ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem TONDI, FRAGRANT WITH GLORY is a heartfelt tribute to the port town of Tondi and its noble king. The speaker describes Tondi as a fragrant, beautiful land where the scents of the king’s garland, the flowers worn by those who embrace him, and the seaside neithal flowers blend into an atmosphere of sweetness and pride. The speaker claims deep emotional attachment to both the land and the king, declaring them as their own.
Addressing an old poet , the speaker urges him to visit the king. They believe that the king's charm and greatness are so overwhelming that once the bard meets him, he may forget even the speaker. Yet, the king is not proud or self-centered—whenever he achieves victory in battle, he thinks of the bard's glory, not just his own.
The poem beautifully captures themes of devotion to one’s homeland and ruler, the power of personal charisma and the humility of a great king who values his companions and poets.
TONDI, FRAGRANT WITH GLORY
Tondi, the town by the ocean's edge,
shimmers with the scent of glory—
a noble land perfumed with love.
The fragrance of the garland
on my king’s chest,
the garlands worn by those
who embrace him in friendship,
and the scent of the blue neithal flower
that blooms by the salt marsh—
these three blend into the honeyed air
of my land.
That is my town.
That king is my lord.
O aged bard,
if you go to him,
if you meet him and return—
you will forget me,
such is his grace.
Yet, whenever he triumphs in battle,
he thinks not of his glory,
but of yours.
He carries your worth
within his rising victory.
PURANANURU - 48
POET: POIGAIYAR
PATRON : CHERAMAN KOKKOTHAI MARPAN.
