Once the procession of the minor chieftains, led by the Pazhuvettaraiyars, had passed, Azhwarkkadiyan, along with his men, walked towards Sendhan Amudhan’s flower garden. Near the garden, somewhat concealed beneath the shade of a tree, stood the palanquin of Prince Madurantaka and the bearers who carried it. Upon inquiry, Azhwarkkadiyan learned that, as per the prince’s command, they were waiting there for his return. Satisfied, he proceeded further and entered the flower garden.

In a low voice, he instructed those who had come with him to search the entire garden thoroughly, and then he alone went and stood at the entrance of the hut. Pressing his ear to the closed door, he listened intently. Inside, he could hear the anxious voices of Sendhan Amudhan and Poonguzhali in conversation. At intervals, there was also the sound of someone groaning, as if in the throes of death.

Soon, one of the men who had gone to search the garden returned. In the lamplight that filtered through the crack of the door, Thirumalai Nambi carefully examined the items the man had brought. He recognized them at once as the crown, jeweled necklace, armlet, and other ornaments usually worn by Prince Madurantaka. Along with these was the yellow silk upper cloth the prince typically draped over his shoulders.

At the sight of these, a deep satisfaction arose in Azhwarkkadiyan’s heart, and it was reflected on his face.

“Good; what we sought is found! Call the others here as well. Let everyone stand ready, armed, prepared for anything!” he said. Then, Azhwarkkadiyan lightly knocked on the door of the hut.

When no reply came from within, he knocked again, this time more forcefully.

“Who is there? What business do you have here?” came Poonguzhali’s voice from inside.

“Ammani! It is I, Azhwarkkadiyan, also known as Thirumalai Nambidasan. Please, be kind enough to open the door. There is an urgent matter to discuss!” said Azhwarkkadiyan. Footsteps were heard inside. Poonguzhali came to the doorway and stood there. “What urgent business do you have here at this hour? You are a staunch Vaishnavite. This is the abode of Shiva’s devotees. You know well that the master of this house is unwell. Why do you come here at night and cause disturbance?” she asked.

Azhwarkadiyan replied, “Princess of the Sea! It is true that I am a staunch Vaishnavite; that is precisely why I have come—to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous. If you do not open the door at once, it will be broken open!”

“Vaishnavite! Are you such a mighty hero? Have you come to display your valor to us?” she retorted, even as she flung the door of the hut open with a thud. In her fish-shaped eyes, sparks of anger flashed.

She had intended to vent her anger on Azhwarkadiyan, but was startled to see several soldiers standing behind him. Immediately, she subdued her anger and asked, “Sir! What is this? Who are these men? Why have they come here? Did they come with you?”

“Yes, they came with me. They are here on royal business. Anyone who obstructs their duty will be subject to royal punishment,” said Azhwarkadiyan.

“Fine royal business. Fine royal punishment. I keep wondering when I’ll be able to leave all these conversations behind, go to the shore at Kodikkarai, and listen in peace to the sound of the ocean’s waves. Never mind. Tell these men to wait some distance away and come inside alone. What royal business could possibly be conducted in this wretched hut? Wouldn’t you alone suffice to witness it? My uncle is lying on the cot, suffering in pain. If these men come in, he will be startled, and his health will worsen!” she said.

As soon as Azhwarkadiyan entered the hut, he himself closed the door and bolted it from within.

“Poonguzhali! Your words are most astonishing. When did you develop such aversion to matters of the state? What happened to your intention of marrying the crowned prince and ascending the throne? If that were to happen, wouldn’t you have to devote all your attention to affairs of the kingdom?” asked Thirumalai.

“Sir, O Vaishnavite! I have completely abandoned that intention. In these past few days, I have come to realize how burdensome it is to bear the weight of a kingdom, how much anguish it brings to the mind. Hereafter, I shall not even wish to come within ten leagues of the throne. Vaishnavite! I have joyful news to share with you. I have decided to marry my cousin, Sendhan Amudhan. Just a short while ago, I informed the noble Sembiyan Maadevi, who came here, and received her blessings as well. Once Amudhan regains his health a little more, the two of us will depart for Kodikkarai…”

Azhwarkkadiyan interrupted, “Ah! You have made a wise decision!

‘The orphaned, wealthy courtesans may rule the earth, I desire neither riches nor earthly dominion. May I be fated to be born as a fish In the honey-scented, flower-laden pools Of sacred Thiruvengadam!’

Did not the Alwar himself bless us thus? In the same way, it seems you too have resolved, ‘I want not this earthly kingdom,’ and wish to live among the fishes in the sea! But who can escape fate? If it is destined that a crown must rest upon your head and you must sit upon the throne, then so it shall be. Even if you refuse, destiny will not let you go!” said Azhwarkkadiyan.

“That’s enough, sir! Enough of your mockery! Tell me, for what purpose have you come here?” asked Poonguzhali.

“Lady! Have you only abandoned your desire to rule the earth? Or have you and Sendhan Amudhan also forsaken the very wish to live in this world? I came to find this out!” said the Vaishnavite.

“What kind of question is that? Both of us still wish to live in this world for some more time. Is it not only today that we have decided to marry? Vaishnavite! Offer us your