The people of Thanjavur held a special affection for the brothers of Pazhuvoor. Was it not the Pazhuvettarayar clan that had bestowed new glory and influence upon that ancient city? A procession of elephants, horses, and camels was always a spectacle that delighted the townsfolk. Whether the great lord, Periya Pazhuvettarayar, was leaving Thanjai or returning to the fortress from outside, crowds would gather on either side of the streets to watch the pageantry; they would shout their praises, offer their blessings, and shower flowers and puffed rice in celebration.

Usually, when the elder brother returned from outside, the younger would come to the fortress gate to welcome him and lead him inside. The sight of the two brothers embracing each other was like the Nilagiri and Podhigai mountains coming together in a loving clasp. If both rode side by side on elephants or horses, one would need ten thousand eyes to truly behold that magnificent sight.

Some compared the Pazhuvoor brothers to Hiranya and Hiranyatchan. Others called them the “Sundopa Sundarars.” There were those who said they were brothers as noble as Rama and Bharata, and others who likened them to the heroic brothers Bhima and Arjuna.

But today, when Periya Pazhuvettarayar entered the Thanjai fortress, though his retinue made the customary proclamations, there was no festive cheer in the streets; the crowds were sparse. Chinna Pazhuvettarayar was not waiting at the fortress gate to receive his elder brother.

Yet the great lord paid no heed to this, and proceeded directly towards his younger brother’s palace. He thought, “The younger one must be engaged in some important matter.” A suspicion arose in his mind—perhaps the Emperor’s health had taken a grave turn, or… or perhaps the “great deed” itself had been accomplished.

Thus, moving more swiftly than usual, his retinue made their way to the palace of the fortress commander, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar.

On the threshold of the palace, the commander who had come to welcome his younger brother bore an expression of agitation and concern upon his face. After offering his respects to his brother, he embraced him warmly. The two of them entered the palace together and proceeded straight into the inner council chamber.

Once they were alone, the elder asked, “Brother! Kaalandhagan! What is the matter with you? Is there any special news? Is the Emperor well?”

Kaalandhakandar, the younger Pazhuvettaraiyar, replied, “The Emperor is as he always is. There is no improvement in his health, nor is there any decline.”

“Then why does your face look so troubled? Why did you not come to the fort gate? Even the town seems unusually subdued!” the elder inquired.

“Anna! A small incident has occurred. Nothing dangerous. I will tell you about it later. How did all your affairs go?” Kaalandhakandar asked.

“My mission was a complete success. All those who were summoned came to Kadambur. Everyone unanimously agreed that your son-in-law, Madurantakan, is the rightful heir to the throne. They approved it with shouts of victory. If justice