ABOUT THE POEM:
This poem, HEIR OF GLORY, is a praise of a great Tamil king, highlighting his noble lineage, heroic deeds, and just rule. It begins by recalling his ancestor, King Sibi, who sacrificed his flesh to save a dove, symbolizing compassion and selflessness. It mentions another ancestor, Sembiyan, known for his strength in battle and destruction of enemy fortresses, symbolizing valor.
The poet declares that generosity, courage and justice are not just acts, but part of the king’s heritage. The king rules from Urayur, where justice has been upheld since ancient times. He has won seven battles, has the strength of a fortress gate, wears the sacred Aathi garland, and is a skilled horseman and archer. He even humbled the mighty city of Vanchi.
Finally, the poet wonders how anyone can capture the king's greatness and patience in words, beyond human praise.
HEIR OF GLORY
To save a dove, your sire gave his own life,
And laid his flesh upon the balance scale,
A deed that sings of mercy midst the strife.
O heir of Sibi, let that tale prevail—
Yet giving is no glory new to you,
For in your veins the ancient graces trail.
You spring from Sempiyan, fierce to control,
Whose arms brought down the towers of enemy lands?
To crush the foe and you are born to excel.
In Urayur's hall, where justice firmly stands,
From times of yore, law lived without a stain;
To judge with truth is shaped by your own hands.
O Lord of plenty, victor over pain,
In seven great wars your might the world has known—
Your arm, the fortress-bar no blade could strain.
With Aathi garland round your brow full-blown,
Horse-riding chief, whose bow once kissed the skies,
You made proud Vanchi weep, her glory flown.
When I sing about your patience, so high and wise,
How should I express your praise in mortal song,
Whose deeds shine brighter than the stars before my eyes?
PURANANURU - 39
POET:
MAROKKATHU NAPPACALAIYAR
PATRON:
KILLI VALAVAN, THE CHOLA KING WHO RESTS AT KULAMUTRAM
References:
1.Aathi: A sacred tree (Bauhinia racemosa); its garland symbolizes royal valor and honor in Tamil tradition.
2.Vanchi: Ancient capital of the Chera dynasty; defeating it signified major military glory.
3.Uraiyur: Ancient capital of the early Chola dynasty, known for its rich culture, justice, and governance; located in present-day Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.
These references root the poem in Sangam-era history, highlighting the glory, sacred symbolism, and regional pride of Tamil kingship.
