POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - UNDAUNTED WARRIOR SEZHIYAN AT DUSK

ABOUT THE POEM:In the poem titled UNDAUNTED WARRIOR SEZHIYAN AT DUSK, King Sezhiyan after ritually bathing in the sacred pond of ancient Madurai adorns himself with the neem-flower garland that marks his lineage and marches to the battlefield, accompanied by the resounding war drum. Numerous enemy warriors stand ready to challenge him, but the time allotted for battle is short. The poem closes with a tense, ironic question—whether any warriors will survive the day without being slain by Sezhiyan—thereby highlighting his fearsome prowess and the inevitability of death in war.UNDAUNTED SEZHIYAN AT DUSKAfter bathing in the ancient pond of Madurai,he crowns his headwith a garland of neem blossoms—the flower-mark of his clan.Behind him, the kinaipparai drum follows,its pulse rolling forward,announcing his stride.Thus Sezhiyan enters the battlefield.Many are the warriorswho stand bristling for quarrel,eager to meet him in combat.But the daylight set aside for war is brief.Will some, in today’s battle,escape the hand of Sezhiyan—Alive and unhurt ?PURANANURU - 79POET: IDAIKKUNRUR KIZHAR PATRON:PANDIYAN NEDUNCHEZHIYAN, WHO WON THE BATTLE OF THALAIYALANGANAM.NOTE: Kinai Parai is an ancient, traditional Tamil percussion instrument, often recognized as a variant of the Parai drum (also known as Thappu or Tappattai). In Tamil literature and culture, it is highly significant for its role in communication, war, and social ritual.