Written by London Swaminathan
Post No. 15,558
Date uploaded in London – 31 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
Item 409
Sibi story from Hindu Puranas and epic is repeated here which shows Choza kings came from North West India. Even Buddhists stole this story and incorporated in the Jataka Tales which were older than Sangam Tamil literature. But Buddhists showed Sibi as Buddha and not as Chozas.
The Sibi Chakravarthi story appears to have adopted by the Chozha kings as theirs. It is referred to in Puranānūru 37, 39, 43 and 46.
Chembian in Tamil is derived from Sanskrit Saibhya which is again derived from Sibi.
***
Item 410
Hanging Forts in the sky.
All Tamil interpreters skip this line without explaining.
In fact it is the story of Tripurantaka/Lord Siva.
தூங்கு எயில் எறிந்த நின் ஊங்கணோர் நினைப்பின்,
அடுதல் நின் புகழும் அன்றே; கெடுவின்று
The destruction of the three cities in the sky, known as Tripura or Tripurantaka, is a major mythological theme frequently referenced in Chola-era inscriptions and art to glorify Lord Shiva and, by extension, the Chola kings who claimed to rule under his grace.
1. The Myth of Tripura in Chola Context
- The Myth: Three demon sons of Taraka obtained a boon from Brahma to live in three powerful, movable aerial cities (gold, silver, and iron) created by Mayasura. They could only be destroyed when these cities aligned once every thousand years and were struck by a single arrow. Shiva (“Tripurantaka”) shot this arrow.
- Chola Symbolism: The Chola kings identified with the strength and role of Shiva, projecting themselves as protectors of the cosmic order. The Tripurantaka form of Shiva (Destroyer of the Three Cities) was particularly popular in early Chola art and inscriptions.
- Significance: It signifies the destruction of evil (“sins”) and the restoration of balance.
2. Epigraphical and Artistic Evidence
- Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram: 1500-year-old carvings show a colossal “Tripurantaka Murthi” figure. While early, this set the stage for Chola temple art.
- Kamarathivalli Temple (Kamarasavalli): Inscriptions here highlight that the temple was heavily supported by monarchs like Rajaraja Chola I, Sundara Chola, and Vikrama Chola, who worshipped Shiva in his various forms.
- Chola Bronzes: The Norton Simon Museum houses one of the earliest Chola bronzes depicting Shiva as Tripurantaka, highlighting the importance of this story during the early, middle, and late Chola periods.
3. Connection to Chola Rule
- Rajaraja I and Gangaikonda Cholapuram: While building his capital, Rajaraja I was heavily influenced by Shaivite traditions. His successors, like Rajendra Chola I, adopted similar ideologies, and inscriptions often describe the king’s victory in terms of divine favor, drawing parallels to the destruction of the three forts (Tripura).
- Kumbakonam Area: The “Thiruvanaikkaval” area (near Trichy), linked to the Kochengot Chola (a very early king), features Shiva-centered mythology, including stories of transformation and overcoming threats.
In summary, the story of the “three cities in the sky” (Tripura) represents the triumph of divine justice and is a key ideological theme found in the inscriptions of the Chola dynasty, linking their victories directly to the prowess of Lord Shiva, particularly in his Tripurantaka form.
***
Item 411
Uranthai, now Uraiyur near iruchi was famous for the Justice Court that existed during Krikal Choza Time. Then it was destroyed in a sand storm.
My article written in year 2011 is reproduced here:
Strange as it may look, British judges, magistrates and barristers follow a custom that was started by a Tamil king two thousand years ago. British judges and several others who preside over the courts of justice wear a white wig.
If we go to encyclopaedias they don’t explain why they wear it or when it was exactly started. Ancient Egyptians wore wigs for protecting their heads from the scorching sun. Then Romans and others wore different types of wigs as symbols of aristocracy.
The British judiciary started wearing wigs from 17th century. Many of the commonwealth countries also followed it. Whenever the reason for the custom is asked many people say that it is the tradition or uniform for professional discipline or it shows experience. Actually it was started by the most famous Tamil king, Karikal Chola two thousand years ago. Crystal clear proof comes from the ancient Tamil Cankam (Sangam) literature.
Karikalan was the greatest of the Tamil kings for three reasons. He ruled vast areas of Tamil-speaking land, subjugating other Tamil kingdoms. He was the first Tamil king who went up to the Himalayas and carved his dynastic emblem there. Till today, there remains a Chola pass in the Himalayas. The second reason was he was a just king and his court of justice in Uraiyur became very famous. Tamil literature praises his justice and gives the story of wigs. And the third reason is the Grand Anaicut he built across the river Cauvery is one of the oldest dam s in the world.
Though we did not have any historical records scholars have dated him around 1st century BC. He was a boy king – like the Egyptian Tutankhamen. He came to power while he was a teenager.
The Story of Wigs:
One day two elderly people came to his court seeking justice. They had a dispute among themselves. They decided that whatever the Uraiyur court says must be the final settlement. When they came in to court, they were shocked to see a boy sitting as the judge. They were greatly disappointed – which Karikalan felt immediately by looking at their faces. Indeed, the face is the index of the mind.
Karikalan politely asked the elders to take seats and told them to wait for the ‘judge’ and he went in. The entire assembly was puzzled. Then came an elderly person and sat on the chair. After carefully listening to the arguments of both the sides he gave his judgement. Both of them were immensely happy to hear a fair settlement. Now the assembly wanted to know who the elderly judge was. King Karikalan removed his white hair wig (Narai Mudi in Tamil) and revealed himself. All applauded the Wisdom of the ‘Solomon of India’.
The proof for the anecdote is in three Tamil books:
1. Porunar Atruppadai –lines 187-188. Porunar Atruppadai is one of the ten long poems of Tamil Cankam literature dated between 1st to 3rd century AD
2. Manimekalai- This is one of the five Tamil epics dated 3rd century AD
3. Pazamozi – poem 25 translation:
Nobody can deny the fact that Karikalan was the first one to use white wig in judiciary matters.
***
Item 412 Himalayas
Himalayas was not only sacred to Hindus but also a symbol of victory. Chera Choza Pandya kings went up to the northern most and the highest mountain in the world to engrave their symbols. This Ws achieved with the help of Satakarnis, the mighty Satavahana kings. They were friends of the Tamil kings. Tamils of Sangam Age mentioned Himalayas, Ganga and Yamunai but never Indus River/Sindhu. It shows that they have no connection with the Harappan Civilization.
***
Item 413 Vanji
Play on words. Vanji has three meanings: A plant, modern Karur town in Tamil Nadu and a girl who is slim like Vanji creeper.
Here in Puram 39, poetess used it for Vanji city, that is Karur. But she used it by saying Vanji that which will not whither. This is the style of Kalidas, the greatest of the Indian poets. He used to play on words like this.
For instance if he wants to mention the bird Chakravaka, he would saythe bird with the name of a wheel/Chakra.
வாடா வஞ்சி வாட்டும் – you hurt strong Vanji city which is not the vanji flower that fades (வாடா வஞ்சி – வஞ்சிநகருக்கு வெளிப்படை, வஞ்சி – இன்றைய கரூர்),
***
Puranānūru 39, Poet Mārōkkathu Nappasalaiyār sang to Chozhan Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan
1
O heir of Chempiyan who removed the pain of a dove by climbing
on a scale with a pointer made of white tusk of an elephant with
dark legs! Generosity is not the reason for your fame!
2
If we
think about your ancestors who ruined forts that are hanging high
that are strong and difficult to approach, killing in battles is
not the reason for your fame!
3
Righteousness has been established
in the court of Uranthai of the Chozhas with martial courage, and
reigning with justice cannot increase your fame!
O Valavan who wins battles with great might, whose arms are like
the crossbars of forts, whose garland is blinding, who owns proud
horses!
4
How can I describe you, since you have made strong Vanji
wither, and destroyed the Chera king owning tall, well-built chariots,
5
who had placed his protective bow symbol on the Himalayas
with many towering summits with gold? How can I sing of your great acts?
****
புறநானூறு 39, பாடியவர்: மாறோக்கத்து நப்பசலையார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் குளமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளிவளவன், திணை: பாடாண், துறை: இயன் மொழி
1
புறவின் அல்லல் சொல்லிய கறையடி
யானை வான் மருப்பு எறிந்த வெண்கடைக்
கோல் நிறை துலாஅம் புக்கோன் மருக!
ஈதல் நின் புகழும் அன்றே;
2
சார்தல்
ஒன்னார் உட்கும் துன்னரும் கடுந்திறல் 5
தூங்கு எயில் எறிந்த நின் ஊங்கணோர் நினைப்பின்,
அடுதல் நின் புகழும் அன்றே; கெடுவின்று
3
மறங்கெழு சோழர் உறந்தை அவையத்து,
அறம் நின்று நிலையிற்று ஆகலின், அதனால்
முறைமை நின் புகழும் அன்றே; மறம் மிக்கு 10
எழு சமம் கடந்த எழு உறழ் திணி தோள்,
கண்ணார் கண்ணிக் கலிமான் வளவ!
4
யாங்கனம் மொழிகோ யானே, ஓங்கிய
வரை அளந்து அறியாப் பொன்படு நெடுங்கோட்டு
இமையம் சூட்டிய ஏம விற்பொறி, 15
மாண் வினை நெடுந்தேர் வானவன் தொலைய,
5
வாடா வஞ்சி வாட்டும் நின்
பீடுகெழு நோன் தாள் பாடுங்காலே.
****
Item 414 Enemy Kings’ Crowns
Two interesting points are her in Puram verse 40.
Ancient Hindu kings melted the golden crown of the enemy kings and made them their anklets (leg ornaments) or foot stools . Here the anklets are mentioned by the poet. Here we come to know more about the jewellery of ancient Tamil Nadu.
“You have made glittering warrior anklets with the
fine gold crowns of your enemies that you wear on your legs”
Item 415
A very good description about the paddy Production is revealed in the following lines:
“country where a small space fit for a female elephant produces
food for seven male elephants!”
In fact there is a well known saying
சோழநாடு (சோறுடைத்து): Choza country is famous for rice;
பாண்டிய நாடு (முத்துடைத்து): Pandya country is famous for pearls;
சேர நாடு (வேழமுடைத்து): Chera country is famous for elephants;
தொண்டை நாடு (சான்றோருடைத்து):Thondai country is famous for Scholars
***
Puranānūru 40, Poet Āvūr Moolankizhār sang to Chozhan Kulamutrathu Thunjiya Killivalavan,
You do not respect the fortresses of your enemies who protect
them with martial courage. You wage wars with them and ruin
them. You have made glittering warrior anklets with the
fine gold crowns of your enemies that you wear on your legs.
O Mighty King! We have seen you today and we wish we can
see you always. May those who sing ill of you bow their necks
and those who sing your praises flourish! O greatness!
May you, with sweet words be easy to approach, O lord of the
country where a small space fit for a female elephant produces
food for seven male elephants!
புறநானூறு 40, பாடியவர்: ஆவூர் மூலங்கிழார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் குளமுற்றத்துத் துஞ்சிய கிள்ளிவளவன்,
நீயே பிறர் ஓம்புறு மறமன் எயில்
ஓம்பாது கடந்து அட்டு, அவர்
முடி புனைந்த பசும் பொன்னின்
அடி பொலியக் கழல் தைஇய
வல்லாளனை, வய வேந்தே! 5
யாமே நின் இகழ் பாடுவோர் எருத்து அடங்கப்,
புகழ் பாடுவோர் பொலிவு தோன்ற,
இன்று கண்டாங்குக் காண்குவம், என்றும்
இன் சொல் எண் பதத்தை ஆகுமதி பெரும!
ஒரு பிடி படியுஞ் சீறிடம் 10
எழு களிறு புரக்கும் நாடு கிழவோயே!
அவர் முடி புனைந்த பசும் பொன்னின் – with their crowns made of gold, அடி பொலிய – feet to be beautiful, feet to glow, கழல் தைஇய – made war anklets out of them
O Greatness, ஒரு பிடி படியும் சீறிடம் எழு களிறு புரக்கும் நாடு கிழவோயே – O lord of the country where a small space necessary for a female elephant protects (grows food for) seven male elephants .
To be continued………………..
Tags- Puranaanuru Wonders -16, Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia -Part 56, One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 56 , Sibi, Karikalan, Wigs, Uraiyur, Tamil jewellery, item 415, hanging forts, hanging cities
Tamil and Vedas 