Previously on Sivagamiyin Sabadham, a young man named Paranjiti and the Buddhist Monk traveled towards the city of Kanji. On the way to Kanji Monk saved Paranjothi from the snake bite. Before they entered the castle, the fort gate was closed.
Capital ( Chapter-2)
There was a large moat running along the fort wall. Its width is about a hundred feet. If you look down, dark colored water was seen underneath.
The royal path by which our travelers came near the moat divided into two, one to the right and one to the left, which ran along the bank of the moat around the fort wall. The carts and men who came along the road went round the wall to the left or to the right.
A narrow wooden bridge was seen over the moat. It went to the gate of the fort. The Buddha Bhikshu beckoned to Paranjoti and walked over the bridge. Paranjodi also followed him.
"What is this, such a small bridge? How can carts and vehicles get into the fort?" asked Paranjothi.
“Can't go through this door. There are large bridges at the north gate and the east gate. Even elephants can go in them!” said the Monk.
They crossed the bridge and came to the gate of the fort. There is a branze Gong hanging there. A log was also lying on the side. The Monk took the stick and tapped on the gong.
From above, "Who's there?" said the voice. A man peered from the top of the castle gate. His face was not visible due to darkness.
"Marudhappa! It's me!" Said the Monk, who peered from above, "Swami! Is it you? Here I come" he said, and disappeared.
After a while they heard the sound of the door of the fort being opened. A hole appeared in the door, big enough for a man to fit in. Bhikshu entered the hole and took Paranjothi inside. Again the doorway was blocked.
When Paranjodi went inside, he looked towards the city. The city was illuminated by bright lights everywhere. A sound arose from thousands of people talking. Paranjothi had never seen such a big city before. So, he was amazed at what he saw.
The Monk looked at the guard who opened the door and said, "Marudhappa! Why is there lack of joy in the city? Why is the fort gate closed so early? Is there anything special?" he asked.
"It doesn't look good, Swami! The city has been in a festivity since this morning..." Bhikshu interrupted.
"The reason of festivity?" he asked.
"Don't you know? The dance of Sivagami Amma was to be performed in the emperor's court today. That's why the people are so festive!"
"Which Sivagami?" asked the Monk.
“Who else? Ayanar's daughter is Sivagami...!”
Paranjoti, who had not noticed the conversation until now, suddenly turned around and asked, "Who, the Ayanar the sculptor?" He asked.
"Yes!" Said the guard, looking at Paranjothi, "Swami! Who is this boy?" He asked looking at Bhikshu.
“This is my disciple. you tell me more. Sivagami Ammai's dance was about to perform, then?”
"The assembly was gathering and the performance was going on. Halfway through, it was known that some messengers had arrived with a very urgent message. The Emperor left the assembly. Then he did not come back to the assembly. Crown Prince and Minister also got up and left. The dance stopped in the middle. At sunset I was ordered to close the gates of the fort. That's all I know, what could happen, Swami? Could there be a war? But there is no king on this earth who can fight with the emperor of Kanchi?" said Marudhappan.
"You shouldn't say that, Marudhappa! Today those who wear the crown and become the kings, tomorrow will... But why should we talk about all that? Is your son doing well?" asked the Monk.
"Your Grace Swami, he is safe!" said Maruthappan.
Once Marudhappa's son was bitten by a snake and he seemed to have a rare chance of surviving. At that time this Buddha Bhikshu cured the boy with medicine. This is the reason why Marudhappan was devoted to him.
"There is nothing I can do, Marudhappa! It is all the grace of Lord Buddha. I am going," Bhikshu walked up. Paranjothi also went with him.
To be continued…
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