At the place where the boat was now gliding, the banks of the canal rose high on either side. At the spot Poonguzhali pointed out, a bathing ghat pavilion could be seen on the edge of the canal. At the spot where the steps ended and the mandapam began, two Nandi statues stood on either side. Those statues of Nandi, crafted with exquisite workmanship and vibrant life, can be admired even today. It was because of the prominence of these sculptures that the pavilion had come to be known as the “Nandi Mandapam.” Once a year, during the spring festival, it was customary for the presiding deities of Thirunagikkaronam—Kayarogana Swami and Neelayadakshi Amman—to visit this pavilion and be ceremoniously seated in state. At that time, crowds of people would gather here in throngs. After witnessing the festival, they would partake in a moonlit feast before returning home. Since the pavilion stood a little distance from the city, on ordinary days, few people visited this place.

The boat drew near the mandapam. After seeing the two women standing there, the prince’s gaze and attention turned to nothing else. As the boat approached, the young princess Kundavai descended the steps and came down to the lower landing. Vanathi, meanwhile, stood in the pavilion itself, half-hidden and half-revealed behind a pillar.

The boat came to a halt near the bathing steps. To help the prince disembark, Sendhan Amudhan from the boat and the young princess from the steps both extended their hands.

Sendhan Amudhan and Poonguzhali then rowed the boat back a little distance and moored it there.

“Thambi! How thin you have become!” said Kundavai, her mellow voice trembling with tears.

Ponniyin Selvan replied, “Let my body be thin, Akka! But why does your face look so wan? Isn’t it your custom that your face blossoms like a lotus upon seeing me? Why today does a cloud seem to veil the moon of your face? Why are your eyes filled with sorrow? Ah! Many things must have happened to wound your heart and cause you pain. Otherwise, you would not have sent me such an urgent message!” “Yes, my brother! There are so many urgent matters I must tell you; so much I must hear from you. O generous one who refused the golden throne of Lanka! Sit for a moment upon this black stone throne!” she said.

As Ponniyin Selvan sat, he touched his sister’s feet and pressed them to his eyes. Kundavai placed her hand upon his head and kissed his crown. Tears welled up once more in her eyes.

After they both sat down, Kundavai said, “Brother! I should not have summoned you here today. The head of the Chudamani Vihara sent word that your health was fully restored. That is not true; the fever has worn you down. But I could not bear to remain without seeing you. Since coming to Anaimangalam, every moment has passed like an age!”

“Sister! Do not worry about having me come here.