Old Tamil Poetry

Silappathikaaram

We praise the sun! we praise the sun!-
as he circles the golden peak of Mount Meru
like the Royal Signet of the rulers of Cauvery.

ஞாயிறு போற்றுதும்! ஞாயிறு போற்றுதும்!-
காவிரி நாடன் திகிரிபோல், பொன் கோட்டு
மேரு வலம் திரிதலான்

These lines are from the foreword of Tamil epic Silappathikaaram. Mount Meru is the mythical sacred mountain of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, considered to be the center of the Universe. bit.ly/1sqA0AN.

The Sun is the source of energy for life in this world. The Rulers of Cauvery (Cholas) are like the sun, enriching this life. It can also mean that Chola Royal Signet rules the whole world, like the Sun does..