The crimson rays of the rising sun struck Vandiyathevan’s face with a sharp sting and woke him from his slumber. Even after his sleep had cleared, he did not feel like getting up; he opened his eyes and looked around. At a short distance, two ascetics of fearsome appearance were approaching. From their matted hair twisted atop their heads, the trident in one hand, and the fire-pot in the other, Vandiyathevan realized that these two were Kalamuka Veera Saivars.

He thought to himself, “Alwarkadiyan is not here to engage in a debate with these fellows.” He decided that until these Kalamuka ascetics passed by, he would keep his eyes closed and pretend to be asleep.

When he sensed that they had come and were standing beside him, he did not open his eyes. Even when one of them came close and thundered, he did not look.

“Shivoham! The boy is a true Kumbhakarna,” said one.

“Shivoham! If only we had a youth like him, how useful it would be!” said the other ascetic.

“Shivoham! You say that, but look at his face—there is no radiance. He is of no use to us. Very soon, a great danger is going to befall him!” declared the first Veera Saivar.

Pretending to sleep further became a struggle for Vandiyathevan; he felt as if he could not even breathe. Yet, if he were to open his eyes now, his act would be exposed. Moreover, he would miss hearing anything else they might say. Perhaps they would even reveal what great danger was about to come upon him…

But his hope was not fulfilled.

“Shivoham! Each one’s fate is his own! Come, let us go,” said one Veera Saivar, and both of them moved away from there.

Giving them time to walk some distance, Vandiyathevan rose. The words, “Very soon, a great danger is going to befall him!” echoed in his ears. The Kalamukas were descended from the ancient Kapalikas. Unlike the Kapalikas, they did not perform human sacrifices. In all other respects, however, they followed the customs and practices of the Kapalikas. Many believed that by sitting in cremation grounds and performing terrifying austerities, they had acquired the power to foresee future events. The common people thought they possessed the ability to pronounce curses as well. Therefore, many were always ready to render the Kalamuka Saivites whatever services they desired, so as not to incur their wrath. Several minor chieftains had even endowed lands to provide regular offerings of food to the Kalamukas in the temples. Until then, only the kings of the Chola dynasty had refrained from showing any support to the Kalamukas.

Vandiyathevan, who was aware of all these details, consoled himself, “Let them rave as they please; what new danger could possibly befall me that has not already come my way?” Yet, the desire to know the future did not entirely leave his mind.

When Vandiyathevan stood up and looked around, he saw those Kalamukas walking towards an old mandapam a