ABOUT THE POEM: The poem THE GOLDEN REIGN is a celebration of the Pandiyan king Nedunchezhiyan, known for his strength, valor and divine-like rule. He is portrayed as a mighty warrior who leads an elephant army with banners that touch the sky and who won a significant battle at Thalaiyalangaanam.
His gaze has supernatural power—if he looks with anger, destruction follows like fire; if with love, prosperity blossoms like gold. This imagery suggests he has the ability to create both light and warmth even in darkness, symbolizing supreme power.
The speaker humbly reflects on their own insignificance, having been born and nurtured under the king's protection. The king’s rule is likened to heaven where no one suffers from poverty or wants. His just and generous reign brings about such earthly joy that even the promise of an afterlife pales in comparison.
So admired is the king that even his enemies believe they will eventually come under his rule, and poets dream of his land as the true golden world.
THE GOLDEN REIGN
Upon a youth-like elephant grand, he rode,
Its banner brushed the sky, so vast and wide.
At Thalaiyalangaanam, his glory showed—
Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan, warrior’s pride.
Where thou dost glance in wrath, the flames arise,
Where love doth guide thy gaze, gold blooms anew.
Sunlight in moonlight—thou canst rise,
And moonbeams in the noon—thy might shines through.
Born in thy shade, and growing in thy grace,
What worth am I beneath thy vast domain?
Thy shadow grants the heavens' golden place,
Where none shall beg and none shall give in vain.
Thy rule on earth makes paradise appear,
The learned hail thy land as heaven’s own.
Even thy foes believe thy reign draws near—
And dream thy flag above their kingdom flown.
PURANANURU - 38
POET:
AVUR MULANG KILAR
PATRON:
KILLI VALAVAN, THE CHOLA KING WHO RESTS AT KULAMUTRAM
