Historical is not new to ‘Kalachakra’ Narasimha. Author of Sankadara , the absorbing sequel to ‘Ponniyin Selvan,’ and Panchanarayana Kottam , he handles the genre of thriller with ease. In short, his novels keep you riveted. Narasimha’s latest, Athimalai Devan , a Vanathi publication, is a historical thriller, which combines facts, faith and fiction. In Kanchipuram is the temple of Varadar. The deity made of fig tree and hence the name Athi Varadar, is immersed in Anantasaras, the temple tank. He is brought out once in 40 years, pujas done for 45 days and restored to his water bed. Legend has it that he came out of the Yaga fire, which Brahma conducted, and hence to cool him. He is preserved in water. It is also said that during invasions, the figure was damaged and hence left to rest in water.
The author is not convinced by either. What is the significance of the ritual? Why is He made to disappear under water? Narasimha wishes to unravel the mystery and Athimalai Devan is an effort in that direction. The novel is a timely venture because in July, Athi Varadar is going to be retrieved from the tank, after four decades — an event, devotees are eagerly waiting for. Incidentally, the author was witness to the previous festival in 1979 and is looking forward to his visit in July — this time round, he hopes to be armed with facts, a result of intense research.
Interesting web
With the unique ritual as the backdrop, Narasimha has woven an interesting web of history and huge dollops of spiritual beliefs. And this is only the beginning because he promises to come back with sequels by July. At the centre of Part 1 is none other than Kautilya, better known as Chanakya — the creator of Artha Sastra — the brilliant statesman, who redefined political wisdom. But what has he got to do with Kanchi’s Varadar? For those who have read about him in school history books as the guide and philosopher of Chandra Gupta Maurya, the book gives an introduction — to his beginning.
Child Vishnuguptan is the son of Vedic scholar Kanchanagupta in Kanchipuram. Bright and inquisitive, he absorbs lessons in no time. Seeing his teeth formation, an astrologer predicts that he would grow up to be an emperor and this upsets his mother. ‘Will my son go away from me?’ So deep is his affection for his mother that the boy picks up a stone and breaks his teeth. The deformed face works against his favour for a long time inviting ridicule but he counters jibes with his deadly wit.
The young boy realises that there is something mysterious about the deity Devadi Deva. He is made of the wood of the fig tree and there is a secret, which his parents know and will not reveal and to know which his father is summoned by a local chieftain. Here begins the long and adventurous political career of Vishnugupta, who neutralises the enemy to save his parents. But eventually losing them, the boy sets out with pieces of the divine fig tree as his weapon. He faces scorn, humiliation and defeat before becoming a king-maker. He achieves his goals with clinical precision and ruthlessness. The story travels across landscapes, touching many cultures, Time all along galloping with blurring speed.
So where does that leave Chanakya? The volume closes with an aged statesman, mind as nimble as ever, on the brink. Filled with twists and turns, the racy flow does not give the reader time to look for that thin line, which separates fact from fiction. As the author says in his preface, there are so many versions about Chanakya’s life and a little bit from each has been adapted with telling effect.
The other main character is the fig tree, referred to variously as Kanchanam, Poovarasam and Deva Udumbaram. Its divine qualities make several people look for its location, which invites disaster and destruction. Athimalai Devan, Part One whets the appetite for the sequels.
Publisher: Vanathi Pathipakam, 23, Deendayalu Street, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017. Contact: 24342810 and 24310769. Price ₹425
