The city that today finds its place even in the English dictionaries as ‘Kumbakonam’ was, in the time of our story, known as Kudanthai, and was also called Kudamooku. Apart from its sanctity as a holy place, Kudanthai was famed for its astrologers. Not far from Kudanthai, to the southwest, stood the Chola’s interim capital, Pazhaiyarai, resplendent with palace towers that seemed to touch the sky and majestic temple gopurams.

The astrologer of Kudanthai had in his possession the horoscopes of all the royal family members residing in the palaces of Pazhaiyarai. It was while leafing through these collected horoscopes that he discovered the horoscope of the Kodumbalur princess, Vanathi. After gazing intently at the horoscope for a while, the astrologer lifted his eyes to study Vanathi’s face. Then he looked back at the horoscope. Thus he kept alternating his gaze between the horoscope and Vanathi, but did not seem to find a way to open his mouth and speak.

“Well, astrologer! Are you going to say something or not?” asked Princess Kundavai.

“My lady! What am I to say? How am I to say it? Once before, by chance, I happened to look at this horoscope. I could not believe it myself; I doubted whether such a thing could even be possible, and so I put it aside. Now, when I compare this young woman’s face with the horoscope, I am left astounded!”

“Be astounded! Be astounded as much as you wish, and then, when you are done, say something definite!” Kundavai said.

“This is a most fortunate horoscope, my lady! I assure you, you will not think otherwise. In fact, it is even a step above your own horoscope. I have never seen a horoscope as lucky as this!”

Kundavai smiled; Vanathi, blushing with embarrassment, said, “Akka! He calls this wretched girl the luckiest in the world! This is how he always is, with his words!”

“My child! What did you say? If what I say is false, I will give up my profession altogether,” declared the astrologer. “No, astrologer! Please, do not do such things. Say something pleasant for the sake of the people gathered here. But you are only speaking in generalities—nothing specific! That is why she is suspicious!”

“Do you want me to be specific? Very well, I shall speak! Four months ago, an incident occurred that seemed like a bad omen. Something fell by accident; but in truth, it was not a bad omen at all. From that moment onward, all manner of fortune is destined to come to this young lady!”

“Vanathi! What did I tell you? Did you hear that?” said Kundavai Devi.

“It seems you have already instructed him beforehand!” said Vanathi.

“Did you hear that, astrologer? Listen to this girl’s words!”

“Let her speak, my lady! Let her say whatever she wishes now! Tomorrow, when the king weds the king…”

“Say it like that. If you speak of marriage to young women, won’t they listen with delight?…”

“That is exactly