Spgm 047 - The Hunter's Folk Songs Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

(In Ayyain temple side, Kovalan, Kannagi
and Kownthi Adigal were taking rest.
There ‘Salini' Goddess said about
the future events in Kannagi's life.
Then the hunters dance singing folk songs)

RELIEF FROM SICKNESS

The sun started scorching severely.
Kannagi became weak and sickly.
In fever her feet turned red.
Often her breath shortened.

They broke the journey as she was sick.
Moreover exhausted from a long walk,
They went to Ayyain temple corner
And for rest sat quietly there.

SALINI ROARS

In Maravar tribe Salini was born.
The tribes kept their vows like a loan.
It remained unpaid for a long time.
This was deemed a serious crime.

So, the Deity came in Salini's possession.
She went into a trance in obsession.
All the hairs in her body stood erect.
She danced and said in that state:

"Enemies have entered the town.
Maravars have spoiled this union.
There's no peace or prosperity,
‘Cause of theft in this community."

"Unless your vows you settle,
You'll never win any battle,
As you live only to eat, live and die.
Why not your dues you now give."

THE STATE OF THE KINGDOM

In their loyalty to their state
Maravars have their heads cut
As a sacrifice with their own hands,
When such an occasion demands.

They were bold warrior men.
They decorated a woman
With tiger nails, pig horn,
In the dress of a tiger skin.

A strong bow she took,
And sat on a deer's back.
She was offered a cock,
A parrot and a blue peacock.

For them she was a queen,
As she looked fresh and green.
Several girls followed her
With gifts to please her.

Bands and drums in front
Sounded as they all went.
They first worshiped Ayyain
And the day's queen then.

SALINI FORETOLD

Salini's trance was at its peak,
She began then to speak.
"This Kannagi, a famous woman,
Born to be worshiped by Pandian."

"She'll shine in the world,
More than diamond or gold, "
On her voice top this she said,
Pointing the finger to her side.

KANNAGI FELT SHY

Kannagi said, "What this woman,
Said in a trance may not happen."
She hid herself behind Kovalan,
As she felt shy and shaken.