In this episode, we perceive the past fame of Parambu peak, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Puranaanooru 114, penned about the Velir King Vel Paari by the poet Kabilar. The verse is situated in the category of ‘Pothuviyal Thinai’ or ‘miscellaneous matters’ and renders a subtle message about a place bereft of its ruler.

ஈண்டு நின்றோர்க்கும் தோன்றும்; சிறு வரை
சென்று நின்றோர்க்கும் தோன்றும், மன்ற
களிறு மென்று இட்ட கவளம் போல,
நறவுப் பிழிந்து இட்ட கோதுடைச் சிதறல்
வார் அசும்பு ஒழுகும் முன்றில்,
தேர் வீசு இருக்கை, நெடியோன் குன்றே.

A short song talking about the renown of Paari’s peak in the past. The poet is said to have said these words as he is walking away from the Parambu land with the king’s daughters, after the king’s death. His words can be translated as follows:

“His peak would appear to those who stand here; Even if they walk further to the limits and stand, it would still appear to them; Akin to the ball of food that was chewed and spit out by the elephant in the town centre, are fibres from which nectar has been squeezed out, and from these dregs, juice scatters and fuses with the mud in the courtyard, where the great lord used to grant chariots many!”

Time to delve into the nuances. The poet talks about how Paari’s peak would be visible not only from a short distance but even when when people stood at the limits of the region. But this was when the king ruled from there, and from his courtyard, showered chariots on supplicants many! To bring alive this courtyard, the poet talks about how sweet juices flow and fuse with the mud therein, these sweet juices scattering from the fibres that have been squeezed tight, akin to the ball of food that an elephant eats and spits out, the poet details!

In that image of the juice-squeezed-out mass of dregs, the poet places a metaphor for how the Parambu peak has become a mere pile of rocks without their great ruler to reign over it. ‘Without its people, a place is nothing but a mushy mass bereft of its essence’ seems to be the core thought in this verse!