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In this episode, we listen to guidance being passed on to a co-worker, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 133, penned about the Velir King Aay Andiran by the poet Uraiyoor Enicheri Mudamosiyaar. Set in the category of ‘Paadaan Thinai’ or ‘King’s praise’, the verse reveals a patron’s immense generosity.
மெல் இயல் விறலி! நீ நல் இசை செவியின்
கேட்பின் அல்லது, காண்பு அறியலையே;
காண்டல் வேண்டினைஆயின் மாண்ட நின்
விரை வளர் கூந்தல் வரை வளி உளர,
கலவ மஞ்ஞையின் காண்வர இயலி,
மாரி அன்ன வண்மைத்
தேர் வேள் ஆயைக் காணிய சென்மே!
A song that is addressed to a female singer-dancer, who worked along with bards, and penned and performed verses before patrons. The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“O gentle-natured dancer, you have only heard about his good fame but have not seen him yet; If you wish to see him, with your excellent, thick and fragrant tresses swaying in the mountain breeze, akin to a peacock with bright plumes, walk on and go thither to see Ay, who owns chariots many, and who renders unto others with a generosity like that of a rain cloud!”
Let’s delve into the words of this verse. The poet tells the female dancer that she has probably heard so much about King Aay but not seen him in person. If she so wanted to, then walking with her thick hair swaying in the breeze, akin to peacock dancing with its radiant feathers out, this fine lady must head towards the rain cloud of generosity that King Aay is.
The picturesque imagery of a peacock spreading its feathers upon seeing a rain cloud is captured and projected on to the walk of this female dancer and the endless charity of this king. Yet another verse that shows the skill of Sangam poets in threading echoes of nature onto human life!
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