From ancient times, people in many lands have striven to know the events of the future. Just as the poor and unlettered common folk have sought to pierce the veil of what is to come, so too have kings and nobles, and the most learned of scholars. Astrologers, soothsayers, omen-readers, augurers, palmists, and the like have flourished in societies advanced in both knowledge and civilization. Likewise, there have always been those who doubted the truth of astrology and condemned the art itself.

Such a struggle often arose in the heart of the jewel among wise women, the young princess Kundavai. Yet, whenever anxiety for the future of the Chola Empire weighed upon her, that worry would drive Kundavai Devi to seek out the astrologer’s house.

By all rights, Kundavai’s heart should now have attained the peace that Emperor Sundara Chola himself possessed. Unexpected events had unfolded, and it was now certain that Arulmozhi Varman would ascend the Chola throne and be crowned. We know well the boundless longing Kundavai had cherished for her younger brother since their childhood. In her heart, there had always been a firm faith that Arulmozhi, born with the auspicious marks of the conch and discus upon his palms, would lead the Chola Empire to its greatest glory. The incident where he fell into the flood of the Kaveri and was saved by a woman who appeared as a goddess, and many other such events, only served to strengthen her faith. The time for that faith to be fulfilled was now drawing near. Yet, what was it that still denied peace to the heart of that royal maiden?

Just as many spoke of Arulmozhi Varman’s destiny, so too did many speak of the horoscope of Princess Vanathi of Kodumbalur. Whether they truly studied the stars and planets to divine the future, or simply wished to comfort Kundavai Devi at that time, none could say. Yet, we often see that when many voices unite in a single prediction, it sometimes comes to pass in wondrous ways. In the words of some, there is a peculiar force—their utterances come true as they are spoken.

From Kumbakonam, those who had migrated to Thiruvaiyaru... The astrologer, recalling that day as the sacred Thiruvathirai of the month of Margazhi, declared with some emphasis, “It is an auspicious day that shall bring great glory to the Chola dynasty!”

Two years later, on that very Margazhi Thiruvathirai, a male child was born into the Chola clan. When that child grew to the proper age, he shone as an emperor to be compared with Chandragupta, Ashoka, Vikramaditya, and Harshavardhana. He received the coronation name Rajendra, and from Lanka to the Ganges, from the Lakshadweep islands to the island of Sri Avijaya, he conquered and ruled with authority.

The words spoken by the astrologer thus came to pass in a most wondrous manner. But on that day, when he uttered them, Kundavai did not feel complete faith in his prediction. For Vanathi, the astrologer’s words only provoked anger.

She found an immediate way to express that anger. Lifting the palm-leaf manuscript, she flung it at the cat that belonged to the young princess, exclaiming, “Even the science of astrology has its uses!”

Hearing this, the astrologer turned and, discerning what had happened, said, “Princess! They say even a blade of grass becomes a weapon in the hands of the valiant. In the same way, by the grace of your divine hand, this palm-leaf manuscript has saved a life. In the future, will not that lotus hand grant refuge and protection to countless lives?”

Vanathi said, “Akka! This astrologer is a master at flattery—come, let us go!”

“Devi! My words may not please you today. But a time will come when all that I have said will come true. When that day arrives, do not forget this poor soul!” said the astrologer.

Kundavai intervened, “Sir! It is not that this girl dislikes your words. The more she hears them, the happier she feels in her heart. But she is angry, thinking, ‘Without a second thought, I have made some rash vow!’ She has taken out that anger on your palm-leaf manuscript! You need not take it to heart.”

“Even the anger of good people brings good results! See, the beloved parrot that I addressed with sweet words has been spared, has it not?” said the astrologer.

Afterwards, Kundavai continued to converse with the astrologer for a while longer. Chief among her questions was: when would Arulmozhi Varman’s marriage take place? There was good reason for the young princess Kundavai to be concerned about this matter. For, on the previous day, the Commander-in-Chief, Boothi Vikrama Kesari, had come to her and asked, “Mother! I am going to Kodumbalur. May I take my brother’s daughter Vanathi with me?”

Kundavai, startled, replied, “Uncle! What is this haste? Will you leave before the coronation?”

“Mother! I will return in time for the coronation. Until then, why should I remain here? I came with a great army. By divine grace, our wishes have been fulfilled without any conflict. The emperor’s son has agreed to ascend the throne. All the minor kings have accepted this. There is no longer any need to keep such a large army here. Providing food and managing so many people has become a burden for the people of Thanjavur. Therefore, it has become necessary for me to take my army, disperse them in various places, and return,” said the Commander-in-Chief.

“Do as you wish! But why do you want to take my friend Vanathi with you?” asked Kundavai.

“Devi! There is a reason for that. Yesterday, all the minor kings gathered together and came to a decision. Your grandfather, Arinjaya Devar’s father, Paranthaka Chakaravarthi, married six princesses. He took wives from my clan, from the clan of Miladudaiyar, from the clans of the Pazhuvettaraiyars, Mazhavarayars, and Sambhuvarayars—one woman from each. Thus, during his reign, there was no discord among the minor kings. Your grandfather Arinjaya too married