Vatakkiruttal (Tamil: வடக்கிருத்தல், Vaṭakkiruttal, 'fasting facing north'), also Vadakiruthal and vadakiruttal, was a Tamil ritual of fasting till death. It was especially widespread during the Sangam age. The Tamil kings, in order to save their honour, and prestige, were prepared to meet their death facing North ('Vatakkiruttal'), and never would they turn their back in battle. It was a Tamil martial vow (Tamil: நோன்பு, nōnpu, 'vow'). This was either done alone or as a group with the supporters of the captured king.
Few examples of Vatakkiruttal for friendship:
After the death of king Vēl Pāri in a battle, his friend poet Kapilar performs this act in Kabilar Kundru.[1] In another, King Kopperuncholan and his friend poet Pisiranthaiyar did Vatakkiruttal.[2]
Kapilar for King Pari #107 — When Vel Pari is killed in battle, kapilar is supposed to have committed suicide by vadakirrutal - facing North and starving.
