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In this episode, we perceive a glowing simile for generosity, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 155, penned about the leader Konkaanam Kizhaan by the poet Mosi Keeranaar. Set in the category of ‘Paadaan Thinai’, the verse shows a bard the way to end his poverty.
வணர் கோட்டுச் சீறியாழ் வாடுபுடைத் தழீஇ,
‘உணர்வோர் யார், என் இடும்பை தீர்க்க?’ என,
கிளக்கும், பாண! கேள், இனி நயத்தின்,
பாழ் ஊர் நெருஞ்சிப் பசலை வான் பூ
ஏர்தரு சுடரின் எதிர்கொண்டாஅங்கு,
இலம்படு புலவர் மண்டை விளங்கு புகழ்க்
கொண் பெருங் கானத்துக் கிழவன்
தண் தார் அகலம் நோக்கின, மலர்ந்தே.
Another song by this poet in praise of this leader. The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“O bard, holding a small lute with a curving stem, with worry, you ask me, ‘Who is there to understand my suffering and end it?’. Listen intently! Akin to how the bright flowers of the ‘nerunji’ shrub in the deserted town blooms when seeing the rising sun, bowls belonging to impoverished poets too bloom, when they see the garland-clad cool chest of the famous leader of Konkaanam!”
Let’s explore the details herein. The poet sketches the bard standing before him by talking about the musical instrument, a lute, which he’s carrying, as well as the sorrowful expression on his face. This bard puts forth a question to the poet asking with yearning if there was anyone who could end his hardship. Instead of giving a direct answer saying that so-and-so will get it done for you, in poetic style, the poet talks of a Caltrop plant in a deserted town. Why a deserted town specifically? That’s because this is a thorny flower with burs that brings great discomfort to those walking. Had humans been living there, they would have weeded it out for their comfort, for sure! Returning to the verse, the poet says, every day, when the shrub sees the sun rise, it will spread open the buds of its bright yellow flowers. And just like that, anyone who goes seeking to the leader of Konkaanam will find their bowls blooming with plenty, when they stand facing the garland-clad chest of the leader, the poet concludes!
The assurance the sun gives to a flower is extracted and projected onto the confidence this leader’s generosity inspires in those who come seeking to him. To be seen as unfailing and dependable as the life-giving sun etches the unshakeable trust of those who have sought and won the favour of this leader!
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