Lesson - 2

P10412 Cilapathikaaram - Vazhakurai Kaathai

     This lesson deals with one of the five great epics entitled Cilapathikaaram. A small part of this epic, namely Vazhakurai Kaathai, is explicated.

Cilapathikaaram is the story of a merchant, Kovalan, born in a coastal town, Kaverippoom Pattinam. His life with his wife Kannaki is narrated in three cantos of thirty story- parts or Kaathai. The three cantos provide the movement of the story through the three Tamil Kingdoms of Chera, Chozha and Pandiya. How Kovalan and Kannaki lived a life demonstrative of the four subjects of Aram, Porul, Inbam and Veedu is explained here. Ilango Adigal, the author, used literary. musical and dramatic techniques in this epic which also has three messages to mankind.

Vazhakurai Kaathai occurs in the second canto of Cilapathikaaram as the tenth story-part. Kannaki the wife of Kovalan seeks justice in the court of the Pandiya king for the wrongful killing of the hero. This heightens the principles adopted in the epic.

The third central unit focuses on the use of Venbaa for the expressions made by the heroine Kannaki and by the observers of Kannaki departing from her earthly body for spiritual attainment.

By learning this lesson you will have a fair knowledge of the Government, Court of Justice, adoption of Royal Justice, strength of ethical and moral behaviour and activities, and faith in fate as predestined events, and ends of human lives.