Vatakkiruttal (Tamil: வடக்கிருத்தல், Vaṭakkiruttal, "fasting facing north" ?), also Vadakiruthal and vadakiruttal, is a form of Tamil ritual by 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 (Tamil: நோன்பு, nōnpu, "vow" ?). This was either done alone, or as a group with the supporters of the captured King.