Puranaanooru 381 – Epitome of hospitality

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ஊனும் ஊணும் முனையின், இனிது என,
பாலின் பெய்தவும், பாகின் கொண்டவும்,
அளவுபு கலந்து, மெல்லிது பருகி,
விருந்துறுத்து, ஆற்றி இருந்தனெமாக,
‘சென்மோ, பெரும! எம் விழவுடை நாட்டு?’ என,
யாம் தன் அறியுநமாக, தான் பெரிது
அன்பு உடைமையின், எம் பிரிவு அஞ்சி,
‘துணரியது கொளாஅவாகி, பழம் ஊழ்த்து,
பயம் பகர்வு அறியா மயங்கு அரில் முது பாழ்,
பெயல் பெய்தன்ன, செல்வத்து ஆங்கண்,
ஈயா மன்னர் புறங்கடைத் தோன்றி,
சிதாஅர் வள்பின் சிதர்ப் புறத் தடாரி
ஊன் சுகிர் வலந்த தெண் கண் ஒற்றி,
விரல் விசை தவிர்க்கும் அரலை இல் பாணியின்,
இலம்பாடு அகற்றல் யாவது? புலம்பொடு
தெருமரல் உயக்கமும் தீர்க்குவெம்; அதனால்,
இரு நிலம் கூலம் பாற, கோடை
வரு மழை முழக்கு இசைக்கு ஓடிய பின்றை,
சேயைஆயினும், இவணைஆயினும்,
இதற்கொண்டு அறிநை; வாழியோ, கிணைவ!
சிறு நனி, ஒரு வழிப் படர்க’ என்றோனே எந்தை,
ஒலி வெள் அருவி வேங்கட நாடன்,
உறுவரும் சிறுவரும் ஊழ் மாறு உய்க்கும்
அறத்துறை அம்பியின் மான, மறப்பு இன்று,
இருங் கோள் ஈராப் பூட்கை,
கரும்பனூரன் காதல் மகனே.

A long song sketching the hope a leader’s words instil in the hearts of artists seeking his patronage. The poet’s words to this leader can be translated as follows:

“When we felt we had enough of the flesh and rice, we were given delicacies made with milk and jaggery in the right proportion. Drinking this delight that rendered gentleness, we relished our feast and stayed there, relaxed. Then, when we announced to him, ‘Shall we take leave, O lord, and go to our land in this time of festivities?’, because of his great love, fearing our separation, he said, ‘Imagine a place where, even though they are hanging in huge clusters, the fruits are useless and impossible to eat, because they are found tangled with dense vines filled with thorns. Akin to rains pouring down in such a place, would be your songs in impeccable tunes, as you beat on the clear eyes of your thadari drums, surrounded by pieces of dried meat, with frayed straps and worn-out sides, standing at the gates of the wealthy palaces of kings who lack generosity! How can your suffering be ended thus? But I shall end your yearning and poverty. And so, when the huge land all around is barren in that harsh time of summer, when the sweet sounds of rain clouds are heard no more, whether you are far away or near by, remember these words. May you live long, O drummer! Think a little and come this way”. My lord, who spoke these words, is the ruler of the region of ‘Venkatam’, filled with resounding waterfalls. He is like a raft near a stream, which takes across everyone, whether they are young or old, ceaselessly between the shores, without saying no. A man with unswerving determination and principles, the loving son of the great leader of ‘Karumbanoor’!”

Let’s delve into the details. The poet starts by telling us of a curious state that he and his group found themselves in, when they had so much of meat and rice that they started disliking the thought of having any more. In most verses, we see how supplicants dream about and celebrate this offering of meat and rice. This is to say this patron had given them those preferred foods to their heart’s content that they couldn’t have even a bite more. However, as it’s often said, ‘There’s always place left for dessert’, the poet adds after that main food, they turned their attention to foodstuffs made of milk and jaggery in a perfect blend. As they drank that, a gentleness spread through them, says the poet. Such was their relaxed state at this leader’s place, the poet details.

After days of this rich hospitality, it was time for the poet to leave to his hometown as the festivities were starting there. When the poet and his group inform this to the leader, the leader is much saddened by the separation. With affection, he turns to them and asks them to think of that place that they may have seen in their travels – A drylands domain, where although fruits hang in huge clusters, no one is able to pluck them, because these are entangled thickly in thorny vines. He tells them just as how futile it is for the rains to pour in that place, so is their act of singing and drumming at the gates of kings, who never give to others. Saying that, he promises them that he would always render to them and asks them to think of him, wherever they may be, when the land around is barren in the harsh summer, and return to his abode. 

The poet declares that these were the kind words of the ruler of the region of Venkatam, renowned for its waterfalls, and symbolises him as a tireless raft that discriminates not and always takes everyone across the shores, without ever refusing. Such a man of principles is the son of the great leader of Karumbanoor, the poet concludes. This leader seems to be someone who not only cares about the present state of his supplicants but also extends his kindness to their future. Words that no doubt symbolise hope in the hearts of these travelling artisans!