The Five Gods of Ancient Tamil Lands: A Comparative Study with Vedic Religion

 

The Tale of the Seven Kind Kings

Once upon a time, in the land of Tamilakam, there lived seven wise and generous kings. They were known as the "Kadai Ezhu Vallal," the Last Seven Philanthropists, and their hearts were as vast as the ocean, filled with kindness and generosity. Each king had a unique story that showcased their virtues and made them beloved by all.

Pāri and the Climber Plant

Pāri was a king known for his unmatched generosity. One day, as he was riding his chariot through the forest, he saw a small climber plant struggling to grow without support. Moved by the plant's plight, Pāri did something extraordinary. He stopped his chariot, untied his horses, and left the chariot for the plant to climb on. The plant flourished, and Pāri became known as the king who cared for all living things, no matter how small.

Valvil Ori, the Archer King

Valvil Ori was famous not only for his skill in archery but also for his kind heart. He used his talent to protect his people and the wildlife in his kingdom. Ori often shared his harvest with the forest animals and ensured that everyone in his kingdom, human or animal, never went hungry. His people loved him dearly and admired his bravery and compassion.

Kāri, the Magnanimous

Kāri was a king whose generosity knew no bounds. He believed in sharing his wealth and happiness with everyone. One year, when the rains failed and a drought threatened his kingdom, Kāri opened his granaries and distributed food to all his people, ensuring that no one went hungry. His subjects blessed him, and his kingdom prospered.

Pegan, the Hospitable

Pegan was renowned for his hospitality. His palace doors were always open to travelers, no matter where they came from. He made sure that everyone who visited his kingdom felt welcomed and cared for. Pegan's kindness extended to animals as well. He once found a peacock shivering in the cold and covered it with his own shawl to keep it warm. Stories of his generosity spread far and wide.

Aay Andiran, the Patron of Arts

Aay Andiran loved arts and literature. He believed that a kingdom's culture flourished through creativity and knowledge. Andiran invited poets, artists, and scholars to his court and provided them with all they needed to pursue their crafts. His support for the arts made his kingdom a vibrant place, full of music, stories, and beautiful works of art.

Māveli, the Just and Generous

Māveli was a king known for his fairness and generosity. He ruled his kingdom with justice, ensuring that all his subjects, rich or poor, were treated equally. During the harvest festival of Onam, Māveli would distribute gifts and food to everyone, celebrating the spirit of unity and prosperity. His people believed that even after his reign ended, his spirit returned every year to bless them during Onam.

Adhiyaman and the Precious Nellikai

Adhiyaman was a king who valued wisdom and knowledge. He once came across a rare and precious nellikai (Indian gooseberry) believed to grant long life. Instead of keeping it for himself, Adhiyaman gifted it to the wise poet Avvaiyar, believing that her wisdom was more valuable to the world. This act of selflessness made him a legend of generosity.

The Legacy of the Seven Kings

The stories of these seven kings spread throughout Tamilakam and beyond, teaching generations the values of kindness, generosity, and justice. The Kadai Ezhu Vallal showed that true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in the goodness of one's heart and the willingness to share with others.

And so, the tale of the seven kind kings continues to inspire all who hear it, reminding us that the most enduring legacy we can leave behind is a life lived in service to others.