War and peace

Thondiaman was a young king of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. He was jealous of King Adiyaman, who ruled over Tagadur. The young king thought he was braver than Adiyaman, who was no match to him. Adiyaman ignored the young king, thinking he would mature someday. Avvaiyar, the famous poet used…
Read Full Story

Reward for a poet

King Adiyaman ruled in Tagadur, which today is Dharmapuri, in Tamil Nadu. He was a great patron of the arts and literature. Poets from distant lands would come to his court, read their poetry, collect the rich rewards bestowed on them, and go away. Avvaiyar was one of the greatest…
Read Full Story

The priceless gift

An ascetic once presented King Adiyaman with a plate of gooseberries (amla). “O king,” said the ascetic, “these are no ordinary gooseberries. They give you a long life.” The king thanked the ascetic and sent for Avvaiyar the poet whom he admired very much. He offered the gooseberries to the poet.…
Read Full Story