ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem THE SOVEREIGN'S ETERNAL GLORY is a grand declaration of an ideal king’s virtues, conquests and conduct, blending divine imagery with mortal leadership. It paints a vision of the ruler’s fame, authority and justice spreading far and wide, transcending the physical and metaphysical boundaries of the known world.
The following are the key ideas and essence of the poem:
UNIVERSAL FAME AND GLORY:
The ruler’s fame is envisioned to extend beyond geographical extremes—north to the Himalayas, south to Kanyakumari, east past the oceans, and west beyond the ancient seas. It even surpasses the earthly realms, reaching the worlds below and above, symbolizing unparalleled renown and influence.
IMPARTIAL RULE AND UPRIGHT AUTHORITY:
The king’s scepter is a symbol of his just rule. It must remain steadfast and balanced, representing fairness and impartiality in governance. His actions and decisions must reflect his immense capability and wisdom.
MILITARY STRENGTH AND TACTICAL BRILLIANCE:
The king is depicted as a leader who must assert his dominance over adversaries with naval and elephant forces. By breaching their fortified cities, he acquires their treasures and, in turn, distributes them wisely and fairly, recognizing the worth and merit of his subjects and allies.
DIVINE RESPECT AND PIETY:
The ruler’s humility before divinity is emphasized. When Lord Shiva’s procession passes, his parasol must bow in reverence. Similarly, when scholars of the Vedas seek his blessings, he must respond with deference, symbolizing a harmonious relationship between power and piety.
BATTLE WRATH AND DOMESTIC HARMONY:
The king’s anger and might are justified only in battle, where his crown of flowers may wither in the heat of war. However, in the presence of his queen, his fury must dissipate, reflecting tenderness and restraint in personal relationships.
ETERNAL LEGACY AND LUMINESCENT REIGN:
The poem concludes with a prayer-like wish that the king’s reign mirrors the serene beauty of the moon and the radiance of the sun, signifying a balanced and enduring rule, enriched with grace, brilliance, and benevolence.
This poetic ode captures the essence of an ideal ruler—one who is powerful yet just, victorious yet humble, and fierce yet tender. It blends human leadership qualities with divine ideals, presenting a timeless blueprint for virtuous kingship.
THE SOVEREIGN'S ETERNAL GLORY
Your form and fame must spread so wide,
To northern peaks where the Himalayas bide,
Beyond the southern Kumari’s shore,
And east where oceans endlessly roar.
To western seas of ancient lore,
And realms beneath and skies that soar,
Let all three worlds thy might proclaim,
With balance kept in justice’s name.
Your scepter straight, no tilt shall show,
Thy skill and strength must brightly glow.
With foes who dare defy your reign,
Dispatch thy armies to their domain.
Their moss-clad moats and walls break free,
Bestow their wealth with equity.
When Shiva’s chariot graces the land,
Let your parasol humbly stand.
When sages of the Vedas extend their hand,
Bow low, in reverence, take thy stand.
The blossoms crowning thy royal head,
Shall wither by smoke where battles are fed.
But may thy wrath in love dissolve,
Before thy queen’s fair face resolve.
O king of might, with a name so great,
Kudumi, whose virtue no bounds abate!
Shine like the moon, serene, divine,
And like the sun in splendor shine.
May your reign in this world endure,
With light and grace forever pure.
PURANANURU 6
Poet:
Karikizhar
King:
Pandiyan Palyagasalai Mudhukudumi Peruvazhuthi
