Last seven great patrons

Last seven great patrons (Tamil: Kadai ezhu vallal) are a group of seven kings from ancient Tamilagam mentioned in the Sangam literature.

[2] A poem by Perumchittiranar from the Sangam literary work Purananuru also lists the seven great patrons and their deeds.

[2] These kings were regional monarchs known as velir, who ruled small kingdoms under the larger triumvirate of Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.

[9] During the sangam period, poets and scholars generally sung praises on the rulers, who in turn bestowed them with gifts.

[10][1] In Sirupanaatruppadai, Nattatranar lists them as Pegan, Pari, Kari, Aay, Adigan, Nalli, and Ori.

[7] Perumchittiranar lists the seven kings as Pari, Ori, Malayan Kari, Elini, Pegan, Aay, and Nalli in Purananuru.

[17] Once when Pari was traveling along country side, he noticed a jasmine vine struggling for support.

[22] An ascetic once donated Aay a divine, which purportedly gave prosperity and good health.

The fruit of the tree was purported to have medicinal effects, and bestowed longer and healthier lifespan for those who consume it.