The woman’s power to bring back the dead alive was discussed in this column a few weeks ago. There is a similar but more colourful story in Tamil Sangam literature. Aadi Mandhi is Savitri’s counterpart. Daughter of Karikal Chozha, she marries the valiant Attan Athi, from the neighbouring land of the Cheras. Poems describe the love the two had for each other.
It is Aadi Perukku, the day River Cauvery brims with fresh flow. People throng the river bank and royal families are not an exception. They frolic in the water and on the sands, after worshipping the river, which is their lifeline. The river roars, the frothy waves covered with garlands, flowers and stuff the revellers have offered her. Personified as a maid and goddess, Cauvery is awesome, spanning both banks, teasing swimmers to try their strength and skill.
Young men rise to the challenge. After all this is an opportunity to show off their prowess to their sweet hearts, who are proud of their broad shoulders. Their hands entwined, Aattan Athi and Aadhi Mandi watch the beautiful spectacle. The churning waters, which sparkle in the mid-day sun, beckon Athi and how can he resist it? Is he not known for his tireless arms and swift strides? It is a shame to stand when men of his age are swimming back and forth.
Riding a crest
Disengaging himself, he climbs a post and leaps into the ferocious river. As Mandhi watches, a bit anxiously, he swims — the river becoming his play field. All eyes are on him as now he rides a crest, laughing, then ducking under a wave.
Caught in a current, Athi is dragged away. A collective ‘Ah’ is followed by frenetic action as men jump into the river. No sign of him anywhere. Is it even possible that he could have survived? They return empty handed. Refusing to give up, Mandhi runs along the shore, for hours — sobbing and screaming for her husband, surely dead. She begs Mother Cauvery to return her beloved.
And a wave showers an already drenched Aadhi Mandhi, carrying with it Athi — alive. This is a miracle and the refrain may go back to the woman’s love and chastity. At a subtler level, it is another woman, the river, which gives life to a man, who until a few hours ago seemed invincible.
