News had spread throughout the land and cities that the coronation of Ponniyin Selvan was to take place very soon. The people, with a single-minded eagerness, looked forward to that grand event.

The untimely death of Aditya Karikalan, the self-sacrifice of Mandakini, and the fulfillment of Periya Pazhuvettarayar’s oath—these events had deeply grieved the heart of the Emperor. Yet, the disputes concerning the right to the throne had, in some measure, been resolved, and the fact that all the minor kings and the common people unanimously supported crowning Arulmozhi Varman brought some solace to his wounded heart.

As soon as the month of Thai began, the Emperor decided to choose an auspicious day, place the burden of the empire upon Ponniyin Selvan’s head, and then depart for Kanchipuram. There, he intended to spend the rest of his days in the golden palace built for him by his valiant son Karikalan. Is it any wonder that Sundara Chozhar wished to conduct the coronation without excessive pomp?

In this matter, Arulmozhi Varman too was determined to fulfill his father’s wishes to the letter. Therefore, he had resolved not to appear much among the public in the towns and cities until the coronation was over. If one were to travel directly from the ferry point on the Kollidam to Thanjavur, one would have to pass through the city of Thiruvaiyaru. If they entered that city, the people would surely gather around him in excitement. So, the two friends, avoiding that city, took a slightly western route and crossed the Kaveri river.

When they reached the Kudamurutti river, they walked along its banks toward the royal highway to Thanjavur.

In that wondrous region where five rivers flow one after another, the abundance of water and the richness of the land during the month of Margazhi presented a breathtaking sight. Compared to the season when the floods touch both banks, the scene now—with half the river a sweet stream and the other half a stretch of golden sand—was even more beautiful. On both sides of the river, coconut, areca, banana, and sugarcane flourished in abundance. In places where there were no groves, the well-irrigated fields gleamed with golden paddy, their red-tipped stalks... Their heads drooped, unable to look up. Here and there, in the ponds and streams, lotuses, kumudams, and red lilies rose above the water, presenting a scene as vivid as a painted tableau.

As Vandiyathevan gazed in wonder at all these sights, Ponniyin Selvan turned to him and said, “My friend! Is there anywhere else in this world a place endowed with such beauty and abundance? What a great fortune it is to be crowned the emperor of such a land! When I think that, until recently, I myself refused this fortune, I am amazed!”

“I see nothing surprising in that, sir! I have often heard elders speak of the fickle hearts of royal folk,” replied Vandiyathevan.

“You are a most incorrigible man. And ungrateful as well. You have yet to thank me