VELUDHARAN TEMPLES VISIT : The remains of Stone and Iron Age periods at Seeyamangalam and Thirumalpadi, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

Saturday, 2 December 2017

The remains of Stone and Iron Age periods at Seeyamangalam and Thirumalpadi, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

26^th November 2017.

MENHIR ( to be verified ...?)

This visit was part of a Heritage Visit led by Mr Venkatesh, the historian and writer. During our visit to Seeyamangalam happened to see a Menhir in the midst of a lake adjacent to the 7th-century Pallava period rock-cut cave Sri Sthambeswarar Temple. The temple Gurukkal explained the legend of the temple. In that, he said that Shiva came down to earth in the form of Sthambam, hence called Sthambeswarar.

At first sight, I could not believe it. The experts clarified that Seeyamangalam was an early human habitation site (end of the Stone Age and beginning of the Iron Age), and cairn circles are near the Sthambam. The Sthambam is a MENHIR erected at burial sites. Usually, the dead body will be kept in an urn and buried. Over which Dolmen or Menhirs will be erected. These menhirs are erected for a leader or an important person of that group. This menhir dates from the 9th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE. These sorts of Menhirs were also available in foreign countries. Had seen such menhirs at Kodumanal, Kumarikal Palayam, and Nichampalayam in Kongu Mandalam. Some experts differ and say that this is part of Hill's standing stone. Considering the size and the position where it stands may be correct too.

PETROGLYPHS / ROCK ART / ROCK CARVINGS. கீறல் ஒவியங்கள்.

After the Darshan of Sri Ranganathar at Thirumalpadi, I happened to see some figures carved rather I can say chiselled on the rock at the foot of the hill. A Man with a crown and some animals are chiselled. When we searched the website, the same was documented as rock carvings and listed along with stone and Iron Age paintings of Thiruvannamalai District (Serials Publications by Mr K Rajan).

Usually, the rock carvings are done using nails, bones of animals, or sharp stones. These types of carvings may belong to the Stone Age. But these carvings found at Thirumalpadi may belong to a much later period. The carvings are done using a chisel, and the curves of the animals are very neat. Some experts are of the opinion that this carving belongs to recent years and may not be more than 100 years old. Then how come it is documented along with the rock art paintings?. The reason is not known. Uploaded the rock carving photos of Marayur and Hampi, which I had seen.