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In this episode, we perceive anticipation and excitement at the impending arrival of the man, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Kurunthogai 275, penned by Okkoor Maasathiyaar. The verse is situated in the forests of ‘Mullai’ and speaks in the voice of the confidante to the lady, cheering the lady up with the prospect of the man’s homecoming.
முல்லை ஊர்ந்த கல் உயர்பு ஏறிக்
கண்டனம் வருகம்; சென்மோ-தோழி!-
எல் ஊர்ச் சேர்தரும் ஏறுடை இனத்துப்
புல் ஆர் நல் ஆன் பூண் மணிகொல்லோ?
செய்வினை முடித்த செம்மல் உள்ளமொடு
வல் வில் இளையர் பக்கம் போற்ற,
ஈர் மணற் காட்டாறு வரூஉம்
தேர் மணிகொல்?-ஆண்டு இயம்பிய உளவே.
‘Is it that or is it this’ teases a voice in this verse. In the opening words, we see the quintessential flower that gives this region its name in ‘முல்லை ஊர்ந்த கல்’ meaning ‘a rock on which wild jasmine spreads’. The phrase ‘எல் ஊர்ச் சேர்தரும்’ gives a clue about the time of the day for it means ‘by nightfall, that which returns to the village’, pointing to the twilight hour of dusk. That which is returning can be seen in ‘புல் ஆர் நல் ஆன்’ meaning ‘the good cows that have fed on grass’. Yet again, we meet with this expression ‘செய்வினை முடித்த செம்மல் உள்ளமொடு’ meaning ‘with a content heart that returns with the satisfaction of completing its intended task’. A subtle clue about the season can be found in ‘ஈர் மணற் காட்டாறு’ meaning ‘the jungle path with wet sands’. Ending with the words ‘ஆண்டு இயம்பிய உளவே’ meaning ‘that which is heard thither’, the verse welcomes us to listen intently.
Wild jasmines on rocks and cows returning homeward sketch the peaceful beauty of this region. The context reveals that the man and lady were leading a happy, married life when the man parted with the lady to complete a mission. Days passed by and the lady languished in his absence. One day, the confidante comes running to the lady and says, “Climbing atop a rock on which wild jasmine vines spread, let us go see. Come, my friend! Is it the bells of the flock of fine cows along with their bull returning to the village by evening? Or is it the bells of the chariot that comes via the forest path, striding on wet sands, surrounded by young guards holding sturdy bows, bearing your lord, who returns with the towering heart upon accomplishing his objective. What could be that which is resounding over there?” With these words, the confidante gives hope to the lady that the man would be soon back home with her.
Time to explore the nuances. The confidante has a plan in mind. She beckons her friend to come outside with her. When we ask them where they are off to, the confidante says that they plan to go climb on a rock on which vines of the wild jasmine are spreading and peer at the faraway path. A moment to relish how the vines of that gentle flower has the strength to spread on that stern rock, illustrating how life finds a way to go on! Returning, the confidante clarifies that the reason they must do this climbing is to see whether the sound of bells they hear belongs to that of cows returning to the village in the evening after a good day of grazing or could it be the bells of the man’s chariot, as they see him in their mind’s eye, returning with a pleased heart at having done what he set out to do, as his helpers surround the chariot and celebrate his victorious mission, while the wheels of the chariot leaves its imprint on the wet sands of the forest path. Why are the sands wet? It’s because it’s the rainy season and the man returns as he promised his lady!
It’s my guess that the confidante has already received the message that the man is on his way back. Else, she wouldn’t tease the lady so, with empty words. So, while the confidante keeps the question hanging, still in the tone of her voice, we can sense the cheer of good things heading home. On one side is the usual sight that greets the lady’s eyes every single evening in the man’s absence, and on the other, the one sight that she is eagerly waiting for, that of the returning man, successful in his mission. By saying it could be either, the confidante plays a trick on the lady so that when she finds out it’s indeed the man, her joy would be doubled. Remarkable is the way this Sangam verse seem to care about the subtle moments in the mind’s celebrations!
Superb Mam. you know mam, Just now I was hearing an audio clip of myself and Karky sir discussion about a story and in that he told me about this Sangam poem. Immediately I thought of reading some articles and opened your blog and very much surprised to read the same article here. Amazingly explained Mam. Thank you.