User:Ksaravamuthan/Vishnupuram

Vishnupuram

Author	Jeyamohan
Language	Tamil
Genre	Fiction
Publisher	Agaram, Kavitha Publications, Natrinai Pathippagam
Publication date	1997
Publication place	India
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	848 pp. (original Tamil)

Vishnupuram (Tamil: விஷ்ணுபுரம்) is a 1997 Tamil novel by writer Jeyamohan. The epic novel centered around the mythical town of Vishnupuram has emerged as of the most important works in modern Tamil literature. It established Jeyamohan among the great writers of Tamil and Indian literary arts.

Outline

According to the Hindu faith the universe is believed to be totally annihilated by the Will of the Supreme Being by the end of the fourth (era). The three Gunas (traits) Sathva the Pacific and virtuous, Rajas the action oriented and temperamental and Thamas the lethargic and pleasure seeking nature's of the people will be predominant in that order during these Yuga's. When total chaos takes over, the Lord destroys the universe to be recreated at his pleasure. This is an endless game of Him!

Writer Jeyamohan's has created his mini universe in "Vishnupuram". Bards with names after seasons such as 'Vasantham' (spring), one after one sing the story of "Vishnupuram" before a captivated audience. This epic novel is divided into three parts named after the Feet, the Heart and the Crown of Lord Vishnu, describing the people and events happening around a period of about a thousand Years

At first the middle part of the history is narrated. The Sri Padham festival celebra-Ted once in twele years, attended by the Pandya king of Madurai takes place. The Religious head of the city Suryadhathar manages the whole affair. Thousands of people throng the city. Many poets come with fond hopes of presenting their creations before the King but find it difficult. One poet named Sankarshanan (non other than writer Jeyamohan!), with great difficulty his epic "Padma Puranam", about the city of Vishnupuram. Later he feels that the epic narrates only falsehood and wants to destroy it.But Padma a Devadasi(courtesan), who stood by him in his difficult times sternly objects and saves the epic. There are many telling events happening around this period including the attempts by nihilists to obliterate Vishnupuram with its culture This part ends abruptly with the suicide of the chief sculptor with severe mental depression by jumping off from the tallest tower of the city.

The second part deals with the earlier part of the millennium. AAccording to the Provisions then existing the post of the religious head can be challenged and won through a debate with the permission of the King. Bhavadhathar, a predecessor of Suryadhathar, was the chief priest, when Ajithan, a lad of sixteen years belonging to a Buddhist sect arrives at Vishnupuram with the kings permission. The venue for the debate is arranged. Before Ajithan presents his side, scholars from various schools including Dharsanas like Sankya etc. of the Hindu Religion, Various sects of Jainism and Buddhism present their philosophies.

Finally Ajithan Puts forth the philosophy of his sect. He answers searching questions from the scholars assembled including Bhavadhathar. At the he is declared the winner. But the transfer of power is not smooth. Vested interests see that Bhavadhathar is killed. Chandrakirthi, a Buddhist, trained in martial arts has joined Ajithan with his followers. Even before he takes Ajithan's permission, by quick manoeuvre, he forces the official, who is representing the king to surrender, and arrange for the Transfer of power. Ajithan takes over. Chandrakirthi opens the city and the temple to the downtrodden people. Eventually he becomes the defacto ruler!

The final part deals with the mostly destroyed and deserted city with very few people, unaware of its glorious past. When they hear of the past from inquisitive visitors many laugh at it, saying that they are only parts of mythology. The chief Priest,Aaryadharhar is only titular in name. He passes away after a stroke, leaving his son, who is affected with cerebral palsy.

Many leave the city to go to Madurai, or elsewhere fearing the arrival of Pralayam(TheDeluge). The few remaining in the city submit to the floods from the coral river Sona. The oldest chief of the tribals living as destitute around the city who claims that they were the original owners of the area, advises able bodied persons to migrate to a safer area, which is found by many, as daunting. A handful of women come forward.

The chief encourages them to migrate and find suitable life partners and produce progenies and multiply their tribe to win back their territory. Neeli the boldest among them, leads the group up through a mountain range. At a point she turns back and views Vishnupuram. Her eyes see the falling down of the city's towers one by one into the floods!

External links

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