Author’s note

Before I thank anyone, I like to thank the original author of Ponniyin Selvan, “Mr. Kalki” for presenting such a masterpiece to the readers. Both the story and his writing inspired me and intrigued me. Every time I read Ponniyin Selvan, I pictured and imagined it in a different way.  Finally, I decided to translate

Part 5 PS 60

Vanthiyathevan smiled, brought the scroll from Vanathi and asked, “Devi! Do you remember me?” “Sir! Why do you ask so? How can I forget my husband’s best friend?” said Vanathi. “Oh! Is that why you married my friend during my absence?” asked Vanthiyathevan. Vanathi smiled apologetically. “Sir! Our marriage was conducted in a hurry. I

Part 5 PS 59

When Vanthiyathevan finished narrating his experience in finding the younger Lord of Paluvur, Kundavai said, “Sir! I really doubt whether everything that you have said is true or not because you are good at cooking up stories. My suspicion grew when you stopped narrating at times and looked here and there,” Vanthiyathevan smiled teasingly and

Part 5 PS 58

Within a few minutes, the news about Mathuranthagar’s coronation spread amidst the crowd gathered outside. Ponniyin Selvar too sent messengers to ask people to cheer for Mathuranthagar.  Initially, people were shocked on hearing what had happened, but then they soon understood that Ponniyin Selvar might have done such a brave act. They started appreciating Ponniyin

Part 5 PS 57

The coronation was just two days ahead. The people of Tanjore looked ecstatic and eagerly awaited the day to see Ponniyin Selvar crowned as the King. The gates were opened for everyone and the security around Tanjore fort had been loosened. As suggested by Ponniyin Selvar, Boothi Vikrama Kesari took his troops back to Kodumbalur.

Part 5 PS 56

Mathuranthagar was the first one to get back to his senses and asked his mother, “Mother! There are many people in this world whose only job is to fight and my friends Ponniyin Selvar and Vanthiyathevan are one amongst them. But you consider a day worthless if you don’t worship Lord Shiva. I am really

Part 5 PS 55

On that auspicious day of Margazhi month, a grand procession took place in Thiruvaiyaru. At the centre of the procession were Aiyarappar (Avatar of Lord Shiva) and Dharmasamvardhini (Avatar of Goddess Parvati) seated on a mount that resembled Kailash mountain. In front of the procession were several elephants, camels, and horses. Several men seated atop

Part 5 PS 54

As rightly guessed by Arulmozhivarmar, Kundavai and Vanathi went to the astrologer’s home. After reaching the Chola palace in Thiruvaiyaru, they came to know that Mathurantahgar and the Queen had left for the temple. So, they took only one soldier with them and headed towards the astrologer’s home so as to avoid pulling any crowd

Part 5 PS 53

Four friends trotted on horses towards the river Kollidam and they were none other than Kandhamaaran, Parthibenthran, Vanthiyathevan and Ponniyin Selvar.  Kandhamaaran and Parthibenthran were going to board a boat in the river to sail across towards the north while the other two had accompanied them to bid them goodbye. As they neared the boat,

Part 5 PS 52

As the King and the elder Lord of Paluvur nodded their heads in agreement, Nambi folded his hands and said, “I request all of you to forgive me for my mistakes. Vanthiyathevan didn’t escape on a horse. When he intended to save our real Mathuranthagar, he was attacked by the killer. It was me who