Puranaanooru

Lesson - 4
D01144 Purananooru - 4

Lesson 4 analyses poems 226, 228, 229, 235, 242, 243 and 245 from the Puranaanooru. The common theme underlying all these poems is the transience of life. Nothing is permanent and life is a mingled yarn of joys and sorrows. The poems are illustrative of this great truth. What one finds in these poems is a mature, philosophical acceptance of the hardships and misfortunes of life.

Poem 226 is written by Nappasalaiyar. She grieves over the death of Killivalavan. A fearless warrior and a benevolent king, Killivalavan’s death is mourned deeply by the entire country.

Poem 228 is also a tribute to Killivalavan. This poem was sung by Aiyyur Mudavanar on the death of this great king. It was customary in those days to bury the kings in a Thaazhi. ie., (a clay coffin). The poet says that even if the potter were to use the universe as his wheel and all the clay from the Himalayan range he would not be able to make a coffin befitting the greatness of Killivalavan.

Poem 229 is by Koodalur Kizhar. Well versed in astrology, he foresaw the tragic demise of king Maandancheral Irumporai. The poet hails the king as a matchless warrior and a generous patron.

In poem 235 Avvaiyar laments the death of Athiyamaan Neduman Anji in the battlefield. She pays tribute to the great king by praising his virtues. Athiaman is hailed as an epitome of courage, benevolence, generosity and scholarship.

Poem 239 is written by Pereyin Muruvalar. On the death of king Nambi Nedunchezhiyan there arises the question of whether he should be buried or cremated. The poet extols the admirable virtues of the king.

In poem 242 Kudavayir Keerathanaar bewails the death of king Perunchathan. The poet reproaches the mullai creeper for flowering when a great king is dead. Struck by the sorrow of their king’s death no one, he says, will gather the mullai flowers.

Written by Thodithalai Vizhuthandinaar, poem 243 employs the technique of flashback to recapture a happy moment from the poet’s childhood. Now old and infirm, the poet yearns for the joys of youth. Sadly youth is short lived and everything on earth is subject to the ravages of time.

Poem 245 is written by king Cheramaan Maakothai. The poem expresses the inconsolable sorrow of the king who loses his queen. The king is sad that fate has ordained him to live even after the death of his beloved queen.