An Almost Epic

The Sangam Literature boasts of many major and minor epics. Let’s read an epic whose origin remains unknown and the text is almost lost- the epic of Kundalakesi (woman with long curly hair), written by Nathakuthanaar in the 10th century.

The Tamil epic in a book. Image source: Exotic India Art

Kundalakesi is one of the five epics in Tamil Literature. It is said that the original text comprised of 99 verses, and only 19 have survived and made their way into Tolakappiyam, Yapperungalam, Veera Sozhiyam, and in the minor epic- Neelakesi.

According to the famous linguist K. Zvelebil, the epic of Kundalakesi was destroyed by antagonists because it was a Buddhist didactic text.

However, the few surviving fragments tell us the story of Kundalakesi, the woman who achieved nirvana.

In the flourishing ancient city of Puhar, a girl was born to a wealthy merchant family. The girl was named Kundalakesi. Having lost her mother at an early age, Kundalakesi led a secluded life. She spent most of her time inside her house and didn't care much about what went on outside.

That changed the day Kundalakesi saw a thief, and she fell in love with him. Upon seeing his daughter implore for Kaalan's (the Buddhist thief) release, her father paid for Kaalan to be freed.

For some time, Kundalakesi and Kaalan led a happily married life. They were in love with each other, and all was blissful. However, marital bliss began wearing off, and heated arguments became common.

One day, while joking, Kundalakesi called Kaalan a thief. This hurt him. Kundalakesi was horrified by what she'd said and begged Kaalan for forgiveness.

But Kaalan was deeply burned by her remark and wished to kill her. The love was long gone, and the only thing on his mind was to kill his wife and take her jewels. Kaalan hatched a plan and went to Kundalakesi one last time. He asked her to accompany him to the cliffs. He wanted to pay a tribute to the gods, and he wanted his wife to accompany him in all her finery. The doting wife that she was, she said yes.

When they reached their destination, Kaalan tried to attack her. He told Kundalakesi that he didn't love her and was furious with her last remark. Kundalakesi understood his motives, but she remained calm. She told Kaalan that she wanted her final wish to be granted.

Kaalan agreed. He let Kundalakesi worship him, and she began going around him. When she saw her chance, Kundalakesi pushed Kaalan off the cliff.

As soon as Kaalan died, a wave of guilt, sadness, and disgust rushed over Kundalaksei. She hung her jewellery on a tree nearby and decided not to go back home.

She wandered for a long time till she stumbled upon a place inhabited by Paribbajikas. Kundalakesi became one of them. The Paribbajikas taught her everything. She learned everything quickly and was sent out by her teachers to find someone who could answer all her questions.

Kundalakesi travelled the length and breadth of Jambudvipa while she openly challenged everyone to debate with her. Thus, she became known as Jambukaparibbajika.

During her travels, she came to Savatthi. Over there, Thera Sariputta agreed to take up her challenge. He answered a thousand questions asked by Kundalakesi and only asked one in return- *ekam nama kim (*what is one?) For the first time, Kundalakesi could not find an answer and asked Thera Sariputta to teach her.

He replied that before anything, Kundalakesi must become a Bhikkuni. Taking the lesson, she embarked on her journey, became a bhikkhuni, and soon, she became an Arhat- (one who is worthy) and achieved nirvana.

This was the Tamil Epic of Kundalakesi, the woman who loved, killed, renounced the world, and achieved salvation.