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In this episode, we listen to the greatness of a leader’s spear, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 332, penned by the poet Viriyoor Nakkanaar. The verse is situated in the category of ‘Vaagai Thinai’ or ‘Victory’ and elaborates on the places that a spear can be.
பிறர் வேல் போலாதாகி, இவ் ஊர்
மறவன் வேலோ பெருந் தகை உடைத்தே;
இரும் புறம் நீறும் ஆடி, கலந்து இடைக்
குரம்பைக் கூரைக் கிடக்கினும் கிடக்கும்;
மங்கல மகளிரொடு மாலை சூட்டி,
இன் குரல் இரும் பை யாழொடு ததும்ப,
தெண் நீர்ப் படுவினும் தெருவினும் திரிந்து,
மண் முழுது அழுங்கச் செல்லினும் செல்லும்; ஆங்கு,
இருங் கடல் தானை வேந்தர்
பெருங் களிற்று முகத்தினும் செலவு ஆனாதே.
A unique verse that employs the poetic technique of projection. The poet’s words can be translated as follows:
“Unlike the spears of others, the spear of this town’s soldier has a special quality of honour. With rust and dust coating its huge shape, with other things, it may lie on the roof of a hut; Or as auspicious maiden adorn it with garlands and the sweet music of lutes kept in huge bags soars, by clearwater ponds and through the streets, it may stride and march on to create agony for all those who live in the enemy land; And there, it would surely journey straight into the face of the enormous battle elephant owned by the great king with an army akin to the huge ocean!”
Let’s explore the words herein. The poet compares the leader’s spear to that of the spears of other men and says it has a special quality to it. He remarks how sometimes the spear may lie forgotten among other things, stuffed into the thatched roof of a hut, gathering dust. While at other times, it may march proudly in the streets, adorned by the garlands of young maiden, as the music of lutes resounds around. Marching on, that spear would reach the battlefield and create suffering for all the subjects of the enemy kings, the poet adds, and concludes with the words that one thing is for sure that the spear will end its journey in the face of the powerful enemy king’s battle elephant.
Though the poet is talking about a spear, indirectly, he is remarking about the nature of a leader, who may seem unassuming during peace time, when he’s working in his village like a commoner. But when it’s time to take on the role of the soldier, he would march on, ready and glorious, the poet remarks. The poet’s words can be projected further to say that like that spear, a person’s talent can live unused and forgotten at times in life but when the call is heard, then it can and should soar into action and fulfil its purpose!
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