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In this episode, we perceive the communication of a nuanced message as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 200, penned by Ulochchanaar. The verse is situated amidst the shining sands of the ‘Neythal’ or ‘Coastal landscape’ and conveys an awaited news.
நிலாவின் இலங்கு மணல் மலி மறுகில்,
புலால் அம் சேரி, புல் வேய் குரம்பை,
ஊர் என உணராச் சிறுமையொடு, நீர் உடுத்து,
இன்னா உறையுட்டுஆயினும், இன்பம்
ஒரு நாள் உறைந்திசினோர்க்கும், வழி நாள்,
தம் பதி மறக்கும் பண்பின் எம் பதி
வந்தனை சென்மோ வளை மேய் பரப்ப!
பொம்மற் படு திரை கம்மென உடைதரும்
மரன் ஓங்கு ஒரு சிறை பல பாராட்டி,
எல்லை எம்மொடு கழிப்பி, எல் உற,
நல் தேர் பூட்டலும் உரியீர்; அற்றன்று,
சேந்தனிர் செல்குவிர்ஆயின், யாமும்
எம் வரை அளவையின் பெட்குவம்;
நும் ஒப்பதுவோ? உரைத்திசின் எமக்கே.
Pleasant scenes of the seashore greet us in this trip, as we listen to the confidante say these words to the man, who had relayed his interest in trysting with the lady through the confidante:
“Having streets filled with abundant sands that shine like the moon, our beautiful little hamlet, surrounded by water, wafting with the scent of flesh, and having huts, thatched with grass, may have a smallness that does not make it fit to be called a town. Though it may not have houses, comfortable enough to reside, for those who live there just for a day, it would endow so much joy, that would make them forget their own town the next day. Why don’t you come to this hamlet of ours, O lord of the seashore, which is filled with roving sea snails? Rendering praises many, you could spend the day on these shores, filled with soaring trees, where radiant waves resound with a roar, and when the day ends, you could yoke your fine chariot and depart; If you don’t want that and wish to stay here, we will shower our care as best as we can. Is this agreeable to you? Pray tell!”
Let’s get ready to dip our feet in the salty waters and take in the spread of the heart! The confidante starts with a description of the lady’s village, talking about the streets with moon-like sands, thatched huts, and brimming with the scent of fleshy fish. She accepts with humility that it’s indeed a small place that may not deserve to be called a town, perhaps hinting at the prosperous place where the man comes from. She adds that it may not have luxurious places, worthy enough for the lord to stay. While it may be so, it’s also true that anyone, who has been there for a day, would feel so much joy that they would forget their own town, the confidante describes. With that praise for their humble town, the confidante invites the man to spend the day, rejoicing in the roaring shores and soaring trees. Later, when the sun sets, the man could leave in his chariot, if he so chose; however, if he wished to stay, even that was fine and they would extend their hospitality to the best of their ability, the confidante declares and concludes by asking him if this worked out well for him!
The stage of the relationship when this conversation is unfolding is the thing of interest here! It’s at a time, when the man has seen the lady and fallen in love with her. He tries to further his relationship by seeking the confidante’s favour. The confidante tests to see if the lady reciprocates the man’s feelings. After she has received positive vibes from her friend, the confidante returns back to the man, and conveys this, through the said words. In a nutshell, the confidante is telling the man that the lady has agreed for a tryst with him, and whether it is by day or by night, it was fine by the lady. No doubt the man would be jubilant after hearing these words he has been yearning to hear! To me, the highlight of this verse is the perfect balance between humility and pride about the place where they live that the confidante echoes in her words. Through this simple song, the confidante teaches us the right way to have an understanding about anything in life is to accept its weaknesses and celebrate its strengths!
