Long ago, in a world shrouded in eternal darkness, there stood a kingdom—Shivakshetram—a beacon of light in the vast gloom. Its glory was unmatched, blessed by Shiva Himself. The Agni Vamsha, a noble lineage born to guard fire, stood as its protectors, with Agni Varman, the first king, reigning as the Rajadhiraja, the King of Kings. His reign was unmatched, and under his rule, the kingdom flourished.
The second king, Ashvagni, expanded Shivakshetram's borders. His sons, Vaetragni and Kiranthas, followed him. While Vaetragni sought spirituality, Kiranthas took up the mantle of kingship, and after his death, his son Tejagni ascended the throne.
Tejagni, though young, was driven by an insatiable thirst for immortality. He meditated for years, seeking Shiva's blessing. On the brink of death, Shiva appeared before him.
"What do you desire, Tejagni?" asked Shiva.
"No weapon forged by man or god shall kill me. No disease shall harm me. I wish only to protect Agni, my lineage, and Shivakshetram," Tejagni replied.
Shiva, moved by his devotion, granted the wish, making Tejagni nearly immortal. But Tejagni, blinded by his newfound power, began to control fire with ruthless ambition. Kingdoms fell before him as he conquered them one by one, sparing Kalakshetram for the end.
The people of Shivakshetram cried out to Shiva for help. Deeply saddened, Shiva appeared in a moment of fury, declaring, "Tejagni, you seek to control the fire, not guard it. I curse your kingdom to fall! You are bound to rebirth, enslaved by your own deeds!"
Tejagni, realizing the depth of his mistake, called the people to his court. "I have failed you all," he proclaimed. "Shiva has cursed me, and this kingdom is doomed. I am unfit to rule. I command you to leave and seek refuge elsewhere. This is my final order."
The people, though reluctant, obeyed. They journeyed toward Kalakshetram and beyond. Many perished along the way, and those who survived were branded as untouchables in the lands they sought to inhabit kalakshetram.
The curse lived one. And so did the king.