Readers may have noticed that some of the characters in this long tale have, at times, spoken and acted in ways that contradict their earlier words and deeds. We must state here that we are not to be held responsible for this. Human nature is never constant. Circumstances and various events alter a person’s mind and conduct. Those who spoke and behaved in one manner yesterday may, today, speak and act in a manner entirely at odds with their former selves.

At the beginning of this story, Periya Pazhuvettarayar was the leader of a great political conspiracy. Now, having confessed to the crime that many already suspected him of, he wished to atone for his guilt by taking his own life.

Periya Sambuvarayar, upon seeing the lifeless body of Prince Karikalan, was so overcome by shock and the fear that the blame for this murder would fall upon his family, that he attempted to burn down his own ancestral palace. Driven by the desire to shift the blame onto someone else, he even incited his own son to join in this desperate act. But now, having learned that the crime did not fall upon him, and having come to realize the depth of love his precious daughter bore for Vandiyathevan, his words and behavior changed entirely.

At the outset of this tale, we led the readers to believe that the impostor Madurantakan, who traveled hidden in a closed palanquin, was the true Madurantakan, and that he would later ascend as Uttama Chola Chakravartin. This was necessary for the progression of the story. Why? Even though Prime Minister Aniruddhar knew some of the old secrets, he too believed that Madurantakan should be crowned. He did not possess a complete account of the events of those times. Therefore, even though the impostor Madurantakan was not the son of Kandaradithar, Aniruddhar thought him to be the son born to Sundara Cholar and Mandakini. Thus, he too was compelled to waver and act in contradictory ways.

Even Arulmozhi Thevar, whom we have regarded throughout this story as the epitome of honesty and truthfulness, was seen at last to speak in a manner contrary to his earlier words. All this time, he had insisted that he did not desire the throne. But now, suddenly, he changed his course and declared, “I myself shall be crowned…” He had already begun to declare to many that he would accept the crown. There is no need for us to point out that it was the circumstances themselves that caused this change in him, is there?

Yes; Arulmozhi Deva’s words filled everyone present there with astonishment and wonder. At the same time, they brought a sense of peace to their hearts. Deep within, in the innermost chambers of their souls, all of them felt that Ponniyin Selvan alone was truly worthy and entitled in every way to ascend the Chola throne. They knew that this was also the wish of the vast majority of people living in the Chola Empire. The anxiety of what consequences might arise if someone else were to be crowned against the will of the people also lingered in their minds. Yet, for various reasons, none of those present dared to declare that Ponniyin Selvan should be crowned.

Now, when Ponniyin Selvan himself stepped forward and said, “I am going to accept the crown. You must place the diadem upon my head with your own sacred hands!”—addressing Periya Pazhuvettarayar—peace and joy blossomed in everyone’s hearts. “A good resolution has been reached. And the difficult, agonizing responsibility of making that decision has passed from us!” Thus, they felt both relief and happiness.

We have already seen how that rare, radiant magnetic force that shone from Ponniyin Selvan prevented anyone from speaking against him in his presence. Why, even Chinna Pazhuvettarayar, whose heart was as hard as diamond, bowed his head and welcomed Ponniyin Selvan with a smile when he met him face to face, did he not?

Periya Pazhuvettarayar knew that Ponniyin Selvan had prevented him from taking his own life. He understood the meaning of the prince’s words. The actions and words of the young prince moved his heart deeply. Overcome with emotion, his body trembled. Tears welled up in his eyes. His throat choked.

Steeling his heart as best he could, he spoke: “Scion of the Chola lineage! Ponniyin Selva! Your words have brought me immeasurable joy. I myself wished to beg you to accept the crown. But I felt I had no right to make such a request, since I have become a traitor to the Chola clan. Your great grandfather, the illustrious Kandaraaditha Chakaravarthi, made an arrangement before he passed. That noble soul decreed that only one from his brother’s line should ascend the throne…”

He spoke with insistence. We had intended to act against the arrangements he had made. Because of the discord that had arisen among us, we thought of crowning Madurantaka Devar against the wishes of that peerless devotee of Shiva. Your father too gave his consent to this. When I think of how disastrous it would have been if our plan had succeeded, my whole being trembles.

Prince! You alone are the rightful heir to the Chola throne upon which your father sits. You alone are worthy to wear the jeweled crown of the Chola Empire! When you were but a small child, I have held you in my arms and upon my shoulders, caressing you. Even then, looking at the marks on your body and the lines adorning your palms, I would say to myself, ‘This child will one day be the king of kings, ruling over this entire earth.’ I have recounted with joy a hundred times how, when you fell from the boat into the floodwaters of the Kaveri, Mother Kaveri herself lifted you in her arms and saved you.

But in these past three years, lust, anger, and sectarian strife have corrupted my mind and turned me into a traitor. Ponniyin Selva! I have