Among the many rivers that enriched the land of Thirumunaippadi with their bountiful waters, the Kedilam was one. On its banks stood the sacred Thiruvathigai Veeratthaanam, where the Lord who claimed Appar as his own had manifested. Not far from this river was Thirunavalur, the abode of the Lord who drew Sundaramurthi into his fold. Between these two holy shrines, in those days, ran the royal highway that connected Thondai Nadu to Nadu Nadu and Chola Nadu.

The ferry crossing at the Kedilam river on this royal road was always bustling with activity. The calls and songs of birds in the riverside trees, the rustle of their wings, filled the air. Travelers, having unyoked their bullocks from the carts, would sit by the bank to eat their packed rice. As they ate, the crows would swoop down and snatch away the rice balls tossed playfully into the air. Watching these antics, the children would clap their hands and shout in excitement, exclaiming “Aahu!” in wonder, laughing and cheering in delight.

At the beginning of the month of Aippasi, the Kedilam was in spate, its floodwaters higher than usual. At midday, the noise of travelers who had stopped to eat their meals was louder than ever. Suddenly, a great commotion arose a little distance away on the road—a tumult so loud that it drowned out all other sounds and made the travelers look up in surprise. Some climbed up the bank to see what was happening. At first, they saw only a cloud of dust. Then, shapes emerged—elephants, horses, palanquins, attendants bearing parasols and royal insignia. As the procession drew nearer, the shouts of the heralds rang out clearly.

“Here comes the warrior who entered the battlefield at the age of twelve, the bravest of the brave, the slayer of Veerapandiyan, Kopparakesari, the lion who haunts the dreams of the lords of the twin realms, the ruler of Thondai Mandalam, the lord who shines in the northern direction, the son of Sundara Chola Chakravarthi, master of the three worlds—Aditya Karikala Chola Maharaja approaches! Make way!”

At this thunderous proclamation, which echoed in all directions, everyone at the Kedilam ferry hurried up the bank. Eager to catch a glimpse of such a mighty hero, they cleared a path in the middle and stood respectfully on either side. The heralds, the conch-blowers, and the standard-bearers came first and reached the riverbank. Behind the retinue, three horses approached side by side, and astride each horse sat a young warrior. Even from a distance, the people began to point them out and whisper among themselves, trying to guess their identities.

"The one riding the horse in the middle—that is Aditya Karikalan! Can’t you tell just by looking at the golden crown? See how it gleams in the sunlight!" said one.

"You call that a crown? You should see the jeweled diadem that Karikala Valavan used to wear! If he were to bear that upon his head, it would dazzle the eyes like the radiance of a million suns!" said another.

"That is not Karikala Valavan’s crown, brother! They just call it so by tradition. The jeweled diadem made during the reign of Parantaka Chakravartin is now worn by Sundara Chola. For how many more days, who can say?" remarked a third.

"They have been counting the days of Sundara Chola’s life for some time now. It seems he will live forever!" said the first speaker.

"Let it be so. As long as he lives, the land and its cities will remain free of turmoil."

"That cannot be said for certain; ever since the news came that Ponniyin Selvan was lost to the sea, the Chola country has been in a state of great unrest. Those who come from there say that at any moment, war may break out."

"Who is going to fight whom? And for what reason?"

"They say a clash will erupt between the Pazhuvettaraiyars and the Kodumbalur Velalars. To prevent such a thing, the minor kings are gathering at Kadambur Sambuvarayar’s palace. Aditya Karikalan is said to be going there as well."

"The horses are drawing near; do not speak so loudly!" warned one, then asked, "Have you seen how haggard Prince Aditya Karikalan’s face has become?"

"How could his face not be worn with sorrow? Aditya Karikalan’s very soul is bound to his younger brother. If there is no word of such a brother, would not the elder be grieved? And their father is bedridden, unable to move!"

“All this is the way of the world, my brother! These are not the reasons for the prince’s troubled countenance. Karikalan longs to march his armies against the kings of the twin realms; it is only because that desire remains unfulfilled that he is so worried!”

“Why has it not been fulfilled? Who is stopping him from leading his army?”

“Who else? The Pazhuvettaraiyars themselves! They refuse to provide the weapons and supplies needed for the campaign!”

“They keep inventing all sorts of excuses. None of you know the real reason,” said one among them.

“Oh, you who knows everything! Then you tell us the true reason!” challenged another.

“They say Aditya Karikalan was once in love with a woman from the Pandya country. While the prince was away at war in the north, the elder Pazhuvettaraiyar married that woman. Now she reigns as the young queen of Pazhuvoor, wielding supreme power throughout Chola land. It is said that from then on, Aditya Karikalan’s heart has been in turmoil!”

“That may well be; it may well be! Haven’t the elders always said that a woman is the cause behind every quarrel in this world?”

“Which elders, brother, have said such a thing? Utter madness! If the prince loved a woman, would she go and marry an old man of sixty? Do those who say such things think their listeners have no sense?”

“If that is so, why has Aditya Karikalan not yet married? You tell us, then!”

“Quiet, all of you! Look, they