Sivagami's Vow, Volume 4: Shattered Dream

An English Translation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Sivagamiyin Sabatham

A masterpiece from a legend, Sivagami’s Vow is an epic tale of love, betrayal, unrequited passion, war and vengeance. In this novel, Kalki takes us on a beautiful journey that traverses from the sandy beaches of Mamallapuram to the lofty hills of Ajanta valley.

Emperor Mahendra Pallavan is a great patron of arts, architecture, music, drama and dance. But when Vatapi Emperor Pulakeshin invades south, he proves to the world that he can also be a formidable opponent, employing cunning strategies to fool his enemy.

Prince Narasimhan is a passionate young man. Having lost his heart to his childhood friend, the most celebrated Bharatnatyam artist of the South, he is determined to marry her and make her his queen one day.

Paranjothi, a brave and naive youth from the Chola kingdom, wants only one thing in his life. That is to join Saint Thirunavukarasar’s ashram and become a scholar worthy enough claim his uncle’s daughter’s hand in marriage. But to do he has to sacrifice his arms and penchant to get into scrapes and fights. Will he be successful?

Sivagami, the goddess of art and Pallavas national treasure has claimed a place in the prince’s heart but in the heart of her hearts, she knows that she has a difficult journey ahead. Will her love be fulfilled?

Set in the backdrop of half-finished Mamallapuram stone statues, Kalki infuses life into historical characters like Emperor Mahendra Pallavan and his son Emperor Narasimha Pallavan, Paranjothi, Thirunavukarasar, Pulakeshin and many more. From Mamallapuram to Ajanta, we travel with these characters on an unforgettable epic journey.