Sivagamiyin Sapatham

Sivagamiyin Sabatham (Tamil: சிவகாமியின் சபதம், Sivagamiyin Sabatham, lit. 'The vow of Sivagami') is a Tamil historical novel written by Kalki, first serialized in (Tamil magazine) during January 1944 – June 1946, and published as a book in 1948. Along with Ponniyin Selvan, this is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written in Tamil. Set in 7th-century south India against the backdrop of various historical events and figures, the novel created widespread interest in Tamil history. Honour, love and friendship are important themes that run through the course of the novel.

It would be difficult to point out who the real hero of the novel is. Mahendravarman I, the Pallava emperor, plays an important role in the first half of the story while his son Narasimhavarman comes into his own as the novel progresses. The plot revolves around the historical events of the Chalukya king, Pulakesi II, laying a siege of Kanchi, and Narasimhavarman avenging this by attacking Vatapi, the capital of the Chalukyas.

The novel is divided into four parts.

The novel begins with the arrival of Paranjothi in the city of Kanchi to attain tutelage under the Tamil saint Thirunavukkarasar. But he ends up saving the damsel Sivagami and her father Aayannar from a mad elephant by throwing a spear at it, almost by reflex. There is considerable unease in the town since the Chalukya king Pulikesi is on his way to attack Kanchi. That night Paranjothi is arrested by the guards and is kept in a cell since Mahendravarman wants to see and jail the young man who saved the life of his most important artists. But Paranjothi manages to escape from the prison with help from Naganandhi, the Buddhist monk who accompanied him to Kanchipuram.