Part Two – The Whirlwind

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, they approached Anuradhapuram. The mere sight of that ancient capital of Lanka from a distance plunged Vandiyathevan into a sea of wonder, robbing him of speech. He had heard many speak of Anuradhapuram. From their descriptions, he had tried to imagine what the city might look like. Yet, the reality of that great city surpassed all his imaginings.

Oh, what a vast wall! How it stretched endlessly on both sides! It was impossible to discern where the wall curved or turned. Within those ramparts, how many towers, stupas, and mandapa spires rose up, majestic and proud! How far apart they all stood from one another! Could all this truly be contained within a single city, within a single wall? Kanchi, Pazhaiyarai, Thanjai—all those cities seemed insignificant before this metropolis. Perhaps, in the days of Emperor Ashoka, Pataliputra, or under Vikramaditya, Ujjaini, or during Karikala Valavan’s reign, Kaveripattinam might have rivaled this city! But in these times, no other city could compare!

As they drew nearer to the wall and its main gate, the crowd heading toward the city grew denser. Tamils and Sinhalese, monks and householders, men, women, boys, and girls—all moved together in a great throng. They went with the joyous excitement of people heading to a grand festival. Some among them began to notice the three travelers, pointing them out to others.

Observing this, Ponniyin Selvan signaled to his two companions, and turned off the royal road, taking a side path. At the foot of a small hill, thick with trees, he halted his horse. Looking at his two companions who had followed, he said, “Our horses have come a long way. Let them rest a while. Once it is fully dark, we shall enter the city.”

The three dismounted and sat upon a rocky outcrop. “So many people are going into the city! Is there some festival here today?” Vandiyathevan asked. “Of all the grand festivals celebrated in this land, the greatest festival is today!” declared the prince.

“I heard there is some war going on in Eezha Nadu. But when I come here, it seems to be nothing but celebration everywhere,” said Vandiyathevan.

“Did you not say that the Sri Jayanthi festival was held in Pazhaiyarai?”

“Yes, but Pazhaiyarai is in Chola Nadu…”

“Anuradhapuram is in Eezha Nadu. What of it? In Chola Nadu, it is the reign of Emperor Sundara Chola; in Eezha Nadu as well, it is his scepter that rules!”

“But aren’t there still enemies in this land?”

“The enemies are somewhere far away. What do the people here have to do with that? War must take place on the battlefield; and in the towns, the festival must go on! Thirumalai, what do you say?” asked the prince.

“If there are external enemies here, there are internal enemies as well. The internal enemies are more dangerous than those outside. Therefore, I say it is best for the prince to conduct both