Cilappatikāram

Onranpakuti, the title of a section of the fifth-century CE Tamil Cilappatikaram, is challenging to translate as its literal meaning, 'single part', seems unrelated to the verse. This article explores paths to a better translation, examining internal evidence, title conventions, content, the Pinnai figure, and related sources. This approach leads to my proposal that Onranpakuti is a 'tamilized' reference to the guardian Vrshni goddess, Ekanamsha 'One without parts', and provides supporting evidence that (i) the cult of Ekanamsha should be recognised as part of the early history of South Indian Vaishnavism and (ii) that this section of the Cilappatikaram is actually devoted to this goddess, with the Mayavan-Krishna figure and his brother as attendant deities, who is depicted as clan protector, young kinswoman to Krishna, and his spouse.