POEM FROM TAMIL LITERAURE - THE UNMATCHED VALOR OF NEDUNCHEZHIYAN

ABOUT THE POEM:The poem THE UNMATCHED VALOR OF NEDUNCHEZHIYAN celebrates the extraordinary valor of Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan at the battle of Thalaiyalanganam. While single combat and mutual death in war are common, the poet marvels at the unprecedented sight of one king defeating seven rival rulers single-handedly. Unaware of Nedunchezhiyan’s greatness and moral stature, the seven kings confront him with arrogance but their pride is crushed. Adorned with symbolic garlands and accompanied by the thunder of war drums, Nedunchezhiyan emerges victorious, making the battle a unique and unforgettable moment in history.THE UNMATCHED VALOR OF NEDUNCHEZHIYANMan against man in battleis no wonder;sometimes one falls,sometimes both—that is the old law of war.The poet saw iton the field of Thalaiyalanganam—Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyanstanding aloneagainst seven crowned kings.But one manrising against seven,striking them down,erasing their pride—this is unheard of.Today, I have seen it.Never before.Unknowing of the greatness,the moral stature,the green-garlanded Chezhiyan,seven marched forth, boastingthey would face him in war.Their arrogance was stilled.With neem blossomsand uzhinai flowerswreathed upon his head,with the thunder of the kinaiparai drum,he fought—and destroyed them.My eyes Only this day witnessed such grandeur.PURANANURU - 76POET: IDAIKKUNRUR KIZHARPATRON:PANDIYAN NEDUNCHEZHIYAN, WHO WON THE BATTLE OF THALAIYALANGANAM.Note:Uzhinai Flower -English common name: Thumbai / DronapushpiUzhinai is frequently associated with war, heroism, and victory in Sangam poetryKinaiparai is a Sangam-era war drum whose thunderous beat symbolized royal authority, the onset of battle and the proclamation of victory.