ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem THE KING OF FOURFOLD DIVINE MIGHT praises King Nanmaran by comparing him to four mighty deities each symbolizing a distinct virtue:
Shiva – Fierce and wrathful against wrongdoers, with flaming locks, deadly weapons and the blue poison gem at his throat.
Balarama – Strong and steadfast, pale as the ocean conch with a plough as his weapon and a palm-crest banner.
Vishnu – Radiant in sapphire hue, bearing the Garuda banner, famed for destroying those who insult or oppress.
Murugan – Triumphant with his peacock mount and banner, achieving all that he sets his mind to.
By invoking these comparisons, the poet declares that there is nothing beyond the king’s ability. He urges the king to be generous, granting all that the needy ask without hesitation.The poet then wishes Nanmaran a life of joy and abundance feasting from golden bowls gifted by foreigners, cared for daily by women of his court and living in splendour. Finally, he blesses the king to remain as constant and life-giving as the sun that dispels darkness and as enduring as the waxing moon in the west.
NANMARAN – THE KING OF FOURFOLD DIVINE MIGHT
Like those four gods who guard the circling earth, he stands,
With bullock cart and locks like flames that flare,
With weapons poised in Shiva’s wrathful hands.
Upon his throat the sapphire venom’s glare,
This lord of hosts whose glance can Yama bind;
In Balarama’s strength he too may share—
Whose skin is pale as conch the seas refine,
Whose plough is might, whose palm-crest sways in light;
So in his veins that godlike powers combine.
And like fair Vishnu’s hue of sapphire bright,
Whose eagle-crest strikes terror from afar,
He smites the proud, exalting righteous right.
Like Murugan, whose peacock is his car,
Who with the peacock-crest his triumph weaves,
He crowns each aim, fulfilling every star.
What deed remains that such a power deceives?
None—there is naught you cannot bring to birth;
So grant the suppliant all that he believes.
May Yavana’s gold bowl be set for mirth,
Where women daily feed you sweetest fare;
Live glad, O sword-eyed king and bless the earth.
Like sun that drives the dark from every lair,
Like moon that waxes in the western sky,
Live ever steadfast, deathless, just, and fair.
PURANANURU - 56
POET : MADURAI KANAKKAYANAR’S SON, NAKKEERAN
(ALSO RECORDED IN SOME VERSIONS AS MADURAI MARUDHAN ILANAGANAR).
PATRON : PANDIYAN NANMARAN, WHO RESIDED AT ILAVANDIGAIPALLI.
NOTE:
In Sangam literature, "Yavana" primarily refers to maritime traders from the Mediterranean region particularly those involved in trade with the ancient Tamilakam
