Vatakkiruttal

 ( Tamil Martial Arts ) 

Vatakkiruttal (, 'fasting facing north'), also Vadakiruthal and vadakiruttal, was a Tamil people ritual of fasting until death. The Tamil kings pledged a martial vow (, '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.

• Poet Kapilar fasted at Kabilar Kundru following the death of his friend King Vēl Pāri in battle.
• King Kopperuncholan and his friend, the poet Pisiranthaiyar, committed suicide by Vatakkirruttal together.

• George L. Hart (2025). 9780231115636, Columbia University Press. ISBN 9780231115636
• Romila Thapar (1996). 9780195638677, Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195638677