Ponniraṭṭāl – A Sanskrit Graphic Novel Translated by Nandakishor R.
Original Story: B. Prasad | Artwork: Gopu Pattithara
 
पोन्निरत्ताल
 
Ponniraṭṭāl, a Sanskrit graphic novel translated by Sri Nandakishor R. as part of the Live Sanskrit initiative, presents a powerful retelling of a legendary tale rooted in Kerala’s rich Thekkanpāṭṭu (Southern Ballad) tradition.
 
The story follows Ponniraṭṭāl, the radiant daughter of the valiant king Aṇañcipperumāḷ Mārtāṇḍan. Her birth was no ordinary one—she was born after her parents offered a golden horse to the fierce deity Kariṅkōḻi Ayyanār of Māṇāṭṭutēri. Though married to Paavūr Raṇasūra Perumāḷ, she was denied the blessings of conjugal fortune. In her desperate quest, she undertook deep penance at Thōraṇamalai, where she pleased the goddess and became pregnant. However, her destiny was cursed—untimely death awaited her.
 
But Ponniraṭṭāl is not defeated. She is reborn, and in her new life, she rises to fulfill her karmic destiny—seeking justice and overcoming betrayal.
 
This graphic novel is part of a five-part yakṣī legend series, curated to reframe Kerala’s traditional female spirits—once feared and misunderstood—as heroic, dignified, and spiritually elevated women. Far from the frightening stereotypes, these tales reveal the deeper human and divine dimensions of women who, having endured betrayal and death, were later revered as benevolent deities.
 
By bringing this deeply symbolic and culturally rich tale into Sanskrit, Nandakishor R. has contributed to an uncommon but vital effort—translating regional literature into Sanskrit, not just from it. The Sanskrit rendering retains the soul of the original Malayalam story, while beautifully showcasing the expressive power of classical language in a visually engaging, educational format.
 
Ponniraṭṭāl stands as a testament to the resilience of women, the endurance of folklore, and the timelessness of dharmic justice—a meaningful offering to both young readers and connoisseurs of Sanskrit literature alike.