The three of them reached the outskirts of Anuradhapuram when the sun was beginning to set. Vandhiyathevan was blown off his feet by the impressive city. He was awestruck by the size of the city, the height of the city walls, the grand mandapams, the beautiful stupas, and the overall grandeur of the city. He thought to himself that the three grand cities of Thanjavur, Pazhayarai and Kanchi were no match for this city. Perhaps Pataliputra of Ashoka, Ujjain of Vikramaditya or Kaveripatnam of Karikal Valavan may come close to the grandeur of this city. As they rode closer to the city, the crowds grew.
Vandiyathevan slowly traced his way down the underground passageway. After a little while, the steps stopped. He was in a chamber of sorts. At the end of the tunnel he could see some glimmering light. He walked closer. It was not light from a window. It was not moonlight.
Gangaikonda Chozhapuram temple built by Rajendra Chozhan. img src: http://madhujagdhish.blogspot.com Vandiyathevan reached the main hall of the palace. The gigantic hall looked like a small
Chattrams (resthouses) as part of the Thanjavur Palace Vandiyathevan slept like a log through the night and woke up only after the sun had dawned.