Ponnar Shankar is a historical incident (990–1020 CE) as part of the post-Sangam history of the Tamil country. This period saw the rise and fall of many kingdoms, some of which were empires that exerted influence far and wide.
It is also named as a source of their cultural materials and traditions, transmitted orally from one generation to another either by messages or testimony or speech or song or street theatre and many other forms.
The life of two brothers, known as Ponnar (also known as Periya Annan, the elder brother) and Shankar (also known as Chinna Annan, the younger brother), revered as the Annanmar Swami, is a tale deeply ingrained in folk tradition. Recited and passed down through generations as gramiya padalgal (folk songs) and enacted as folk entertainment through street theater known as Therru Koothu, the story of Ponnar and Shankar begins with their grandparents.
Their grandfather, Kolaththa Gounder, chieftain of the Vazhavanthi country in the Chera kingdom, along with his wife Ariyanaachi, sought refuge in Mathukkarai due to the injustices of his brothers. In a temple there, Kolaththa Gounder resolves a dispute between the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kings, earning him a sizable territory named Konad. The couple establishes settlements in Konad, transforming the barren lands into prosperous farmlands through hard work and innovation. Konad eventually becomes Valanadu, or Ponni Valanadu.
However, tragedy strikes when Kolaththa Gounder and Ariyanaachi pass away, leaving their son Kunnudaiya Gounder orphaned. Kunnudaiya finds refuge with a kind merchant and eventually marries Thaamarai Nachiyar, with whom he has sons, Ponnar and Shankar.
The brothers grow up to become rulers of Ponni Valanadu, worshipped as deities by Kongu Vella Gounders. Their rule in Veerappur holds historical significance, marked by landmarks such as the Neeli Valanadu Fort and temples dedicated to them.
The story delves into the struggles of Kongu Gounders against rival factions and hunter-gatherer communities for land. Ponnar and Shankar, born amid adversity, emerge as formidable warriors reclaiming their rightful lands and avenging their parents' mistreatment.
Their martial prowess and commitment to justice earn them respect, but also enemies, including the treacherous goldsmith SembaKulan. SembaKulan's deceit triggers a series of tragic events, culminating in a deadly battle at Padu Kalam and the suicides of Shankar and Sambuvan.
Devastated by loss, Ponnar seeks revenge against their adversary Kali, ultimately confronting and defeating him. However, the toll of the conflict proves too much to bear, leading Ponnar to take his own life alongside his fallen kin.
In a miraculous turn, Arkani, their sister, receives divine intervention from the goddess Peria Kandiamman, who revives Ponnar, Shankar, and Sambuvan. Though it seems the family has perished, legends suggest Ponnar may have survived, continuing his rule with the aid of the Chola king.
Despite the tragedy, the legacy of Ponnar and Shankar endures, with temples across Kongu Nadu honoring their bravery and sacrifice, immortalizing their tale for generations to come.
The legend of Ponnar and Shankar not only survives through tales passed down orally but has also been immortalized in various literary works, plays, and cultural performances across Tamil Nadu. Their story serves as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the eternal struggle for justice.
Throughout Kongu Nadu, their names evoke reverence and admiration, with festivals dedicated to their honor drawing crowds from far and wide. Temples dedicated to Ponnar and Shankar stand as enduring monuments to their valor, where devotees seek blessings and solace.
Moreover, the tale of Ponnar and Shankar has transcended regional boundaries, capturing the imagination of people beyond Tamil Nadu. Scholars and historians have studied their story, analyzing its cultural significance and impact on society.
In contemporary times, adaptations of the Ponnar-Sankar saga continue to captivate audiences through various mediums such as cinema and television, further cementing their place in popular culture.
Although there is now no official geographic area called Kongu Nadu, it covers the districts of Coimbatore, Karur, Erode, Salem, Tirupur, Namakkal, Dharmapuri,Palani, oddanchatram , pollachi , udumalapettai , trichy in Tamil Nadu, India.[1][2]