Vatakkiruttal

Vatakkiruttal (Tamil: வடக்கிருத்தல், Vaṭakkiruttal, 'fasting facing north'), also Vadakiruthal and vadakiruttal, was a Tamil ritual of fasting until death. The Tamil kings pledged a martial vow (Tamil: நோன்பு, nōnpu, 'vow') to meet their death "facing north", refusing to turn their backs in battle. Fasting was either performed alone or as a group among the supporters of the captured king. The practice was especially widespread during the Sangam age.

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