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Vali Vadham 52

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Hari Krishnan • December 22, 2002 


Assurance, not an apology


Let's look at the line once again.  'ponnudai vaaLai neeti nee idhu poruthi endraan'.  The word for word meaning of the line would be - 'pon' golden 'udai vaaLai' sword 'neeti' extending (or) pointing - the word means both.  'nee' you 'idhu' this 'poruthi' take (or) bear 'endraan' told.  Bear is the English equivalent that conveys both the meanings. He pointed his sword and told 'bear this.'   Or, he extended his sword and said 'bear this.'  

Both sound correct and acceptable.  However, we have to rewrite the meaning of the first interpretation as 'He pointed (with) his sword and told 'bear (with me for) this.'  Further, where did he point?  That is a question, the answer for which has to be assumed, with the necessity of supplying words that are not there in the verse.  Therefore the first interpretation necessitates the insertion of the phrase, 'towards Vali' without which the intended shade cannot be obtained.  But what supports the necessity to supply this phrase?

Moreover, as we saw already, Rama did not have to draw his sword to point it towards Vali, when he could have done so easily with a finger.  Further, there is no significance in pointing to a person with a sword rather than with the hand.  

A simple and direct reading of the verse would mean, 'Rama extended ('gave' is the implied meaning) his sword and told Angada, 'take it.'  It is not that easy a situation and that simple an act that did not merit the 'praise of all the seven worlds' as the 'advocates of apology' seem to believe.  Remember, Rama killed the father moments ago and is now giving his sword to the son.  That is no small thing.  It has to be remembered that the sword is a weapon and could be used against the person who is giving it.  Angada was not armed at the moment.  Arming him, whose father was killed by the very same person who was handing over his sword, was not a small thing.  

Just look at the scene.  Vali is lying down, mortally wounded and life is flowing out of him.  Angada is lamenting.  Vali advises Angada not to lament for his death and justifies the act of Rama.  He advises him to serve Rama and also hands him over to Rama to be his mentor and protector, to reiterate, along with Sugriva.  Angada accepts the advice of his father and falls at the feet of Rama.  If Rama is handing his sword to Angada, what does it convey?

It says, 'Here, Angada, take my sword.  I trust you and therefore hand this to you.  You are accepted as my ward.'  Besides that, of all the weapons the sword is considered to be the symbol of strength, power and authority.  That is why even in this age of machine guns, it continues to be a part of the outfit of Chiefs and other senior members of Army, who sport it, carry it in ceremonial parades and other important occasions.  It is not replaced by the gun as yet in such occasions!  

Therefore, it is apparent that Rama appoints Angada as the Prince Regent by this simple ceremony.  An assurance to the departing soul that everything would be taken care, Sugriva would be anointed as the King and Angada would be the Prince Regent.  If we look at the second part of the third line and the fourth line of the verse it says 'iRandhu vaali an nilai thuRandhu vaanukku appurathu ulagan aanaan.'  Vali left for his heavenly abode (on seeing that).  Vali was happy to see the significance of what Rama did and died in peace, only after seeing this.  

Right.  Is there any internal evidence for Angada continuing to carry the sword of Rama?  Yes.  Very much.  Look at the verse describing the coronation of Rama.  The very first line says, 'ariyaNai anuman thaanga,' Hanuman bore (supported) the throne; 'angadhan udai vaaL Endha,' Angada bore the sword of Rama.  Is this not the sword that was handed over to him at the time of Vali Vadham?  Does it require any more argument?  

It was not an apology that Rama sought.  It was an assurance that he gave to the departing soul.




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