#panchavan madevi

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Maatrutva (2)

The Soldiers and all the servants bowed as the regal looking man walked hastily into the anthapuram. His best friend and advisor, who was also his brother-in-law matched his steps side by side beside him and the duo made haste towards a certain chamber.

Raja Raja Chozhan was discussing about Political Matters with his Thozha Vallavarayan Vandiyathevan, when a maid barged in and cried about how his Queen Panchavan Madeviyaar had collapsed near Ponni in the arms of Udaya Pirattiyar. The world seen to zone out as his mind was filled with constant thoughts, his mind reliving his whole life with her till now.

"Thambi!" He heard his elder sister's cry as she ran towards him with his wife Abhimaanavalli in tow. He had recently wed Abhimaanavalli, and the said girl was mingling nicely with family because of the friendly nature everyone had, except she was taking a place in heart of Kundhavai more because of her bubbly nature.

"Akka! Valli! What is it I hear? What happened to my Panchama? Is she fine? Is she hurt anywhere?" He bombared his Akka with questions, reminding her of the time he had got so worked up when he found out that Vanathi fainted because of dehydration as she was doing Nirjala Vratham.

"The Vaidhyar is here Thambi, he is checking Panchama. Vaa, let's see." Kundhavai said and the brother-sister duo rushed inside the private area of Panchamadevi's chambers. Where no one except Royal Family members was allowed without permission.

Thiripuvana Madeviyaar and Loka Madeviyaar sat beside a lying Panchama, the former softly running her palm at her sister-wife's head. Panchama laid unconscious, unknown to the upturn of emotions and chaos she caused.

"Swami! Panchama!" Lokamadevi hastily moved behind a little, making a place for Raja Rajan to sit, his hand immediately getting hold of Panchama's jewelled palm.

"Vaidhyar, what is it? What happened to the Queen?" He asked restlessly, Lokamadevi's palm resting on his shoulder to ease his restlesness.

The Vaidhyar smiled. "Arasae! Looks like Sakthi Amman finally heard the plea of Rani. Congratulations Arase, for your Queen Panchamadevi is going to be a Mother. Yes Arasae, the Queen is pregnant."

Abhimaanavalli squealed in delight, hugging Kundhavai excitedly. She had known very well that Panchamadevi was the only Queen of Raja Rajan who was barren, and she prayed to Durgai Amman to fill her life with more and more happiness.

Which Durgai Amman did.

Thiripuvana Madeviyaar cried happy tears, arms wounding her shoulder from back as she turned to see her other sister-wife Cholamadevi smiling tearfully at her. "Swami, my heart teared up when she cried and pleaded Maa Jagadambika for a child in her barren garden. Finally, Amma heard her plea." She said crying happily.

"Urgh..." Panchama groaned, taking all the attention on herself as she tried sitting up. The Vaidhyar bowed and took his leave, leaving the family bask in happiness. "Akka," Panchama turned to Thiripuvana Madeviyaar. "Did I faint again?" She asked hoarsely, and turned her head to see her beloved husband looking at her with tearful but happy eyes. "Swami? Why are there tears in your eyes?" She asked hastily and he caressed her forehead gently.

"Panchama, here, have this water first. We can talk later." He said and made her drink water. "Now tell me, did I faint?" She asked gulping the rest of water.

"Panchama, you did, and it's a good news." Loka Madeviyaar smiled, wiping the tear that fell from her eye. "What is it Akka? What did that Vaidhyar said? What happened to me?" Panchama asked, Raja Rajan immediately holding her palm.

"Panchama, Kanne, you are going to be a mother. Yes, the Vaidhyar confirmed that you are pregnant!" Thiripuvana Madeviyaar told her and Panchama's eyes widened.

"What- but- how..?" Panchama was too flabbergasted. At first, the Vaidhyar broke her heart by saying she was barren, what happened now? Could it be the miracle of all the penance??

As of reading her thoughts Thiripuvana Madeviyaar nodded. "Yes Kanne, your harsh penance finally was fruitful." She said kissed Panchama's forehead.

"Akka! I am going to tell about this to the Kids. They will be so excited!" Abhimaanavalli said with a happy clap.

"Valli, you seem more happy than her." Raja Rajan teased his newly wed wife with an amused glance, her turning bashful at the comment. "Arasare, how can I not? I have been praying to Durgaiyamman for Akka's happiness ever since I set foot in Thanjai as your Rani. Finally, Akka is graced with the beauty of Motherhood." Abhimaanavalli replied, her voice not holding any sort of resentment but pure love and devotion of her Akka and sister-wife.

Which was one of the best traits he liked in her, thus he took her as his wife rather than her sister.

"Vanathi, Sakti, Abhimaana, why don't we all leave and tell others?" Kundhavai, who was silently celebrating Panchama's pregnancy and thanking Uma Maheshwara again anf again suggested and the other three Queens of Raja Rajan immediately nodded, shuffling out eith Vandiyadevan in tow.

"Panchama..." Raja Rajan kissed her forehead. "You made me the happieat person on the earth." He said tearfully kissing her forehead, Panchama's own eyes tearing up at the news. "You don't know how much I suffered while you cried to sleep for not being able to give me a child. How much I prayed Shiva to fulfill all your wishes. See, he did." He said and Panchama burst into tears followed by him.

"Swami, the love of Madhuranthakan, Araiyan, Kundavai and Mathevadhigal overpowered the sadness of me being barren. I am so happy that they will finally have amother playmate. Madhu and Araiyan will finally get one more sword fighter or Kundavai and Mathevadhigal will get a doll to dress up." Panchama sniffed with a happy smile.

Raja Rajan laughed. "What did you think of names?" He asked suddenly.

Panchama was in thoughts. Then out of nowhere, a small smile bloomed at her face. "Adithya Varman— if boy and if girl, we will think." She said and gauged his reaction, which contorted into a pained look and then a smile. He didn't said anything but hugged her.

Months later, Panchamadevi gave birth to a very healthy boy, and he was named after the elder brother of Raja Rajan, Adithya Karikalan.

Note:- Adithya Karikalan's birth name is said to be "Parthivendra Aaditha Varman".

@thatacademic @vibishalakshman @nspwriteups @yehsahihai @rang-lo @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @hollogramhallucination @deadloverscity @ragalata @dumdaradumdaradum @chaanv

[thereader-radhika]

Companion of Honour - Character Index

I am developing the characters as I write and hence this will be updated occasionally. Yes, most characters will die as the story progresses.

Thank you, @celestesinsight  for this idea.

Pandya Royal Family

Veera Pandyan - Pandya King, son of the last Emperor Maravarman Rajasimhan II. Earlier a vassal of Chola king, trying to re-establish Pandya rule during the rise of Cholas.

Amarabhujanga Jatilavarman - Veera Pandyan's eldest son and heir.

Panchavan Madevi - Veera Pandyan's queen and Jatilavarman's mother.

Mangayarkarasi - Eldest daughter of Veera Pandyan and Panchavan Madevi, sister of Jatilavarman.

Tripurasundari - Second daughter of Veera Pandyan and an unnamed wife.

Thadagai - Younger daughter of Veera Pandyan and an unnamed wife.

Aabathudavigal and their loyalists

Menandros - A Greek man (yavanan), the chief of Veera Pandyan's aabathudavigal. He reached Madurai during Rajasimhan's time and has served the royal family since then.

Ravidasan - A prominent member of Veera Pandyan's aabathudaivigal. He will climb the ranks, eventually become their chief and one of the main antagonists in Ponniyin Selvan.

Manimaran - A Pandya Minister.

Ugravikraman (Ugran), Mukkannan, Ezhilan, Nalan - Members of Aabathudavigal.

Soman Sambhavan - Ravidasan's estranged brother

Pandya Vassals

Poliyur Pallavaraiyar (Maran) Adithan - A military commander

Chera Royal Family

Ravi Varma- Veera Pandyan's mother's father, former king, now retired

Anuradhapuram Royal Family

Senan - The King

Udayan- King's nephew, Ravidasan's junior at salai

Hemalata - King's daughter

Senan and Mahindan- Younger sons of the King

Chola Royal Family

Veera Narayanan aka Paranthakan I - The King

Kodandaraman aka Rajadithan - The king's eldest son and heir. Currently stationed at Thirumunaipadi, fighting Rashtrakutas.

Kandharadithan- The second son. Poet and scholar.

Uttamaseeli- The third son, the Commander of the Southern Forces.

Arinjayan Arikulakesari - The fourth and youngest son of Paranthakan I.

Sundaran aka Paranthakan II - The only grandson of Paranthakan I, son of Arinjayan.

Chola Vassals

Kandan Amudanar, Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar - Chief of Chola's Northern Forces, father-in-law of the Emperor, grandfather of Arinjayan.

Tappilidharman, Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar -  Lord of Tanjore, now stationed at Thirumunaipadi, has 2 sons.

Eldest son of Tappilidharman - Renowned Warrior, now stationed at Thirumunaipadi with as the Deputy Commander of the Northern Forces. Former Chief of Velakkara Padai. I can't bring myself to name him. He is so revered that not even his enemies dare to address him by his name.

Kalanthaka Kandar, Younger son of Tappilidharman - Chief of Velakkara Padai, the elite bodyguard regiment of Cholas.

Miladudaiyan Malayaman - A local chieftain under Paranthakan.

(Sengannan) Sambuvarayan - The very young lord of Sambuvarayar clan.

Kodumbaloor Irunkovelan (Samarabiraman) - Husband of Anupama, the eldest daughter of Paranthakan I. Father of Vikraman (Periya Velar) and Parakraman (Siriya Velar).

Madhavan - Current Chief of the family that once ruled over Mazhappadi. Lost prestige and title of Mazhavarayar after the defeat of Pandyas.

Uma Maheshwari - Madhavan's only daughter, famous dancer, devotee of Siva.

Neelakantan - Son of Madhavan and brother of Uma Maheshwari.

@willkatfanfromasia @favcolourrvibgior @sampigehoovu @whippersnappersbookworm @sambaridli @harinishivaa @sakhiiii

[jagadeeshkrishnan]

[12/1, 1:23 PM] Jagadeesh Krishnan: **தாஜ் மஹாலை குறை கூற வில்லை அதுவும் பாசத்தின் வெளிப்பாடு தான், ஆனால் தாஜ் மஹால் கட்டுவதற்கு 600 வருடங்களுக்கு முன்பே தமிழகத்தில் ஒரு தாயின் பிரிவை தாளாமல் கட்டிய கோயில் ஒன்று உள்ளது என்பது உலகிற்கு தெரியுமா..??!!**

**சோழ மன்னவனின் தாய்க்கு கட்டிய கோவில்.**

**பளிங்குக் கல்லில் கட்டினால் மட்டும் தான் பாசமா?**

**ஐயா "பஞ்சவன் மாதேவி" பள்ளிப்படை கோயிலுக்கு போகணும்....வழி....என்று இழுத்ததும், அந்த பேர்ல இங்க எந்த கோயிலும் இல்லீங்களே, "ராமசாமி கோயில்” தான் ஒன்னு இருக்கு,அந்த கோயிலும் பூட்டியே தான் கெடக்கும், அங்க போகும் போது அந்த தெருவுல ஒரு பெரியவர் இருப்பாரு **

**அவர கூட்டிட்டு போங்க அவர் தான் அந்த கோயில பாத்துக்குறாரு என்று வழிகாட்டினார் அந்த பெரியவர், பள்ளிப்படை கோயில் தான் இன்று பெயர் மாறி ராமசாமி கோயிலாகியுள்ளது! **

**உலகப் புகழ் பெற்று இருக்க வேண்டிய இடம், வழி கேட்டு செல்லும் நிலையில் உள்ளது.**

** "பட்டீஸ்வரம்" தஞ்சை மாவட்டம் கும்பகோணம் வட்டத்தில் உள்ள சிறிய கிராமம். இந்த ஊரின் பெற்ற துர்க்கை கோயிலின் வாயிலில் நின்று நேராக பார்த்தால் இரண்டு சாலைகள் இடது வலதாக பிரியும், இடது பக்கம் திரும்பினால் சோழர்களின் பழைய தலை நகரான "பழையாறை" செல்லும் சாலை, வலது புறம் நடந்தால் ஒரு மசூதி, அப்படியே இன்னும் நடந்தால் ஒரு சிமெண்ட் சாலை பிரிவு, அங்கே தான் பார்க்க நாதியில்லாமல் கிடக்கின்றது இந்த ஆயிரம் வருட அற்புதம்!.**

**தஞ்சை பெரிய கோயிலை நிர்மாணித்த ராஜ ராஜ சோழனின் மனைவி தான் இந்த "பஞ்சவன் மாதேவி" , தன்னை மிகு��்த பாசத்தோடு வளர்த்த சிற்றன்னையின் பிரிவை தாங்க முடியாமல் அவருக்காக ஒரு கோயிலை எழுப்பியுள்ளான்**

** கங்கை முதல் கடாரம் வரை வென்ற "ராஜேந்திர சோழன்". உலகில் தாயிற்காக கட்டிய முதல் கோயில் அநேகமாக இதுவாகவே இருக்கக்கூடும், அதுவும் அதை ஒரு தமிழ் மன்னன் கட்டியிருக்கிறான் என்பது நாம் எவ்வளவு பெருமைப்பட வேண்டிய விசயம்

**குறைந்த பட்சம் எத்தனை தமிழர்களுக்கு தெரியும்? பளிங்குக்கல்லில் கட்டினால் மட்டும் தான் பாசமாக கணக்கிடப்படுமா? **

**வேதனை! இந்த பட்டீஸ்வரத்தின்அருகில் தான் சோழர்களின் மாளிகை இருந்தது, ராஜ ராஜன் தன் மகனிடம் நாட்டை ஒப்படைத்துவிட்டு தன் கடைசி காலத்தை இங்கு தான் கழித்தார்,**

** தன்னுடைய மனைவியின் பிரிவை தாங்காமல் அடிக்கடி இந்த கோயிலுக்கு வந்ததாக வரலாற்று ஆசிரியர்கள் கூறுகின்றனர்.**

** இன்றைக்கும் அந்த ஊரின் பெயர் "சோழன் மாளிகை". கேட்பாரற்று இடிந்து கிடந்த இந்த கோயிலை சில வருடங்களுக்கு முன் தான் புதுப்பித்து இருக்கிறார்கள்.**

**பஞ்சவன்மாதேவி எப்பேர்பட்ட சிறப்பும் முக்கியத்துவமும் வாய்ந்த பெண்மணியாக இருந்தால் தன் அன்னை அல்லாத ஒரு பெண்ணுக்கு பள்ளிப்படை அமைத்து இருப்பார் ராஜேந்திர சோழர். **

**தனது சிற்றன்னையின் மேல் எத்தனை அன்பு இருந்தால் இந்த எண்ணம் அவருக்கு தோன்றி இருக்கும். இது இந்த மண்ணில் வாழ்ந்த மகத்தான பெண்ணின் நினைவிடம் மட்டும் அல்ல,**

** உண்மையான தாய் பாசத்தால் தனயன் எழுப்பிய புனித தளம். உங்கள் வாழ்நாளில் ஒருமுறையேனும் இந்த புண்ணியவதி தரிசித்துவிட்டுவாருங்கள்,அப்படியே தனயன் ராஜேந்திர சோழனை��ும் நினைவு கூறுங்கள் ..

ஜெகதீஷ் கிருஷ்ணன் உளவியலாளர் மற்றும் சர்வதேச எழுத்தாளர்

[12/1, 1:24 PM] Jagadeesh Krishnan: ** Not to mention the Taj Mahal is also an expression of affection, but does the world know that there is a temple in Tamil Nadu that was built 600 years before the construction of the Taj Mahal without the rhythm of a Thai sect .. ?? !! **

** Temple built for the mother of the Chola ruler. **

** Is it only affection if it is built of marble? **

** Sir "Panchavan Madhavi" should go to the school temple .... the way .... when the pearl is dragged, there is no temple here, there is only one "Ramasamy temple", the temple will be locked, the street is a big one when you go there இருப்பாரு **

** He was the one who guided the temple to go with him. The elder, the school temple has changed its name to Ramasamy Temple today! **

** The place to be world famous is on the way. **

** "Pattiswaram" is a small village in the Kumbakonam district of Tanjore district. If you stand straight at the gate of the town's Durga Temple and look straight ahead, you will see two roads dividing from left to right. Awesome!. **

** This "Panchavan Madevi" is the wife of Raja Raja Chola who built the great temple of Tanjore and built a temple for her as she could not bear the division of the niece who nurtured her with great affection **

** "Rajendra Cholan" who won from Ganga to Gadaram. This is probably the first temple built for Mother in the world and it is a matter of pride for us that it was built by a Tamil king.

** At least how many Tamils ​​know? Is affection only counted when it is built of marble? **

** Pain! The palace of the Cholas was near this Pattiswaram, where Raja Rajan handed over the country to his son and spent his last days here, **

** Historians say that he often came to this temple without enduring the division of his wife. **

** To this day the name of the town is "Cholan Palace". The temple, which fell into disrepair, was renovated a few years ago. **

** Rajendra Chola would have set up a school for a woman other than his mother if Panchavanmadevi was such a special and important woman. **

** This thought would have appeared to him if he had so much love for his nephew. This is not just a memorial to the great woman who lived in this land, **

** Sacred site raised by Danayan with true Thai affection. Visit this saint at least once in your life and remember Danayan Rajendra Chola as well.

By

Jagadeesh Krishnan is a psychologist and international Author

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Maatrutva

Her honey brown eyes looked at the flowing water of Kaveri, dull and not twinkling as they should be. Dressed in finest of silk and most beautiful of Jewellery, her dull eyes didn't matched the aura of Goddess she was protruding.

Her mind wandered to his bright smile, the one that can even blind the sun, that appeared when he heard about having another child. How happy he looked. Her lips stretched into a beautiful smile that dropped soon and her eyes were filled with tears.

Too lost in the thoughts, she didn't even noticed when another woman came and sat beside her, her trance being broken as she wiped while the Lady asked her question.

"Kanne, what do you do here?" asked the Udaya Piratti Thiripuvana Madeviyaar, the head of the family of Chakravarthy Raja Raja Chozhan, her hand coming on her shoulder as she sniffed a little before smiling.

"Nothing Akka, I am just sitting here watching Ponni Thaaye flow." She replied looking at the flowing river.

"Panchama, if you think your lying will work on me then you are wrong Kanne. Sollidu (Tell me), What happened? Why do you weep?"

Thiripuvana Madeviyaar alias Vanavan Mahadevi was the Chief Queen of the Chakravarthy Raja Raja Chozhan and had accepted every wife of his with a smile and open heart. Her Swami was so true about her, she was a woman with a golden heart. When she had first set foot into Thanjai Fort as his Queen, She was the first one who had not only welcomed her but also had hugged her and asked her to not call her 'Udaya Piratti' but a sweet term, 'Akka'.

Panchavan Mahadevi's eyes watered and tears rolled down on her cheeks. Seeing her sister-wife crying like baby, Vanathi's heart broke into millions of pieces. "Panchama, what happened? Why do you cry thus?"

"Ak-Akka, why does emperumaan had to punish me in such way?" Panchamadevi cried, sobbing so hard that she felt shorten of breath.

"What punishment does God had given you?" She asked, immediately taking the weeping woman in her motherly embrace.

"Akka, I never ever desired anything when I served the Great Lord as Devadasi. Then why, pray tell me Akka, shall snatch my right to become a Mother? I love all of his kids as my own. Be it Madhuranthakan (Rajendhiran), Araiyan, Kundavai (Rajaraja daughter) or Mathi, I do love them like they are my own, but what of this heart Akka? That yearns to hold a baby given birth by own?" Panchamadevi's words brought tears to Vanathi.

Vanathi couldn't help but let her tears fall as she pulled Panchamadevi into a bone crushing hug. "Oh Panchama, believe me when I say that my heart pains to see your dull eyes. I felt your pain when the Vaidhyar stated you couldn't give birth." Vanathi said as the two Queens wept in the silence of the chambers of Panchamadevi.

"Akka, all I want is to tell him that I can become a Mother too! I want to give birth to his Child! I- I made his so disappointed in me." Panchama cried like baby making Vanathi shake her head.

"No Panchame, how can Swami be disappointed in you when it was the destiny made for you by the Mother Nature? Yes, he was sad but that was because he wasn't able to see the glow of carrying a child on your face. Do you know what he said that night?" Vanathi asked and Panchama shook her head, indicating her to go ahead.

"He said, 'Ennavale, my heart pains to see my Panchama crying. It was no fault of her that Mother Nature hasn't allowed her to have a child. Oh Arasi, what do I do to make her happy? The tears that escaped my beautiful Panchama's eyes were sharpest than the swords, spears and arrows I fought with at the Battlefield. Oh my Queen, pray tell me what I shall do?'. He was deeply hurt, but not because of you, but because of your tears." Vanathi finished as she wiped Panchamadevi's tears, but another fresh flood of her tears started flowing from her eyes as she started crying loudly.

Vanathi pulled her shaking frame into hers, soothingly running her palm on her back, when she felt a large weight on her. Squinting her eyes she removed herself from Panchamadevi's hug, only to realize that her eyes were shut with tear stains on her cheeks. Vanathi felt her breath shortened, and she yelled at top of her voice.

"SWAMI!!!!!!"

Don't kill me for this :P

@thatacademic @vibishalakshman @kovaipaavai @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @chiyaanvikram @willkatfanfromasia @hollogramhallucination @deadloverscity @dr-scribbler and do tag more bcs I don't really remember usernames hehe

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Varamaatayo? (1)

"Valli!"

"What Anna?" Thundered the Princess of Uraiyoor. She whirled, her eyes flashing damgerously. "Why do you wish me to marry in that family!? So that you can have the power and you attack Thanjai? Why Appa? Just because Ilaiyapiratti rejected Anna and married Vallavarayan?"

"Thangai! Don't forget you are speaking against our Father!!" Manmathan thundered at his younger sister.

"What type of Father wants to marry her daughter off for his own benefits?! Which Anna? Tell me! You are selling me to that Rashtrakuta King!!!" She yelled again and a loud sound echoed in the whole room, silence befalling.

Tears gathered in her ears as she looked at her Father, the red hue making it's way over the place his hand had collided with her face. Her Father heaved heavily, his eyes flashing and burning with anger. "You will be marrying the Rashtrakuta King. That's final. Raja Rajan won't be marrying a girl like you who just knows how to run their mouth even against their elders. You are no match for him." He yelled at her face.

"No... If not him, nobody else ..." She said and ran away, wiping her tears. Her feets took her to her room, sliding down in front of the small podium where the Krishna idol was kept.

"Kanhaa, oh Kanha.." she joined her palms. "You took away Rukmini when she didn't willed to marry Shishupala.. Oh Dwarkanaresh, I do not wish to marry the old Rashtrakuta King, for my heart is already won over by the King who rules Thanjai, Sivapada Sekaran Raja Raja Chozhan. I have given my heart and soul to him, this vessel is only thing left which I do not want for anyone to have... Please help me Kanna.." She wept and wept, her breath faltering as she choked.

"Abhimaanavalli..." Came the soothing voice of her sister, Amruthavalli. "Kanne, vaa, here have this water first." Amruthavalli made her sister drink water.

"Akka! I do not wish to marry the King... I already see Thanjai Chakravarthy as my husband Akka..." Abhimaanavalli wept like a baby, exact opposite to the Warrior Princess she was trained to be.

"Abhimaana, I will help you... If no one will I will help you.." Amrutha said and wiped her tears.

Abhimaanavalli suddenly wiped her tears and got up, going to her writing table. Taking a Parchment, she dipped the Quill into ink and started writing something. Soon flipping it close, she beckoned Neelima, who was her trusted maid.

"Neelima, take off to Thanjai at once with this Olai to the Chakravarthy. If not him, give it to anybody who's in his close circle. Be it Ilaiya Pirattiyar, Udaya Pirattiyar or his any of Arasi. This letter, must reach him." Abhimaanavalli said in a strong commanding voice, and Neelima nodded sprinting out of the room.

Abhimaanavalli turned to look at the idol of Krishna once again. Crouching down in front of it, she again started crying heavily as she laid down on the podium, her ink-stained fingers opening out as she wept for her love, yearning for her Love and soon passed out.

Amruthavalli joined her palms. "Oh Krishna... Please, fill my Thangai's life with Love.. let her be with whoever she wishes to be with..." Amruthavalli prayed.

....

Two days. It took Neelima two days to reach Thanjai as she walked inside the Fort, looking around in awe. Thanjavur Fort was a spectacular Architecture, which made her realize that Chakravarthy Raja Rajan was a man who loved Architecture. She could point out various stories carved out of the stones with perfection and finesse. With a mouth slightly ajar she walked, failing to notice the sturdy man who looked at her amusement as she dashed into him.

Quickly taking several steps back Neelima bowed 90 degrees, unable to look at the man in embarassment. "Ayya, my apologies. The Beauty of this Thanjai Fort took my attention and I didn't see you." She apologized red with embarassment.

He laughed loudly, and asked her to stand up. Neelima stood up and saw a man looking as regal as a King, but the godly aura that Abhimaanavalli has mentioned about Chakravarthy was missing. "Ammani, do you wish to meet the Chakravarthy?" He asked.

"Yes Ayya, for I bring a urgent message from the Uraiyoor Ilavarasi." Neelima said.

"Uraiyoor Ilavarasi?" His eyebrows came together. He remembered how his wife once told him about an alliance from Uraiyoor for her.

"Yes Ayya. But I apologise deeply that I can't show you the Letter, for I have strict instructions to give it to either Chakravarthy, Udaya Pirattiyar or any of his Arasi, his Thamakkai Kundhavai Pirattiyar or anyone trusted who can hand him the letter." Neelima apologized again.

He smiled all amused. "Then Ammani, forgive me for I didn't introduced myself. I am Vallavarayan Vandiyadevan of Bana Clan, husband of Kundhavai Pirattiyar and Commander of Thanjai Army. Chakravarthy is busy with some Court Hearings, if you want I can take you to Anthapura where you can meet Udaya Pirattiyar." Vandiyadevan said with a smile.

Neelima bloomed with a big smile on her face. "Please Ayya, please take me to Udaya Pirattiyar. For this is very important." Feeling the urgency in her tone, he took her to Udaya Piratti Thiripuvana Madeviyaar, or Vanavan Mahadevi, the Chief Consort of Thanjai Chakravarthy Mummudi Chozhan.

..

Arasare,

When I first met you, I was nothing but Princess of a small Kingdom of Chozha Naadu, while you were the one who was above my Father, the Lord of this Chozha Nadu, who's Amaravathi was Thanjai. I was a Vishnu Bhaktha, who's heart was stolen by he who wears Holy Ash and Rudhraksha. While you sat at the Throne with your Patta Arasi, I couldn't help but feel if I, a small Princess, can get a place in your Kailasam.

Chakravarthy, my Father wants me to marry a man who has more unmarried women in his anthapuram than having an actual wife. He doesn't have a Patta Arasi, but women to quench his lust. Women who die in his Palace. Thanjai Chakravarthy, pray, please pay heed to my request, and take me away with you. Accept me as your bride and give me a place in your Anthapuram as your Dharmasangini, for I can't see any one other than you as my Swami.

I will be waiting for you, you have two weeks time. Come and take me away from this unwanted relation. If not, I shall surrender myself to the holy fire.

Yours,

Abhimaanavalli...

The letter fell from Vanathi's hand as she slumped down on a chair, tears gathering up in her eyes. Panchama and Loka immediately ran to their sister-wife while Kundhavai and Veeranarayani Devi; who was betrothed to Raja Rajan, stood a little away, running to her too.

"Akka? What is written in the Olai?" Lokamadevi asked, her hand holding one of the Palms of Vanathi.

Vanathi instead handed her and Panchama the letter, the two reading and Kundhavai and Veeranarayani joining them. Panchama gasped loudly. "Swami must know about this at once! Vandhiyare, where is Swami?" She asked Vandiyadevan.

"Arasi, Chakravarthy will be free in some time. I met this girl going towards the Court and brought her here feeling the urgency in her tone." Vandiyadevan told Panchama.

"Vandiyadeva! I am sure Swami is free by now. Can you bring him to the Anthapuram?" Lokamadevi asked and Vandiyadevan nodded before going out.

"What's your name Devi?" Kundhavai asked Neelima.

"Ilaiyapiratti, I am Neelima. Trusted maid of Ilavarasi Abhimaanavalli of Uraiyoor." Neelima replied. Kundhavai asked a few more Questions from Neelima, until Vandiyadevan returned with Raja Rajan and everyone stood up except his Queens and Kundhavai and bowed.

"Vanathi, what happened? Why did you called me in haste?" He asked and noticed Neelima. "Who is this Girl?" He asked.

"Swami, this is Neelima. Maid of Uraiyoor Ilavarasi Abhimaanavalli. She brings her letter." Vanathi said and handed him the letter. His eyes went through several emotions and he slumped on bed.

"Swami?" Loka tenderly put her hand on his shoulder.

"I am going to Uraiyoor as the sun touches the horizon tomorrow."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

@chiyaanvikram @willkatfanfromasia​ @whippersnappersbookworm​ @thatacademic​ @celestesinsight​ @curiousgalacticsoul​ @hollogramhallucination @nspwriteups @yehsahihai

[thereader-radhika]

8-CHERAMAR PERUMAL

Chapters 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7 || Character Index

Though the coronation was conducted on small scale without the usual celebrations, they all were in a festive mood. Veera Pandyan's pattamahishi Panchavan Madevi and junior queens distributed pearl jewellery and silk clothes to the soldiers. Ravidasan too got a few necklaces, rings and clothes. Jatilan's sisters' marriages were fixed and the attendants of the princesses distributed specially made sweets to everyone. It was the first time that he met the princesses who were usually looked after by the female guards.

Even when he received a birudam, Ravidasan was unable to enjoy it or concentrate fully on the festivities. Sundara Cholan was living rent free in his head. The Emperor introduced Ravidasan and other guards to his grandfather who gifted them gold bangles and red silk shawls which they tied to their waist on the behalf of his son, the reigning Perumal.

Ravi Varmar joked that Ravidasan should be suspended from service because people might think that Veera Pandyan has no respect for his grandfather if they hear him calling out for "Ravi". He almost burst into tears but Ravi Varmar laughed and assured him that it was just a joke. Sometimes the old king dispensed wisdom like a seasoned statesman and behaved like a not-so-cute puppy at other times.

Nonetheless, when Menandros said that Ravidasan should go ahead of the main contingent and make arrangements to escort Ravi Varmar in his journey across the Pandya nadu, he felt very proud. But his enthusiasm turned to confusion when he saw the itinerary. Cheramar will conduct prayers for Uttama Seeli's salvation and Sundaran's safety. After that, they need to go to the northern border where the old king will be recieved by Cholas. Can't he pray for Cholas from their territory? Whose side is he really on?

"I guess he will then visit Iratta Mandalam and exchange pleasantries with Kannara Devan too".

"Right. Perumal is planning to go to Thirumunaipadi after paying a visit to Paranthakan".

"Forgive me if I am wrong. There are no permanent friends and enemies in politics. Yet . . . isn't this a bit excessive?"

"When Maravarmar first wore the crown, I was younger than you. Chakravarthy too was young and longing to conquer the whole world. Do you know what did we do first?"

"Sacked Kodumbaloor?"

"No, first we went to Kongu and plundered Vanchi. This Ravi Varmar was a prince then. We were successful, but he chased us away. At last we had to go to the same man begging for asylum ".

Everyone knew that story. After Paranthakan defeated him, the Emperor fled to Lanka and deposited the crown jewels there. Later he went to Ravi Varmar, who had ascended the throne by then. He was given asylum and a younger princess in marriage.

"So, behave. Don't utter anything disrespectful".

**********************

"It is Iravi Kothai, not Goda Ravi. When you are making the proclamation in Tamil, you must use the Tamil form of the name".

"I know".

"Is the abhishekanamam still applicable even after abdication? Is it right to call him the King of Kings of all nadu from Kolathu Nadu to Ay Nadu? "

"Yes".

"Don't forget to call our Veera Pandyar 'Ugra Chakravarthy' and 'Veera Keralan'.

"Anipathi, why don't you do your duty and let me do mine? I know how to make a proclamation", the annoyed herald was throwing a tantrum. Ravidasan asked him to write down the complete announcement and show it to Pallavaraiyar. He was hoping that the herald was worth all this trouble because he too was unsure about the titles.

The village head returned with the girls who are supposed to take arathi and shower flowers when the dignitaries enter the village.

"Children, show this annan how will you welcome our Emperor's grandfather".

Oh god! They were holding plates filled with leaves. Before he could say anything, they started their rehersal by throwing leaves everywhere.

"Fabulous! Perfect! Now my sweet angels, please sweep the floor and clean all these".

Another irksome matter that perturbed him was the lack of curd. As they didn't give enough notice to the villagers, they were unable to produce enough curd to feed the troops. Though he made sure that there will be enough curd and buttermilk for the dignitaries, it will be embarassing if Perumal's aayiram tell this to their Chola brethren.

He stationed the guards across the border and some villagers near the adjacent forest area. Let the soldiers with Pallavaraiyar perform the ceremonial duties. Luckily, the visit was uneventful and pleasant. There was a group of girls and soldiers performing the Guard of Honour to welcome the king at the other side. The Chola herald announced the titles of their King, guest and the dignitaries who were present to welcome him- Ravi Varmar's sister, Paranthakan's Udaiya Pirattiyar Kilanadigal and a Perumpatai Nayakan Velan Kumaran.

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as the Cheramar's retuine and the Chola troops disappeared into the distance. Tired soldiers and the villagers who made the arrangements sat down to have dinner. Ravidasan was so tired that he felt like lying down right there and sleeping. But he couldn't forget Perumal's parting words.

"We will never meet again".

@willkatfanfromasia @favcolourrvibgior @sampigehoovu @sambaridli @celestesinsight @sakhiiii @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa

Aayiram (The Thousand) - Bodyguard regiment of Chera Perumal

Pattum Valayaum - Gifting silk cloth and gold bangle to honour people participating in rituals, priests, soldiers and martial arts teachers is a custom in Kerala. After independence, only private entities give such gifts.