சிவகாமியின் சபதம் [Sivagamiyin Sabadham] (Paranjothi's Journey & The Siege of Kanchi) Vol-1, 2

சிவகாமியின் சபதம் #1-2

by Kalki Krishnamurthy

Sivakamiyin Sabadham’ is a historical Tamil novel set in 7th century South India. The struggle for supremacy between the Chalukya Emperor, Pulikesi II, and the Pallava Emperor, Mahendra Varmar and at a later stage his son, Narasimha Varmar, forms the core of the novel. The story begins with Pulikesi’s unanticipated invasion of the Pallava Kingdom and the ruses Mahendra Varmar employs to safeguard his kingdom and the capital, Kanchi. Mahendra Varmar is handicapped by his ill equipped smaller army which is no match to the larger Chalukya army. Pulikesi’s invasion is not Mahendra Varmar’s sole cause for concern. The impractical yet ardent romance between his only son, Crown Prince Narasimha Varmar and the beautiful and talented danseuse, Sivakami, the daughter of the land’s foremost sculptor, Aayanar, and the fate of Mamallapuram which Mahendra Varmar is in the midst of converting in to a “dream world” filled with exquisite sculptures weigh heavily on him. The scheming Chalukya loyalist Naganandi Bikshu, the young and brave Pallava army commander Paranjyothi, the mysterious Vajrabahu, the passionate sculptor Aayanar and the Pallava spies Shatrugnan and Gundodharan aid in the story’s progression . This intense and unforgettable narrative by Kalki Krishnamurthy plays on the emotions of the readers and concludes with a least expected climax.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Novels

488 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012

About the author

Tamil language Novel Writer, Journalist, Poet & Critic late Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy also known as ‘Kalki’. He derived his pen name from the suffixes of his wife name Kalyani and his name Krishnamurthy in Tamil form கல்யாணி and கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி as Kalki (கல்கி). His name also represents “Kalki avatar”, the tenth and last avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.

His writings includes over 120 short stories, 10 novelettes, 5 novels, 3 historical romances, editorial and political writings and hundreds of film and music reviews. Krishnamurthy’s witty, incisive comments on politics, literature, music and other forms of art were looked forward to with unceasing interest by readers. He wrote under the pen names of ‘Kalki’, ‘Ra. Ki’, ‘Tamil Theni’, ‘Karnatakam’ and so on.

The success that Krishnamurthy attained in the realm of historical fiction is phenomenal. Sixty years ago, at a time when the literacy level was low and when the English-educated Tamils looked down on writings in Tamil, Kalki’s circulation touched 71,000 copies – the largest for any weekly in the county then – when it serialised his historical novels. Kalki had also the genius to classify the historical and non-historical events, historical and non-historical characters and how much the novel owes to history.

Reviews

[ஹேம பவளா · Rating 4 out of 5]

கல்கியின் நாவல்களில் நான் படித்த 2 வது நாவல் “ சிவகாமியின் சபதம் “ . பொன்னியின் செல்வன் படித்துக்கொண்டிருந்த நாட்களில் சில நண்பர்கள் சொன்னார்கள் அடுத்து கல்கியின் புத்தகங்களை நீயே தேடி படிக்கப்போகிறாய் என்று .. அது போலவே நடந்தது,, ஆனால் பொன்னியின் செல்வனை விட சற்று குறைவாகவே எனக்கு தோன்றியது “சிவகாமியின் சபதம் “!!

கல்கி ஏன் கொண்டாடப்படுகிறார் என்றால், சாதாரண சம்பவங்களில் கூட அசாதாரணமான விவரிப்பைக் கொடுத்துப் படிப்பவர்களை வேறு கட்டத்துக்குக் கொண்டு சென்று பிரம்மிப்பில் மூழ்கடித்து விடுகிறார்.

அதே போல இந்த புத்தகத்தில் என்னைக்கவர்ந்தது , மூன்றாவது பாகத்தில் நாற்பத்தெட்டாம் அத்தியாயத்தில் கடவுளைப்பற்றியும் மனிதர்கள் துன்பம் என நினைப்பது உண்மையில் துன்பம் அல்ல என்று தொடங்கும் அந்த அத்தியாயத்தில் “துன்பத்திலே இன்பமாவது , கஷ்டத்திலே சுகமாவது?” என்று நாம் வாழும்
வாழ்க்கையின் அடிப்படையான விடயத்தை விளக்கியிருக்கும் அந்த அத்தியாயம் மிகவும் கவர்ந்தது என்று சொல்லலாம் ..
காலத்தால் அழியாத நாவல்களைக் கொடுத்த கல்கி இது போல இன்னும் அதிகமான நாவல்களை எழுதி இருக்கலாம் என்ற ஆதங்கம் கல்கியின் நாவல்களைப் படிப்பவர்களுக்கு ஏற்படும்...

[Vivek Murugaiyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

கல்கியின் மற்றுமொரு காவியம் . பல்லவ மன்னர்களின் வீரத்தையும் கலையும் கலந்து பேசும் கதை . கல்கியின் மற்ற கதைகள் போலவே விறுவிறுப்பு சற்றும் குறையாத நாவல். பொன்னியின் செல்வன் போலவே கற்பனையான பெண் கதாப்பாத்திரமே முதன்மையாக இருப்பது சுவாரசியமான ஒற்றுமை . நாவல் முடியும் போது வரும் மென் சோகம் நம்மையும் சில நேரம் ஆட்கொள்வது நாவலை இன்னும் சிறப்பாகிறது ... ஆனால் நாவல் முழுவதும் சைவ சமயத்தை உயர்த்தியும் சமண , பௌத்த சமயத்தை தவறாக காட்டுவது வரலாற்று கூற்றா அல்லது கல்கியின் சமய நம்பிக்கையின் அடிப்படையில் எழுதப்பட்ட ஒருதலை பட்சமான கற்பனை பிழையா என்பது நெருடலான கேள்வியாக இருக்கிறது .

பி.கு : சிறு பகுதியாக வரும் புலிகேசி , நாகநந்தி உதவியுடன் தங்கள் மாமனிடம் இருந்து ஆட்சியை கைப்பற்றிய கதை, 23ஆம் புலிகேசி படத்திற்கு அடிப்படையாக இருக்கலாம் என தோன்றுகிறது

[Hema Kushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have completed four parts of this Book. Whenever i finished this Book I felt Silence and Emptiness.Life Is just Temporary one.But Some Creation never lose its beauty with Time.This novel is Epic one.I have never been in Mamallapuram.But i can realise its artistic nature through this Book.I wondered while i read out the War Strategy of Mahindra Pallava.Due to the obstacles which sivagami faced turned her Heart into Stoic Stage.She attained her Real happiness.She destined for Dance.Really i loved every Pages and every Characters on this book.

[Bharath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sivagamiyin Sabadham – the very first historical book that I'm into. Settling its tone and vibe on every page, the narration stands out, especially in how it explores the characters' emotions. Kalki’s narration paints vivid imagery of ancient Kanchipuram while deeply exploring character emotions, making every moment feel alive and rich with detail. The story progresses within the lore of great Kanchi, giving more importance to its artistic side. The characters aren’t simply placed to play with consequences — I love the way every character is written beautifully and in great detail. Also, the lore isn’t expanded quickly in just a few pages; as the story progresses, more characters are added with short page presence but heavy influence on the story. The phasing of the narration is not so serious — it slows occasionally. Though the pacing slows occasionally, the emotional weight and cultural richness keep it compelling. With many characters in it, the narration progresses through various perspectives, yet it never feels overwhelming at any point. There’s a perfect emotional crossover through every chapter , as I said, it keeps settling its tone and vibe on every page. Can’t wait to read the sequel and see what these characters are up to.

[Priya Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historic experience

[Iswariya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after reading Poniyin Selvan. I am not able to continue reading because every line I read I remembered Poniyin Selvan which I read before 4 months. It took 3 days to read to come out of that and read Sivagamiyin Sabatham. Kalki is marvelous. Poniyin Selvan describes about the Cholas dynasty. Similarly, Sivagamiyin sabatham is all about the Pallavas. We can gain vast ideas about the Pallavas, their Kingdom,how they loved arts and sculptures and also their war tactics. It makes us feel to live in their Kingdom. A very good Classical novel after Poniyin Selvan.

[Karthi Vs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mass

[Rohith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalki and his other masterpiece. This is the second time I've completed this book. Reading this can be a challenge but listen to it in audible. All the characters and the depth given to them. We people knew a lot about Moovendhargal but a story based on Pallavargal is something new for us. Many facts given in this book are historically accurate so you can learn from this. How religion interfered in Politics at that time is something that can be relatable to date.


Reasons why you should read this book:
1. Best historical fiction book in Tamil
2. No hype given to this book is like the hype for Ponniyin Selvan.
3. The writer is Kalki
4. No director is gonna take a film based on this book.

[Mani Kandan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultimate epic story... it shows...how much responsibility the king had...I have gone Mahabalipuram... but I didn't know the story behind that... now.. I would like to see it again..with entire different view... and it shows ruling is not so easy... Mahendrajalam...really did its magic... wonderful intelligence of Mahendra chakravarthi.... Naga nandhi is a perfect Villon.... and of course pulikesi... wonderful love.... this story plays between love and responsibility..... very thriller...time killer..
Very strong story... need strong heart to complete it.

[Chiththarthan Nagarajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page gripper!

[Dr.Mahalakshmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading ponninyin selvan, i thought kalki couldn't write something as good as that ever, its his masterpiece, but to my sweetest disappointment was this book getting on par with PS & Kalki growing into greater heights within my heart. Be it the character sketch, the tamil history filled storyline, the picturesque descriptions, it was so wholesome. The beautiful love story weaved was the highlight of this book, the emotions between the lovers was captured so vividly. At the same time, the king was made an idealistic person unlike in PS & parthiban kanavu which contained kings with some beautiful flaws , this story has the king as the backbone. But the angst that mammallar & sivagami are going to be separated was something which couldn't be accepted. Hoping for a better place for Both of them. Mandapapattu is the place newly added to my bucket list to visit. Mazhila maram & flower holds a special place in my heart in addition to the deer rathi & the parrot sugabharmarishi, its in all these details that kalki is captivating minds.

[Ashok Kumar Easwaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalki's exceptional novel, "Sivagamiyin Sabadham," is a fictional story mixed with the history of the Pallava kingdom. The novel follows the story of Pallava kings Narasimhavarman and his father Mahendravarman, but it is the characters of Sivagami, Paranjothi, and Buddha Pitchu who truly leave a lasting impression on readers. The melodramatic ending of the story will make you feel for Sivagami.

When I first read the book, I didn't know that it was a prequel to Kalki's "Parthiban Kanavu." I only read "Parthiban Kanavu" after reading "Sivagamiyin Sabadham." As usual, Kalki's writing includes long descriptions of details that may not always be necessary, but they are only minor hindrances.

Overall, "Sivagamiyin Sabadham" is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, and it's a great prequel to "Parthiban Kanavu." The story is captivating and well-written, and the characters will stay with you long after you've finished reading the book.

[Sree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is again one of the most famous books of Kalki Krishnamurthy. This is a historical novel about the Pallava dynasty - about the famous kings Mahendra Varma and his son Mamallar who constructed the famous Mahabalipuram stone temples which still attract tourists from round the world.

It's mainly a love story between the prince and a dancer sivagami who is a fictional character. The love between both of them is so deeply explained and conveyed to audience. Along with that Kalki has covered the important war that happened between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.

The ancient India majorly consists of Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas but there are very few books written about Pallavas and Kalki has so beautifully covered the two most powerful kings of Pallavas.

[Madhan Rajasekkharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 B11: Sivagamiyin Sabadham by Kalki

Kalki’s first of the 3 historical epics written in the 1940-50s. Set in the 7th century Pallava kingdom in Kanchipuram, the story goes about how Chalukya king Pulikesi invades them and kidnaps Sivagami, a star dancer and what happens afterwards. What was the key cities then, how sculpting and arts was so important, Hindu- Buddhist - Jain tensions all mixed together into a fantastic political drama. Amazing entertainer. And fascinatingly informative. Kalki has not disappointed even once till now.

[Sathya Narayani · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Ponniyin Selvan, I really didn’t know what to expect, but so far this promises to be a captivating saga. This book tells story of pallava kings (Mahendra and Narasimha pallava) while overlaying the roles of Sivakamini who is the best dancer of the kingdom and the star Paranjyothi (who is similar to vanthiyadevan). This book was good (Not as great as Ponniyin Selvan) and goes into praising the king for his foresight in all too predictable fashion but overall the story was still great and quick read to get a glimpse of things in 6th-7th century A.D.

[Sankar G · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Ponniyin Selvan and some of Kalki's short-form novels, I chose this book. I knew this would be a long read like PS, however my problem is characters here do not withstand the length of the book like Vandhiyathevan or Kundhavai did. It surely wins in encapsulating the Pallava world and showing us the graceful Sivagami. The author's portrayal of this titular character helps us to know her so well; which is why the novel succeeds in gaining our share of empathy for her when things go wrong. Despite the grand setup and array of characters with all shades, I was unable to validate some of actions by the lead characters, mainly Sivagami and Maamallar, the Pallava prince. Further, the author's strategy with lookalike characters did not help much. These cons only prevented me from further relishing the author's work.

[Nive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! Since I read Ponniyin Selvan before this, the anticipation was really high. I found myself mapping back a few characters and instances to that of PS. Loved the way Kalki drew me into the book, slow and then made it gripping. Mallar's and Shivagami's love story has been portrayed beautifully.

[Maruthakanagavalli Muthumariappan · Rating 5 out of 5]

சிவகாமியின் சபதம் அருமையான கல்கியின் நாவல். கற்பனை கடந்ததோர் வர்ணனை, அழகான பாத்திரம் வர்ணனை, தமிழின் பெருமை, தமிழரின் பெருமை, சைவத்தின் பெருமை, கலையின் பெருமை, காவியத்தின் பெருமை, காலங்களின் பெருமை இப்படி அனைத்துமே பெருமையாக இருந்தே பெருமை.

[Chandra Mouli · Rating 5 out of 5]

One would fall in love with sivagami.. Kalki has written it in a way you would see mamallar, Sivagami, Naghanandhi and othe characters in front of you as real as you were alive. You will love sivagami in way as she is real. 💜

[Anjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

மாமல்லபுரம் அதன் அழகை ரசிக்க வேண்டும் என்று ஆவல் எழ வைத்தது

[Manikandan · Rating 4 out of 5]

பல்லவ மன்னர்களின் கதை

[Thebookvamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story narration is outstanding

[Sandhiya K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sivagami💙

[Sasidharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad and moving epic story of narasimha and sivagami

[Karthik Vengatesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the final chapters ...

[Pramod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner.. The plot was literally 🔥, able to realise the responsibility of a king

[Shalini J]

Jn8

[Sukesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4

[KM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Kalki's finest works, rivaling Ponniyin Selvan in quality. Though shorter than Ponniyin Selvan, it features an excellent story arc, well-developed characters, intriguing twists, and historical relevance. Characters like Mahendra Varma, Narasimha, Sivagami, Paranjothi, and Pulikesi are crafted with remarkable depth and multiple dimensions. The story does not focus on a single protagonist but several, making it rich in perspectives. The depictions of warfare, strategies, and romance are particularly noteworthy.

This book is a must-read for Ponniyin Selvan enthusiasts. Additionally, don't forget to read "Parthiban Kanavu" (its sequel) after finishing this.