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சிவகாமியின் சபதம் #3
சிவகாமியின் சபதம், பாகம் 3: பிக்ஷுவின் காதல்
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
-The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
Kalki echoes the above sentiment when he talks about Fate playing a role in Mahendra Varmar's life. In this volume, he beautifully narrates the various manifestations of Fate.
After successfully fending off the Chalukya invasion and ensuring that the Chalukya army has no access to food and water, Mahendra Pallavar drives the Chalukya Emperor, Pulikesi, to call for a truce. The statesman in him is keen, however, to convert a foe into a friend. Mahendra Varmar thus invites Pulikesi and his retinue for a diplomatic sojourn in Kanchi and lavishes hospitality on them.
During an unguarded moment, the normally astute Mahendra Varmar reveals to Pulikesi in good faith all the ruses he had employed to counter the Chalukya invasion and also commits the faux pas of remarking on Pulikesi's lack of interest in the arts. These statements goad the disillusioned and vengeful Pulikesi to renege on his commitment to cease hostilities.
Two battles are subsequently fought between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. While the Pallavas are successful in chasing the Chalukyas away, Pallava Nadu bears the brunt of Pulikesi's wrath. The Chalukyas amputate the limbs of sculptors, imprison young men and women, set entire villages on fire and destroy crops.
Fate wields its unpredictable hand further. A rash decision by Aayanar and Sivakami results in Sivakami being abducted by the Chalukyas and her subsequent 'oath'. But these incidents also enable Mahendra Varmar to shape Narasimha Varmar's future in a manner he had always envisaged. Don't miss the action-packed third volume of 'Sivakamiyin Sabadham', which sets the stage for the startling climax of this magnum opus in the fourth and final volume.
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
-The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
Kalki echoes the above sentiment when he talks about Fate playing a role in Mahendra Varmar's life. In this volume, he beautifully narrates the various manifestations of Fate.
After successfully fending off the Chalukya invasion and ensuring that the Chalukya army has no access to food and water, Mahendra Pallavar drives the Chalukya Emperor, Pulikesi, to call for a truce. The statesman in him is keen, however, to convert a foe into a friend. Mahendra Varmar thus invites Pulikesi and his retinue for a diplomatic sojourn in Kanchi and lavishes hospitality on them.
During an unguarded moment, the normally astute Mahendra Varmar reveals to Pulikesi in good faith all the ruses he had employed to counter the Chalukya invasion and also commits the faux pas of remarking on Pulikesi's lack of interest in the arts. These statements goad the disillusioned and vengeful Pulikesi to renege on his commitment to cease hostilities.
Two battles are subsequently fought between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. While the Pallavas are successful in chasing the Chalukyas away, Pallava Nadu bears the brunt of Pulikesi's wrath. The Chalukyas amputate the limbs of sculptors, imprison young men and women, set entire villages on fire and destroy crops.
Fate wields its unpredictable hand further. A rash decision by Aayanar and Sivakami results in Sivakami being abducted by the Chalukyas and her subsequent 'oath'. But these incidents also enable Mahendra Varmar to shape Narasimha Varmar's future in a manner he had always envisaged. Don't miss the action-packed third volume of 'Sivakamiyin Sabadham', which sets the stage for the startling climax of this magnum opus in the fourth and final volume.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1944
43 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 19, 2017
What a book it is... such a wonderful journey like other books of the story. The story is definitely taking some shape. Enjoyed reading it.
Expecting unexpected twists in the last part.
Expecting unexpected twists in the last part.
July 26, 2018
I was wondering why I gave 4 stars from my first read. Because I gave 5 stars for the first two parts. Do I hate Sivagami? She is such a vain, selfish, arrogant and jealous character.
Kalki's development of characters in this book is soooo different from the characters of Ponniyin Selvan. Even the negative/villain characters act because of their belief in their commitments.
There are some many moments...where I thought...if only
1. Aayanar is not fixed on finding the ajanta rahasyam
2. If only Mamallar and Sivagami is not consumed with their love and jealousy
3. If only Sivagami is not such a vain and selfish and behaved like a sensible woman
If only, if only....but...I understand the story has to fit around the historical events...
Kalki's development of characters in this book is soooo different from the characters of Ponniyin Selvan. Even the negative/villain characters act because of their belief in their commitments.
There are some many moments...where I thought...if only
1. Aayanar is not fixed on finding the ajanta rahasyam
2. If only Mamallar and Sivagami is not consumed with their love and jealousy
3. If only Sivagami is not such a vain and selfish and behaved like a sensible woman
If only, if only....but...I understand the story has to fit around the historical events...
March 27, 2020
The COVID-19 quarantine situation echoes that of the events described during the siege of Kanchi. What a time to be living in...
The major issue I have thus far is that the characters aren’t particularly likable. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if the characters’ behaviour felt somewhat consistent. Mahendra Varmar wanting to befriend Pulikesi, and Aayanar’s obsession of the Ajantha paintings overriding that of his daughter’s safety just feel contrived. Their actions seem to be forced in order to fit a narrative, rather than a natural progression of a character arc. With regards to Sivakami, there are times when her actions seem irrational and times when she is compassionate and courageous. Wondering how it all ends.
The major issue I have thus far is that the characters aren’t particularly likable. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if the characters’ behaviour felt somewhat consistent. Mahendra Varmar wanting to befriend Pulikesi, and Aayanar’s obsession of the Ajantha paintings overriding that of his daughter’s safety just feel contrived. Their actions seem to be forced in order to fit a narrative, rather than a natural progression of a character arc. With regards to Sivakami, there are times when her actions seem irrational and times when she is compassionate and courageous. Wondering how it all ends.
January 14, 2024
Amazing one and Better than the first two books. The prolonged love track in the second book kind of made me lose interest but this one more than compensated for it. Off to the last one!
March 27, 2021
I love this series and it is one of the best political espionage novels ever, but I HATE the titular character - Sivagami. She is the dumbest character to ever find her way in literature. When she gets caught between the political brilliance of the Pallava emperor - Mahendravaraman and the cunning schemes of Nanaganadi - the spymaster of the invading Chalukya army; she reacts with an intelligence which can only be compared with a goat eating garbage in the middle of a highway. It sometimes feels like Bella from Twilight has managed to find herself caught between the schemes of Littlefinger and Varys.
The love affair between Sivagami and the Pallava crown prince Mamallar is an expected train-wreck thanks to Sivagami's godawful decision making skills - which rival only a monkey wielding a firecracker. When Mamallar saves Sivagami in the middle of a battle, she throws a tantrum worthy of a toddler - all because he did not get off his horse and come and speak to her - I REPEAT, IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ONGOING BATTLE. Heck, I like the main villain of the book - Pulikesi more than this titular heroine (extremely broad stretch to call her that).
This is a beautifully crafted tale of intrigue and suspense. The plots and ploys between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas make this book hard to put down. Then there is Sivagami and all you just want to throw a rotten tomato on her face.
This is a first-grade espionage novel hiding behind a third-grade romance.
Only Kalki has the literary genius to make you love the story while hating the main character. I will write more after I finish the 4th and final part of the series.
The love affair between Sivagami and the Pallava crown prince Mamallar is an expected train-wreck thanks to Sivagami's godawful decision making skills - which rival only a monkey wielding a firecracker. When Mamallar saves Sivagami in the middle of a battle, she throws a tantrum worthy of a toddler - all because he did not get off his horse and come and speak to her - I REPEAT, IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ONGOING BATTLE. Heck, I like the main villain of the book - Pulikesi more than this titular heroine (extremely broad stretch to call her that).
This is a beautifully crafted tale of intrigue and suspense. The plots and ploys between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas make this book hard to put down. Then there is Sivagami and all you just want to throw a rotten tomato on her face.
This is a first-grade espionage novel hiding behind a third-grade romance.
Only Kalki has the literary genius to make you love the story while hating the main character. I will write more after I finish the 4th and final part of the series.
May 17, 2023
The character arc of sivagami towards the end was something to feel as to how one changes as life moulds them. Even though its really painful & takes much greater strength to take certain decisions, its when they take it up, that's when a character is going to be etched in our minds as a companion and an inspiration in times of need. As far as the political part is concerned, kalki is a master. The two extremes of spectrum are sivagami & the king, each in varying portions of right & wrong, telling that the most rational person can make a wrong decision & the most emotionally drawn person can make the most tough decisions. The part where mamallar compares his love story with that of paranjothi's just shows how blaringly different love can be as a feeling for each & every one, that no one can judge that from outside, its strictly a feeling Very personal to the ones undergoing it
November 24, 2015
Excellent plot and very surprising twists in the story.
December 19, 2023
I sped through this book, invested in it completely from start to end. The Bikshu's Love : book 3 of Sivakami's Vow hits a crescendo in suspense and dramatic plot twists. Kalki takes up the well known rivalry between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas of Vatapi and weaves an epic saga employing both real and fictional characters in Sivakami's Vow. At its fulcrum, is the love story between the incredibly talented Bharatanatyam artist Sivakami and the Pallava crown prince Narasimha Varman.
This book begins with the Chalukyan siege (under Pulikesi) of the impregnable fort of Kanchi. Pulikesi’s army is running out of rations and staring at defeat when it gets an invitation for truce from the Pallava emperor, Mahendravarman. Upsetting many in his court, including his wife and son, the Pallava king shakes hands with his Pulikesi, even hosts him for a few days in the capital. Reneging on promises made, Pulikesi plunders Pallava kingdom on his way back to Vatapi and hell breaks loose. The Pallavas’ glory and honour is ransacked. How Sivakami is both a cause and a bearer of consequences of this mayhem unfolds in an engrossing fashion.
Kalki’s characterisation is top notch. Sivakami, the story’s lynchpin, is a pretty complicated female protagonist. She flits between a myriad conflicting emotions at lightning speed, quite like how she changes her expression while dancing. One may hastily declare that Kalki, through Sivakami, asserts the common saying ‘avathum pennale azhivathum pennale’ (loosely translates to women create and destroy as well) but by highlighting each character's strengths & shortcomings, he shows how failing to keep a check on one's emotions and losing control of one's tongue costs dearly.
Nandini Vijayaraghavan’s translation is luminous. She retains terms like jati, taalam, adavu while describing bharatanatyam but translates the Tamil songs to which Sivakami performs skilfully, allowing a natural flavor and in-context understanding while ensuring clarity. A web of love, loyalty and lies, this book holds the reader in rapt attention. Eager to know how the saga culminates in book four.
(A review copy of the book was provided by the publisher in lieu of an honest opinion.)
This book begins with the Chalukyan siege (under Pulikesi) of the impregnable fort of Kanchi. Pulikesi’s army is running out of rations and staring at defeat when it gets an invitation for truce from the Pallava emperor, Mahendravarman. Upsetting many in his court, including his wife and son, the Pallava king shakes hands with his Pulikesi, even hosts him for a few days in the capital. Reneging on promises made, Pulikesi plunders Pallava kingdom on his way back to Vatapi and hell breaks loose. The Pallavas’ glory and honour is ransacked. How Sivakami is both a cause and a bearer of consequences of this mayhem unfolds in an engrossing fashion.
Kalki’s characterisation is top notch. Sivakami, the story’s lynchpin, is a pretty complicated female protagonist. She flits between a myriad conflicting emotions at lightning speed, quite like how she changes her expression while dancing. One may hastily declare that Kalki, through Sivakami, asserts the common saying ‘avathum pennale azhivathum pennale’ (loosely translates to women create and destroy as well) but by highlighting each character's strengths & shortcomings, he shows how failing to keep a check on one's emotions and losing control of one's tongue costs dearly.
Nandini Vijayaraghavan’s translation is luminous. She retains terms like jati, taalam, adavu while describing bharatanatyam but translates the Tamil songs to which Sivakami performs skilfully, allowing a natural flavor and in-context understanding while ensuring clarity. A web of love, loyalty and lies, this book holds the reader in rapt attention. Eager to know how the saga culminates in book four.
(A review copy of the book was provided by the publisher in lieu of an honest opinion.)
April 4, 2022
புத்தகம் : சிவகாமியின் சபதம் பாகம் 3 பிஷீவின் காதல்
ஆசிரியர் : கல்கி
இதுவரை பல்லவ சாம்ராஜ்யம் குறித்து விரிவாக எழுதப்பட்ட பாகங்கள் போல் அல்லாமல் இந்த பாகம் முழுவதும் வாதாபி சக்கரவர்த்தி குறித்த குறிப்புகள் நிறைய காணப்படுகிறது.
உறவு பாராட்டுவது போல் பாசாங்கு செய்து பின் பல்லவ சாம்ராஜ்யத்துக்கு தீங்கு விளைவிக்கும் வாதாபி அரசரின் கோரகுணம், அதன் விளைவாக மூளும் போர், பிஷீவின் யார் என்ற உண்மை மற்றும் அவருக்கும் வாதாபிக்கும் உள்ள தொடர்பு, சிவகாமியின் சபதம், மாமல்லர் நாட்டுக்காகவும் தந்தைக்காகவும் மேற்கொள்ளும் மனம் ஒப்பாத முடிவுகள் என பல திருப்பங்கள் ஏற்படும் விருவிருப்பான பாகமாகம் இந்த பகுதி விளங்குகிறது.
ஆசிரியர் : கல்கி
இதுவரை பல்லவ சாம்ராஜ்யம் குறித்து விரிவாக எழுதப்பட்ட பாகங்கள் போல் அல்லாமல் இந்த பாகம் முழுவதும் வாதாபி சக்கரவர்த்தி குறித்த குறிப்புகள் நிறைய காணப்படுகிறது.
உறவு பாராட்டுவது போல் பாசாங்கு செய்து பின் பல்லவ சாம்ராஜ்யத்துக்கு தீங்கு விளைவிக்கும் வாதாபி அரசரின் கோரகுணம், அதன் விளைவாக மூளும் போர், பிஷீவின் யார் என்ற உண்மை மற்றும் அவருக்கும் வாதாபிக்கும் உள்ள தொடர்பு, சிவகாமியின் சபதம், மாமல்லர் நாட்டுக்காகவும் தந்தைக்காகவும் மேற்கொள்ளும் மனம் ஒப்பாத முடிவுகள் என பல திருப்பங்கள் ஏற்படும் விருவிருப்பான பாகமாகம் இந்த பகுதி விளங்குகிறது.
January 8, 2023
Man... aayana sirpi wins worst book dad LOL - do you want to save your daughter or your statues? God, will save my daughter...save my statues 😥
Other than that this was a very fascinating read. We finally get to know what Sivagami's Sabatham is...3 books later haha. I didn't particularly love Sivagami at the start of the series but she becomes more likeable as the series progresses. Although I wasn't a huge fan of the Sivagami-Maammallar romance, it was a little sad to see it end.
Other than that this was a very fascinating read. We finally get to know what Sivagami's Sabatham is...3 books later haha. I didn't particularly love Sivagami at the start of the series but she becomes more likeable as the series progresses. Although I wasn't a huge fan of the Sivagami-Maammallar romance, it was a little sad to see it end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
Enjoying the layer of complexity this book brings to all our characters. Kalki is truly a masterful storyteller.
I absolutely hate the anachronistic language, especially the use of "christened" here, though. I need to get better at reading Tamil quickly.
I absolutely hate the anachronistic language, especially the use of "christened" here, though. I need to get better at reading Tamil quickly.
December 1, 2022
Great book
October 8, 2023
Breaking stereotypes, setting new standards, the book is timeless!
September 14, 2025
Being a sucker for medieval warfare, the siege portions in this part beginning were some of the most interesting things I have ever read in a Tamil literature book.
March 6, 2021
Volume 3 of Sivagamiyin sabadham is about the mad King Pulikesin pulling out of kanchi, causing the destruction through out the pallava kingdom, capturing sivagami, pallava trying to rescue her, sivagami giving her sabadham and the regret. With every chapter, the storyline gets more and more interesting to read.
The character arc charted out for Mahendra and narashimha varman, paranjothi, gundotharan was excellent. Whereas, Sivagami's decision to secretly leave kanchi or the sabatham sivagami took at vatapi or her refusal to be rescued did not fit her character arc. It did not fit the narrative. It looked like author wanted to force the story in such a way that the actual historical events matched with the storyline.
Overall this volume was very interesting to read with elements on espionage, war and friendship making us indulge ourselves with this story.
The character arc charted out for Mahendra and narashimha varman, paranjothi, gundotharan was excellent. Whereas, Sivagami's decision to secretly leave kanchi or the sabatham sivagami took at vatapi or her refusal to be rescued did not fit her character arc. It did not fit the narrative. It looked like author wanted to force the story in such a way that the actual historical events matched with the storyline.
Overall this volume was very interesting to read with elements on espionage, war and friendship making us indulge ourselves with this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
Part 3 makes you dislike all characters (may be except for Paranjyothi) - probably the storytelling intended to have that effect.
- How (manipulative) war strategies could backfire (sometimes)
- Intention/efforts of King Mahendra to maintain harmony, peace and equality among all religions in Southern India
- How twins could differ in characters and aims
- How emotions (affection, love for art, obsession etc) could impact major decisions (be it personal life or for kingdom)
- How one portrays oneself to rest of the world (Pulikesi's success story at Vatapi despite losing the war)
- How (manipulative) war strategies could backfire (sometimes)
- Intention/efforts of King Mahendra to maintain harmony, peace and equality among all religions in Southern India
- How twins could differ in characters and aims
- How emotions (affection, love for art, obsession etc) could impact major decisions (be it personal life or for kingdom)
- How one portrays oneself to rest of the world (Pulikesi's success story at Vatapi despite losing the war)
December 21, 2019
சிவகாமியும் ஆயனரும் கோட்டையை விட்டுச் சென்றது தான் தவறு... மகேந்திரவர்மர் மீது எந்தத்தவறும் இல்லை....
அருமையான கதை..... அருமையான எழுத்துக்கள்..... கல்கி ஒரு மேதாவி..... மகேந்திர பல்லவ சக்ரவர்த்தி மிது மிகப்பெரிய மரியாதை உண்டாக வைத்துவிட்டார் கல்கி....
மகேந்திர பல்லவ சக்ரவர்த்தி நிஜமாகவே விசித்திர சித்தர் தான்
அருமையான கதை..... அருமையான எழுத்துக்கள்..... கல்கி ஒரு மேதாவி..... மகேந்திர பல்லவ சக்ரவர்த்தி மிது மிகப்பெரிய மரியாதை உண்டாக வைத்துவிட்டார் கல்கி....
மகேந்திர பல்லவ சக்ரவர்த்தி நிஜமாகவே விசித்திர சித்தர் தான்
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2018
Must read classic
July 28, 2019
Interesting Read
Best acts of mahendra pallavar to avoid war and maintain peace is explained in the better way. Go for it. You guys will like it.
Best acts of mahendra pallavar to avoid war and maintain peace is explained in the better way. Go for it. You guys will like it.
July 1, 2020
It is an excellent novel in Tamil
This is my first book of kalki . Very nicely narrated.
Sivakami transforms from a normal woman to a heroic woman.
This is my first book of kalki . Very nicely narrated.
Sivakami transforms from a normal woman to a heroic woman.
June 15, 2021
The story begins with some twists and turns. It leads to the next part.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews