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 the festival and the war right here in this land,” said Azhwarkadiyan.

“Well said! If internal enemies are more dangerous than those outside, then isn’t this exactly where our prince should be? Is not the place of greatest danger the place where brave men ought to be?” said Vandiyathevan.

“If bravery means foolishly falling into the hands of traitors and murderers, is that what you desire? Is it your intention, O bravest of the brave, to go there and get caught? Then why did you escape and come here?” asked Thirumalai.

“Enough! Enough! Let us not start a war here itself!” Arulmozhi calmed them.

After nightfall, the three of them entered the city. That day, the guards at the fortress gates did not stop any pilgrims. Everyone was allowed to pass without hindrance. The guards simply stood and watched. Along with the crowds, our three heroes entered the city.

The streets of Anuradhapuram were overflowing with people. The cry of “Sadhu! Sadhu!” echoed to the heavens. Here and there, Vandiyathevan saw many mansions and viharas lying in ruins. He also saw that many of the ruined buildings were being restored. The restoration work was being carried out under the prince’s command… He resolved that it must have happened in name alone. What, then, was the purpose behind all these actions of his? Why was he showing such generosity to the people of a conquered land? For a thousand years, the kings of Lanka had been at war with Tamilakam. Instead of razing the capital city of such long-standing enemies to the ground, burning it to ashes, he was permitting the restoration of ruined buildings and the celebration of festivals. What a marvel this was! Surely, there must be some mystery behind it; what could it be?

A strange thought arose in Vandiyathevan’s mind. Yes, yes! That must be it. He had no claim to the Chola kingdom. The crowned prince, Aditya Karikalan, was there. In opposition to him stood Madurantaka Thevar. Therefore, perhaps here on this great island of Lanka, he wished to establish a separate kingdom for himself and rule as an independent monarch! Who could say? His wish might yet be fulfilled! Had not the astrologer of Kudanthai said, “Arulmozhi Varman is like the pole star! Those who trust in him will never want for anything!” Thinking that he had come to serve such a heroic soul, Vandiyathevan’s heart brimmed with joy.

They arrived at the entrance of an old palace, whose exterior had crumbled and was shrouded in darkness. They dismounted from their horses. The place was set somewhat apart from the main thoroughfares, and so there was no crowd there. The prince clapped his hands three times. Immediately, as if by magic, a door opened in one part of the palace, revealing a way within. No one seemed to be present. The prince entered into the darkness and ascended. Vandiyathevan, turning back anxiously, looked to see what would become of the horses. The prince said, “The