As the coronation ceremony for Arulmozhi Varman drew nearer and nearer, the entire Chola country was swept up in a single wave of jubilation. There was not the slightest difference of opinion among the people regarding the crowning of Ponniyin Selvan with the golden diadem. The men and women of Chola Nadu, the elderly, the children, the city dwellers, the villagers, merchants, and farmers—all, with one accord, welcomed the coronation of Ponniyin Selvan with great enthusiasm. They spoke again and again, marveling at the auspicious hour of his birth and the rare virtue with which he mingled freely among his people, delighting in these tales.

The Ramayana describes in vivid detail the joy that filled Ayodhya when the people learned that Dasaratha had decided to anoint Rama as king. It is said that all the elderly women became like Kausalya, rejoicing as if their own sons were to be crowned. The young women, sharing in the bliss that Sita Devi herself had experienced, adorned themselves with fine garments and jewels, believing their own husbands would soon wear the crown. All the elderly men of Ayodhya, it is said, became like Dasaratha himself.

"Women of advanced years became as Kausalya in their hearts; The priests were as Vasishta; all other women Were as Sita; that day, the goddess of fortune herself; And all the noble men of that city became as Dasaratha."

Thus, Kamban the poet has wondrously portrayed the state of mind of the people of Ayodhya. But what great deed had Rama performed to win such affection and respect from the people? The glory of his bow was yet to be revealed in the days to come. The fame of slaying Ravana and the other demons, and freeing the three worlds from fear, was yet to be his. Had not Rama merely accompanied the sage Vishwamitra and completed his sacrifice? That alone had not greatly enhanced his stature in the eyes of the people of Ayodhya. Why? Vishwamitra himself had not even returned to Ayodhya to recount the tale!

In this world, there are some who captivate the hearts of people through rare feats of valor and acts of charity. Others earn the admiration of their peers by singing melodious songs, performing graceful dances, composing poetry, or creating wonders in painting and sculpture. Yet another few are born blessed, emerging from the womb already marked by greatness. Without any apparent reason, Mother Nature bestows upon them a power to enchant and attract all who behold them. Ah! It seems Mother Nature is most partial indeed! Yet, what do we know? Perhaps, when Mother Nature grants such captivating power, she also gives, in equal measure, certain adverse qualities—who can say for sure?

Did not Rama, who won the love and veneration of the people of Ayodhya, have to endure sufferings unknown to ordinary mortals? Was he not forced to abandon his kingdom, wander the forests, lose his beloved wife, and bear agonies beyond words?

Arulmozhi Varman was a recipient of