ABOUT THE POEM: The poem THE CONCORD OF CROWNS praises two great Tamil kings – one from the Pandya dynasty and the other ruling at Uraiyur. The Pandya king is compared to the strong roots of a banyan tree that hold it firm even when its main trunk has fallen, meaning he upholds justice and removes the people’s fears after his forefathers have passed away.
Though small in stature, he makes enemies tremble, just as men fear a cobra or quake at thunder.The Uraiyur king is also celebrated as a just ruler.The Pandya king rules the prosperous city of Madurai (Koodal) claiming the sandalwood of the hills, the pearls of the sea and the great drums of kingship while still remembering that rice and water belong equally to all his subjects. Together, these two kings are likened to divine brothers—Balarama and Vishnu—whose unity terrifies enemies.
The poet declares that nothing sweeter can happen than their strong alliance. If they continue to support one another, the whole world will be within their grasp.
He cautions them not to be deceived by false, sweet words from enemies, but to remain united forever.
Finally, he suggests they engrave the emblems of the fish (Pandya symbol) and the tiger (Chola symbol) together on their hills, marking their union.
In short, the poem celebrates the friendship and alliance of the two Tamil kings, praising their justice, power and divine-like unity, and urging them to remain forever united against their foes.
THE CONCORD OF CROWNS
He stands, among the Panda kings, the peer,
Who lifts his land, though sires have passed away,
As roots uphold the banyan, firm and clear.
Though small in frame, his foes are held at bay,
As men from serpent’s glance in dread withdraw,
Or thunder’s roar compels the heart to sway.
You, lord of Uraiyur, who rules by law,
And he, the sovereign of Koodal bright,
Claim sandal, pearl and drum with kingly awe.
For grain and water are the people’s right,
Yet he preserves them, just in word and deed,
So fear of wrong is banished from their sight.
Together twain, like gods the foes must heed,
Like Balarama, Vishnu’s matchless form,
United strength makes every rival bleed.
What sweeter boon than this, that hearts grow warm,
When two great kings in friendship clasp as one,
And guard their path from every lurking storm?
So let your fame endure like shining sun,
And aid each other, hand to hand allied,
Then all the world beneath your rule is won.
If foes creep in with honeyed speech and pride,
Reject their snares, remain as now you stand,
In concord firm, forever side by side.
Then carve upon your hills, across the land,
The fish and tiger joined in noble sign,
A twin device none dares to countermand.
PURANANURU - 58
POET: KAVIRIPPUM PATTINATHTHU KARIKKANNANAR
PATRONS (THOSE PRAISED IN THE POEM):
THE CHOLA KING PERUNTHIRUMAVALAVAN, WHO PASSED AWAY AT KURAPPALLI
THE PANDYA KING PERU VAZHUTHI, WHO PASSED AWAY AT VELLIYAM
