POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - ODE TO CHERAL IRUMPORAI 

ABOUT THE POEM: In the poem titled  ODE TO CHERAL IRUMPORAI  praises the Chera king for his strength, courage, and just rule. The poem vividly portrays his martial prowess, generosity and ability to unite and protect his vast kingdom, which is bordered by the Himalayas, Kumari hills and oceans. The poet emphasizes the kingdom’s prosperity under the king’s governance, with lush palm groves, fertile fields, and moonlit beaches symbolizing its abundance. The harmonious coexistence of people and their collective prayers reflect unity and the absence of strife. The king is likened to a mighty elephant overcoming adversity, symbolizing his resilience and determination. His fearsome army, with storm-like shields, towering elephants, and thunderous drums, strikes terror in his enemies. Despite his strength, Cheral Irumporai is also a compassionate ruler, earning admiration through his boundless generosity. The poem concludes with the poet’s reverent tribute to the king’s unparalleled valor and noble leadership, portraying him as an ideal ruler embodying the Sangam ideals of strength, justice, and benevolence. This timeless eulogy immortalizes Cheral Irumporai’s legacy, serving as an enduring inspiration for future leaders and a testament to Tamil cultural pride. ODE TO CHERAL IRUMPORAI Southward Kumari, northward Himalayas,   The seas to east and west as borders stand,   Midland hills and forests where kingdom sways.   Their rulers, blessed by unity’s command,   In prayer removed all evils from the sphere,   With justice pure, they governed hand in hand.    Defenders of a lineage bright and clear,   Of mighty chakras circling land and throne,   Their balanced reign brought peace both far and near.   In Tondi cool, where nature’s charm is shown,   With groves of palms whose clusters bend with grace,   And crimson blooms by salt lagoons wind-blown—    A victor cherished, shining in his place,   Who guards the fertile fields and shores so wide,   Where moonlit sands stretch soft in white embrace.   An elephant, with prideful stride and stride,   Once slipped into a valley deep and vast,   Its tusks now aged, its might put to the side.  Yet strength returned, its trials quickly passed,   It clawed its way from depths it could not stay,   And found its kin, united firm at last.   As rulers watch, your foes now quake and say,   "Before his strength our banners low shall lie,   Our forts, our moats, shall yield without delay."   Their boasts undone, they cannot yet deny   Your wrath will sweep like thunder loud and clear,   No rampart shields their gaze from fearsome eye.   O king, whose host, like clouds that skies revere,   March vast with shields like storms in fearsome night,   With tusked beasts who scent the mountain air near.   And drums that roar as lightning shows its might,   A banner for your valor shines supreme,   Your mercy boundless as the ocean’s light.   O sovereign of Kudanthai, source of dream,   Whose deeds are sung where countless voices rise,   I come to praise your strength, your rule, your gleam!   PURANANURU 17 Poet:     Kurungozhiyur Kizhar Patron:  Cheraman Yanaikanchai MantaranCheral Irumporai