Born and raised in the land of Kodagu, the river Ponni, having crossed the threshold of maidenhood, longed to reach her bridegroom, the Lord of the Ocean. She hurried forward, traversing forests and hills, leaping over rocks and ravines. As she drew closer and closer to the Ocean King, her heart brimmed with the thrill of soon beholding her beloved, and her whole being swelled with joy. A little further she went, and now she had two arms with which to embrace her lover. With both arms outstretched, she leapt and bounded forward. Yet, it seemed to her that two arms were not enough for the overflowing eagerness in her heart; her arms of desire multiplied—ten, twenty, a hundred! With all those eager arms outstretched, she approached the Lord of the Ocean.

What are the adornments bestowed by the nurses of Chola Nadu upon a bride who sets out to meet her beloved in this manner? Ah! How many beautiful green silks did they drape her in? In what wondrous ways did they crown her with colorful flowers? How lavishly did they sprinkle her with fragrant perfumes? Oh! How can one describe the marvel of the punna and kadamba trees, grown thickly on both banks, showering her with their jeweled blossoms? Can even the divine rain of flowers from the heavens compare to this?

O Ponni river! Is there any maiden who would not rejoice at the sight of you? Is there any young woman whose heart would not overflow upon seeing your bridal attire and ornaments?

Just as all the maidens of a village gather around the bride, so too is it only natural that the rivers—like women—come seeking you and join your flow. Of all the golden arms Ponni stretches out in longing to embrace her bridegroom, one is called Arisilaaru. To the south of the Kaveri, very near to her, flows the beautiful river Arisilaaru. Such a river can only be known to those who are told of it from a little distance away. The lovely green trees growing densely on both banks hide that river from view. From birth, Arisilaaru could be called a royal maiden who has never stepped out of her inner chambers. There is no comparison in this world for the beauty of that maiden river.

Well then, let us forget the thought of the inner chambers, and let our dear readers come with us as we draw near to Arisilaaru. Let them enter amidst the trees that have grown close together like a grove! Ah, what a marvelous sight is this! Is it not as if beauty is being adorned with more beauty, as if sweetness is being added to nectar? Who are these radiant women, seated in the swan-shaped, wondrously adorned, colorful boat? Among them, who is that luminous jewel of a lady, who sits as the central figure—like the full moon among the stars, like a queen born to rule all seven worlds, resplendent with grace and majesty? Who is