Hero Stone / Navakandam / Arikandam / Veerakallu / வீரகல், at Sri Kangiamman Temple, Thiruvothur, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to these Hero Stones at Kangiamman Temple was a part of  a Heritage Visit to the Temples, Thavvai, Kotravai, Durgai, Hero Stone sculptures around Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai District on 22^nd August 2021. Thanks to Logesh for his guidance, Babu Mano and Manoj.

NAVAKANDAM HERO STONE

There are two Navakanda statues installed on the back side of the Kangiamman Temple. One of the Navakanda statues is made out of Green stone. The hero stands straight and looks in front. The Hero is shown holding a sword in the right hand keeping it down. The left hand holds the sword and cuts his head. The hero wears ornaments in the ears and around the neck. A Kireedam is shown on the head and a big mustache is also shown on his face. A Kattar is shown on his hip.

Since this hero is with a Kireedam and made out of a special Greenstone, the hero must be a Chieftain or a leader of a Group. Please note that this temple is under the control of Mudaliars, The hero may belong to Kaikolar  Padai. This sculpture is very similar to 5 Hero stones found at Thirumalpur  ( They also hold the swords in their left hand  ) and are worshiped by the Mudaliar Community.

ARIKANDAM - HERO STONE

The Other Hero stone is an arikandam. The hero cuts off his head with a sword holding in both hands. A big mustache is shown on his face. The hero wears ornaments on his ears and over neck. He also wears a channaveera. The legs are shown in marching / walking position.

In the front mandapam, these two Hero stone paintings were drawn. In that the heroes are on both sides of a Shiva Linga and a Vinayagar sannidhi.  Since the original temple was dedicated to “kanakarai Selvi” a Kotravai, Heroes used  to sacrifice themselves in front of Kotravai to win any battle / War.  These Hero stones may also be connected to such wars. The Painting may also signify that self-sacrifice in the form of Navakandam was given at this temple.   

LOCATION       : CLICK HERE 

The Hero stones with Vinayaka and Lord Shiva Paintings on the Mukha Mandapam wall 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---