03rd
& 04th February 2020.
During
our Temples Visit in Erode and Karur Districts, scheduled on 03rd
& 04th February 2020, we came across some hero stones either
installed in side the temples or in open ground. Some of the Hero stones are
still under worship on daily or annually.
In addition to the Hero stones we happened to see loose sculptures and
megalithic period burial monuments.
TITLE :
HERO STONE ( KUTHIRAI KUTHI PATTAN KAL )
- குதிரை குத்திப் பட்டான் கல்
PLACE :
Pavithram, Karur District
LOCATION :
In a private field
PERIOD :16th
to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
This
hero stone is standing on a rocky surface.
This hero stone was erected for two heroes who lost their lives in the
process of killing a wild horse. The left hero holds a spear like weapon which
pierces through the body of the horse. The end of the weapon is shown out side
the body of the horse with bend, The second hero is also holding a spear which
pierces through the body of the horse.
TITLE :
Ayyanar
PLACE :
Munnur, in Karur District.
LOCATION :
In a field
PERIOD :
16th to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
The
Ayyanar statue is found in an open field in front of a, Amman Temple at Munnur.
Ayyanar is in sukhasana sitting posture with left leg is resting on the ground.
He holds a chendu in his right hand and the left hand is resting on his left
thigh. Wears ornament on his neck and a yagnopaveetha . He also wears anklets on
his legs. The hair is shown like wave behind his head.
TITLE :
HERO STONES
PLACE :
Munnur, Karur District
LOCATION :
In a field
PERIOD :
16th to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
There
are two hero stones erected in a field. Both hero stones are made of brittle
stone and not like granite. Hence both hero stones are weathered due to rain
and sun heat. On the left the hero stone was erected for a horse hero holding a
sword on his right and holds a rope of the bridle / kadivalam. He is shown
riding on a horse.
The
other one is also a Hero stone. In that
the hero is holding an arrow / sword ( not visible clearly ) in his right hand
and a bow in his left hand. A half dress is shown below his waist with frills.
The stone was buried below the leg.
TITLE :
HERO STONE
PLACE :
Munnur, Karur District
LOCATION :
In garden of a private farm
PERIOD :16th
to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
This
hero stone was erected in side a gated farm. The owner was kind enough to came
and opened the gate for our Visit. The owner of the land told that he purchased
the land about 40 years before. The hero stone is under worship. The hero is
holding a sword on his right hand and holds a bow in his left hand. An arrow is
shown pierced through his right leg. The
hero might have died in the process of fighting with his enemies and hist by
the arrow.
TITLE :
Karkuvai
PLACE :
Munnur, Karur District
LOCATION :
In burial ground
PERIOD :
Megalithic period.
DETAILS :
Happened
to see this Karkuvai ( disturbed ) in the same area. A herds woman told that it
is a “kal kuva- கல் குவ”,
a burial ground / place for the local community called poojaris. Once in a year
the people migrated to various places gather here and do pooja.
TITLE :
CHEKKU / OIL EXTRACTION WITH INSCRIPTIONS
PLACE :
Munnur, Karur District
LOCATION :
In a private field
PERIOD :
10th Century.
DETAILS :
There
are about 11 chekkus found in the open field. It was told that old merchants
who had done business in this place which was the capital city Karur of Chera
Kingdom. One of the chekku broken in two pieces has the 10th century
inscriptions.
TITLE :
LAND DONATION INSCRIPTION STONES
PLACE :
Munnur, Karur District
LOCATION :
In a private field
PERIOD :
10th Century.
DETAILS :
We
had seen two inscription stones one on a back side of a house and another in
the middle of a field. The first one is an inscription pillar of Chozha period
which records the gift of land with periphery markings.
The
other inscription stone in the middle of the filed records the gift of land to
a Shiva Temple. A Rishabam with a trident is shown below the inscription. Also there is a symbol of square.
TITLE :
HERO STONE
PLACE :
KARUR
LOCATION :
Museum
PERIOD :16th
to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
This
is the only hero stone available at the museum. The hero stone is highly
eroded. The Hero holds a sword in his right hand and a bow in his left hand.
TITLE :
HERO STONES ( Navakandam )
PLACE :
Nerur, Karur District
LOCATION :
Badrakaliamman Temple
PERIOD :16th
to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
There
are three Hero stones are installed on the west side of the temples. The heroes
are standing in similar posture. The right hand is shown with a sword cutting
his head. The left hand is resting on another sword. The hero’s tuft are shown
on the right side. Wearing a half dress below their waist.
TITLE :
HERO STONE
PLACE :
Karur, Karur District
LOCATION :
Pasupathypalayam, ( On the banks of river )
PERIOD :16th
to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
This
hero stone is worshiped as Vil Vettuvar Samy -
வில் வேட்டுவர் சாமி”, by the local people.
The hero holds a bow and arrow in his left hand
and a sword in his right hand. The hero is wearing ornaments on his neck and
ears. Tuft is also shown. A Half dress is shown below his waist. An arrow is
shown pierced through his right leg. The
hero might have died in the war.
TITLE :
Chithramezhi Kal
PLACE :
Karur, Karur District
LOCATION :
Industrial area ( தொழில்
பேட்டை )
PERIOD :16th
to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
This relief stone consists of reliefs Chithramezhi,
Aruva / sickle, bow, arrow and on the left what is shown is not known. This
stone is under worship. Experts of the opinion that this may belongs to
Chithramezhi Group ( Farmers ) and their protecting army / soldiers. Inscriptions
are found on the top half portion. The letters are not legible due to continuous
applying of oil and smoke from the incense sticks.
TITLE : HERO STONE
PLACE : Thirumukkudalur, Karur District
LOCATION : In front of Agastheeswarar Shiva Temple
PERIOD :16th to 17th Century.
DETAILS :
The hero holds swords in both hands and right hand sword is shown like cutting his head. A Half dress is shown below his waist. He is wearing rings on his legs and hands. The hero might have died in the war.
Wanakkam Sir?
ReplyDeleteI am kim from Korea.
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Theseday I am making a book about korean old rural culture,
In my book, I will add south indian-korean similarities, similar custom etc.
if you don't mind, I hope insert your Karkuvai-photo in my book.
So, I ask your permission about that.
The photo is one in this blog, the other is this
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBKAcEP_JU4/WYEgz-TnVnI/AAAAAAAA9eE/jQ-hHOp7Gi8BzYBG1kx0OjplNkuAJblyACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_3492.JPG
I surely will write your credit name and blog name.
I visited india several times, especially I like tamil nadu, south india.
I couldn't find your e-mail address, so I write here.
My e-mail is coreanbaba@gmail.com
If you have any condition, please tell me.
I sincerely hope your permission.
Thanks.