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In this episode, we listen to the fervent wishes of a lady, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 306, penned by the poet Alloor Nanmullaiyaar. The verse is situated in the category of ‘Vaagai Thinai’ or ‘Victory’ and reveals the priorities in the mind of a married Sangam woman.
களிறு பொரக் கலங்கு, கழல் முள் வேலி,
அரிது உண் கூவல், அம் குடிச் சீறூர்
ஒலி மென் கூந்தல் ஒள் நுதல் அரிவை
நடுகல் கை தொழுது பரவும், ஒடியாது;
விருந்து எதிர் பெறுகதில் யானே; என்னையும்
ஒ … … … … … … …வேந்தனொடு
நாடுதரு விழுப் பகை எய்துக எனவே.
A verse in which a few words are found distorted. The words of this female poet can be translated as follows:
“Muddied by elephants, fenced by thorny bushes, stands the pond with undrinkable water in that beautiful small town. Here, a maiden with a radiant forehead and gentle, luxuriant tresses, stands before a memorial stone with her hands folded in prayer, every single day. She prays to be honoured by the arrival of guests at her home, and also that her lord should fight for the king and win over lands by defeating foes many!”
Time to explore the details. The poet starts by talking about a town where water is hard to find, only because elephants muddy the ponds, enclosed by thorny bushes. From the place, the poet moves on to a personality, that of a young maiden, said to have a shining forehead and thick tresses. The poet sees this maiden arriving every day to a memorial stone and praying sincerely. Asking for the blessing of guests at her home and victory for her husband, who fights for the king, to win lands and destroy enemies, this lady prays, concludes the poet.
From this little verse, we understand that welcoming guests was the happiest moment in the lives of these Sangam women and this would happen only when her husband returned well and alive from his battles. So, it’s an indirect request for that, and also, a direct request that he attains success in his mission of fighting for the king. The verse gives evidence of ancestor worship, rather than to a deity, which is still prevalent in Indian communities. Faith and hope are sketched vividly in this portrait of a devout Sangam woman!
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