he will be punished with beheading.  

Next…. Karunakaran..

He has chopped off the head of Thirukkotti whom he considered a bosom friend during a fight. In a war killing the enemy is considered heroic. It is not considered to be murder.  What happened between Karunakaran and Thirukkotti is as good as a war. His words ‘There is no victory or defeat among friends.  If you win, it is as If I have won. Likewise if you lose, it is as if I have lost’, prove his virtue and are to be inscribed in golden letters. In spite of repeated pleadings Thirukkotti not only beat up his students but also wanted to kill him in combat rather than win over him.   Disregarding the ‘Yudhdha dharma’, he wanted to chop off the head of Karunakaran with his sword when Karunakaran was unarmed with his right hand lifeless. Karunakaran killed him only to save his own life.   If a cow is attacking to kill someone, the sastram permits killing even the cow in self defence! So what Karunakaran has committed is well within the boundaries of legality.  I therefore set Karunakaran free. I also order the Amaichchar to procure experts on Varmakalai here and get Karunakaran and his students back to their original state.

The Third is Meyyappar…

He is born of a noble family and a great benefactor. Unless he volunteered the information, neither the kingdom nor others would have known about the diamonds. He has surrendered to the guards and felt sorry for his act. For telling the court to hand over the diamonds to the family of murdered man, he is to be commended. However life cannot be considered as a cheap commodity. For having taken away a life, he has to be punished. He is to be given the sentence of death as per the dictum ‘the cost of life is another life’. As he has surrendered voluntarily admitting his crime, as he has wanted the property to be returned to their family, as he has looked after his friend’s family well and got the treatment of their son showing fatherly compassion, I order a painless death for him by administering the poison of cobra.

Lastly …. Munikumaran Parasuraman.

Parasuraman is a brahmanan. .. He has read the Veda sastram. He is required to teach dharma and justice to others. On the contrary, he mixed poison in the food of his friend Sivanthinayakan and killed him because of his infatuation with a girl. He would have avoided getting caught had not others seen him doing the mixing. Even after getting caught red handed, even after realising that he committed a wrong, he put the blame on the dead man and also his father. Above all he threatened that the king  and  his successors will be cursed for ever if I sentence him to death.  It is therefore justified that he is given ‘twice the quantum of punishment that is awarded to others in similar cases.’  On that basis I order that he undergoes the most painful death by hoisting him on to a ‘kazhumaram’.

In order to ensure that no crime should go unnoticed , I also order that a ‘Justice Bell’ is installed in the entrance to the Royal Court for anyone to tell their grievance and seek justice without delay.  I proclaim that even the king has to come address the grievance if anyone rings this bell.

The people hail his judgment and praise the king. They wish the king a long reign.

The heavens open up with a shower of flowers.

   *******

Thrukailayam…

 Easan and his Annai are seated.

Witnessing the happenings in Thiruvarur, he sports a mischievous smile!

 Annai is perplexed seeing it….

     *******

Thiruvarur …. Thyagesan thirukovil…Easan Sannathi…

Manuneethi Chozhar and the queen are bowing to Easan.

The Gurukkal is doing the Deeparadhanai to Easan.

Mannar is saddened and tears are welling up in his eyes.

Mannar

Easane! Emperumane! Can’t be blessed with a son for the continuation of my clan?

Easan looks at the king who is pleading to Him.

At that time…. From the Sannathi…. A   divine voice resonates from the Sannathi…

The Divine Voice

Chozha Manna! The one who never wavers from justice!

A noble son will be born to you to ward off your yearning. He will make your name and fame flourish as long as this universe remains. You name him Veedhividangan’.

On hearing this…

Mannar

Easane! Emperumane! Is there a limit to your munificence?

He bows to Easan and the temple bells toll merrily!

    ******

As ordained by Easan, the queen gives birth to a son in due course and he is named Veedhividangan. The child prince grows up to wise young boy and is likened by everyone in the palace. As he approaches the school going age, preparations are made for sending him to a Gurukulam. Veedhividangan leaves his parents and goes to Gurukulam. Time flies. Years pass by. Completing his stay at Gurukulam, he returns to Thiruvarur as a young man of sixteen, as an expert in Vedas… as a champion who has mastered the martial arts of horse and elephant riding, archery and sword fighting. The king and queen go into raptures on seeing their handsome son. At that very moment there is the sound of the drums proclaiming an impending war. Getting the news that the enemy with a huge force is on the way to Thiruvarur, Veedhividangan getting the good wishes of his parents takes charge of the army and leads into battle. Unable to counter the heroic Veedhividangan’s assault, the enemies retreat in haste.

He returns home victorious while everyone is showering praises on his battle skills. The whole of Thiruvarur sports a festive look on hearing their victory in the war. There are performances of a variety of dance forms and display of martial arts on one side while on the other auspicious music is played for welcoming the victorious prince. The Veda pundits are standing there to give him a ceremonial welcome. Veedhividangan, sporting the insignias of victory on his chest arrives riding a chariot having a white silken umbrella as a hood proclaiming his regality. On both sides of the roads people are lined up and shower flower petals as the chariot passes through slowly. As if by fate and unnoticed by anyone a young calf jumps about, gets entangled on the wheel of the chariot and dies. The people are shocked witnessing this event which takes no more than a fraction of a second. The festivities come to an end. People are in tears seeing the dead calf. The mother cow comes running looking for its calf and seeing the dead calf sheds tears profusely.

Not knowing what to do Veedhividangan dismounts from the chariot and sitting on his haunches examines the calf. The cow bleats in distress. While the people start discussing the events, he approaches the Veda pundits who are standing there for giving him an auspicious welcome. 

 Veedhividangan (sadly)

Learned Veda experts! Within a wink, this young calf has come as if from nowhere through this teeming crowd and has died under the wheel of my chariot. The mother cow is bleating in great grief. Has this happened to belittle the fair name of my father? Whatever it is, let me bear the guilt. What must I do now?  

The Veda pundits

Arasakumara! Whatever has to happen has happened! This has happened inadvertently.  It is ordained by the God of death for the calf to die under the wheel of your chariot. Can this be annulled even by Easan?

If you conduct a yagam and donate to charity to the needy as per the scriptures, you will overcome the guilt of having killed the calf. By doing this parigaram, the sin   committed by you  will be nullified.

Veedhividangan

You have put my mind to rest by your good suggestions. Arrange for the conduct of the parigara yagam immediately. Without undertaking this recourse, I will not leave this place. Let my ill deed be nullified before the news reaches my father.

The Veda pundits start preparations for the yagam.

  *******

The palace… The news of victory has already reached the palace. The king is seated on his throne.  The queen, the minister and all others are waiting eagerly for the triumphant return of the prince.

At that time, The ‘Justice Bell’ that has never been sounded after its installation suddenly tolls with a thunderous noise.

On hearing it, the king jumps to his feet and rushes to the entrance of the Royal Court. All others follow the king with bated breath.

As he reaches the entrance, he is stunned to find a cow with tears flowing from its eyes, pulling rope of the gong with its mouth and ringing the bell. He calls the guards and asks as to what has happened to the cow. By this time the Amaichchar has receives news about the calf.

Amaichchar

My dear king!

Perturbed as if a calamity may befall on his kingdom on being hailed thus by the Amaichchar, the king asks him to give out the news without any delay.

Amaichchar

While our prince was returning after victory and being hailed by our people on both sides of the road, a young calf suddenly jumped in and got entangled in the wheel of his chariot and died. Its mother cow has come here and is striking the ‘Justice Bell’.

Mannar (angrily)

 Has Veedhividangan done this act? Where is he?

Amaichchar

To kill a cow is sinful. For ameliorating for the sin he is conducting a yagam and giving charity as advised by elders. He will come here once the yagam is concluded.

Mannar

 Is doing yagam to ameliorate the sin enough? As the king what justice can I render to this cow which is seeking the same? 

Amaichchar

It is very well in the know of the king that what is told by the Brahmins in such situations is accepted as just. If the yagam is performed and charity is given, the sin earned will be cleared.

Mannar

The king is responsible for the lives of his subjects and all other creatures as well. Only he who safeguards them from any harm from himself, his staff, enemies, thieves or other creatures is a true king. Will it not be against my dharma if I give my consent for performing a yagam to nullify the sin of killing a cow? What the dharma sastram say?  It says, ‘If someone takes another’s life, take out his life’.  If I do not follow this dictum, will I not be blamed for overruling the dharma sastram?

Amaichchar

 Manna! There is no precedence of such an incident   .there is no norm to kill someone for having killed a cow. Every day animals are getting killed one way or other.Is not human life force better value than  that of an animal?

Mannar

No! To a ruling king all life forces are equal! They are all to be treated in same manner only!

You said that animals are getting killed every day. But no grieving animal so far approached us for justice. But now the grieving cow rings the bell! The cow sheds copious tears seeking justice! Amaichchare! Let me face the same fate as the mother cow. That will be the fair justice. Kill my son in the same manner by running a chariot over him in the same place where he ran over the calf.

Hearing the order of the king the queen swoons. The women folk of the royalty are greatly distressed. The Aarathi plates   held in the hands of young women slip and fall down. The Amaichchar cannot control his tears after hearing the verdict of the king.

Amaichchar (greatly agonised)

He was born through a great penance!   He is to occupy the throne after the king and safeguard the Chozha Nadu! He is the only one to ensure the continuity of your clan!   Well versed in Vedas he is a learned man! He is a heroic son of this soil who defeated the enemy and made them take to their heels!  Do you want me to kill him, the apple of the eye of this country, by running a chariot over him?

The king does not express any feelings!

Mannar (in a firm tone)

The verdict of the king is as that of Easan!  Amaichchare! Carry out the punishment! This is my order!

The Amaichchar staggers ahead followed by the womenfolk of the palace.

 The street of Thiruvarur….

The chariot of Veedhividangan is standing as a moot witness!

The white silken flag that was proudly fluttering in the wind is now limp. The dead calf is placed on the edge of the street. The Brahmins are about to conclude the yagam.

The Amaichchar goes near Veedhividangan and stands.  He stands up immediately and goes near him who is in tears.

Veedhividangan (worried)

Amaichchar Perumane! I heard the toll of the Justice Bell! Has there been any loss of life there also?

Amaichchar

Oh! The precious son of this country! The one who rung the bell is the mother cow of this dead calf. With tears pouring out of its eyes, it was seeking justice by tolling the bell catching the rope by its mouth. Mannar came and heard the details. He also gave his verdict. How I can compose myself to state his verdict?

Veedhividangan looks at the Amaichchar who is shedding copious tears.

Veedhividangan (pleading)

The verdict of the king is that of Easan! Please tell me what the king pronounced.

Amaichchar

To kill you in the same manner by running the chariot over you at the same spot where the calf has been killed.

Veedhividangan

Wonderful! I feared that the fair name of the king might be sullied because of me! He has given rightful verdict! Amaichchar Perumane! Let his orders be complied with!

Veedhividangan bows to Amaichchar, the Vedic Brahmins and then the surrounding people. He goes near the chariot and lies under its wheel. The people swoon hearing the verdict of the king. The Brahmins cover their eyes not wanting to witness the execution. The Amaichchar climbs the chariot and takes up the reins. Unable to execute the order of the king he falls down dead on the floor.  The assembled people are flustered not knowing what to do.

     ******

The Royal Court…

The king is standing in front of the cow. The queen is lying unconscious at his feet. A guard runs up to him. He conveys the news that the Amaichchar has died while trying to execute his orders. Finding that his orders have not yet been executed, he takes a decision and starts to walk from there. The cow follows him.

Veedhividangan is standing near his chariot and is full of tears seeing the Amaichchar lying dead. The king reaches there.  The cow also reaches there and goes near her dead calf and bleats sorrowfully. The assembled people are astounded. Veedhividangan bows to his father and stands.

Veedhividangan

I honour the verdict of the king. It is my good fortune that I am born to you who has given this commendable judgment without being swayed by affection for me. Convey my regards to my mother. Long live the King! Hail to his Judgments!

He bows to the king, touches his feet in reverence and lies down in front of the chariot wheel. The next moment, Manuneethi Chozhan mounts the chariot and drives it over his son’s chest. Veedhividangan dies.

Then….

There is sound of conch shells …

Sankaran along with Devi appears mounted on Nandi vahanam.

Easan

Manuneethi Chozhane!  We have seen your fair judgment! Your unwavering path is praise worthy! This test by Dharma Devathai is to examine you! The dead calf, the Amaichchar who stood by you, Veedhividangan who is a rare son to beget will all raise and come alive….

 All three get up alive!

Easan 

Mannane!  

Your fame will remain forever! All those who are born in Thiruvarur are my attendants only! Whosoever worships me will worship you as well! My blessings to you!

There is a shower of flowers from the heavens.

Manuneethi Chozhar and all those present bow to Easan!

The repeated roars of ‘Om Namasivaya’ reverberate and reach the sky.

Tiruchchitrambalam