Villi Bharatham – 41 (60)
Surrounding the mighty hero
who stood like a mythical beast,
they shot many an arrow,
as ghosts danced awaiting a feast.
யாளி என நின்ற வய
மீளியை வளைந்து, பல
வாளிகள் பொழிந்தனர்கள்,
கூளிகள் நடம்செயவே.
Villi Bharatham, 13th day war.
Though a 2000 year old Mahabaratham rendition written by Perundhevanar is mentioned in Tamil texts, it has not been found. Mention of Mahabaratham war occurs in Sangam poetry too. Mahabaratham written by SriVilliputhurar (the man from SriVilliputhur) in 14th century is the oldest available Mahabaratham in Tamil. He makes it clear in the introduction that it is not a complete rendition but a shortened form just following the main story.
This poem describes the Kaurava warriors surrounding Abhimanyu and attacking him from all sides. The ghosts of death dance around awaiting his fall. The brevity and the rhyme of Tamil poem is marvellous. Translating that into English in impossible, but I have tried to do justice to the original.
Old Tamil Poetry 
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“The hero stood strong like a Yali, Bending his bow and shooting many arrows, Which rained down upon the enemies, Causing them to scatter and flee in chaos.”
The verse primarily praises the hero’s bravery and prowess. The imagery used is intended to highlight the hero’s strength and the formidable impact of his actions.
The reference to “ghosts” in your version is a metaphorical way to convey the chaotic and fearful retreat of the enemies. It adds a dramatic and haunting element, but it doesn’t suggest that ghosts are literally waiting for the hero’s flesh. Instead, it emphasizes the hero’s overwhelming power that sends enemies fleeing in fear, almost as if they are being chased by ghosts.
So, the focus is on praising the hero and depicting his formidable impact on the battlefield.
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