பொன்னியின் செல்வன் [1] - 24 - காக்கையும் குயிலும் | Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 - Chapter 25

Vandiyathevan wakes early in a serene palace garden, observing the young Amuthan singing a devotional song while plucking golden flowers, which stirs thoughts about the contrast between a life of devotion and a life of warfare. He reflects on the duties of kings and warriors, questioning why he must wield weapons and travel for battle when others, like Amuthan, find joy in service and spirituality. Vandiyathevan prepares himself to meet the ailing Chola emperor (Sundara Chola) and contemplates the growing influence of the Palyavaetar chiefs, whose power now surpasses even that of the emperor. Meanwhile, Amuthan departs for temple duties, leaving Vandiyathevan to approach the fortified palace, filled with both awe and apprehension about political intrigue and his upcoming audience.