POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE GIFT OF IMMORTALITY

ABOUT THE POEM:The poem THE GIFT OF IMMORTALITY praises King Athiyaman (Anji) as a brave and noble ruler who defeats his enemies in battle and brings joy to his people. He is compared to Lord Shiva for his greatness and divine qualities.The central idea highlights his extraordinary generosity: when he obtains a rare gooseberry (nelli) believed to grant long life, instead of keeping it for himself, he gives it to the poet so that the poet may live longer.Thus, the poem celebrates not just his valor, but his selflessness and greatness of heart, portraying him as a ruler worthy of eternal life and divine comparison.THE GIFT OF IMMORTALITYHe stands—victory-sword in hand—till his enemies falland fade upon the battlefield.He, the lord of the Athiyars,wears the anklet of valor,its silent music echoingthrough conquered wars.His people rejoice—their laughter steepedin sweet toddy,their joy rising like songafter thunder.He gathers his triumphs,not as fleeting dust,but as a golden garlandresting upon his chest.They call him Anji—a name spokenwith pride and wonder.His brow—fair as sacred ash,white as milk—his throat,deep as the blue gem,recalls the great Lord,the eternal one.O king,may you endurelike that mighty presence—steadfast, unending.Once, from an ancient mountain’shidden fracture,came a rare fruit—the small-leafed nelli,a treasure of life.You knew its secret:that one who eats itescapes the jaws of death,and walks longupon this earth.Yet you did not claim it.You held within your heartthat nelli bears the gift of immortality—silent, guarded, rare—and chose to place it in my hands,that I might live on.so that I might live an immortal life and not you.Such grace—such boundless giving—indeed,you are the onewho shall live onlike the Lord himself.PURANANURU - 91POET: AVVAIYARPATRON:ADHIYAMAN NEDUMAN ANJI