Sunday 16 January 2022

Hero Stones / Thoonguthalai Hero Stone / தூங்குதலை நடுகற்கள் பொன்னி அம்மன் கோயில் / திருமலைச்சேரி /Thirumalaicherry, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Hero stones was a part of Shiva, Vishnu Temples and Heritage sites at Thirumalaicherry, Gudimallur and Kaveripakkam. My Sincere thanks to Mr Ramesh Krishnamurthy for taking me to all these places.

This place Thirumalaicherry was under the rule of Pallavas, Chozhas, Rashtrakutas, Viajayanagaras, Muslim Rulers and Britishers during various periods. Their remains are found in this Village on various places. This article will cover some of the details of Chozha period Hero stones. Two hero stones are found erected on a pedestal in front of Ponniamman Temple, near Thirumalaicheri Ration Shop.

Thoonguthalai Hero Stone…
In Thoonguthalai hero stone, the hero is in padmasana sitting posture, cutting his head through a sword holding in both hands. His tuft is tied with a bamboo stick bend in an inverted U shape. As soon as the head is cut the head will be lifted by the bamboo stick. The hero Veera Chozhan had given this thoonguthalai, for an unknown reason. In memory of Veera Chozhan, Nallur Nambi ( may be a blood relative ) had erected this Thoonguthalai Hero Stone. The inscription is not visible now since, the base was concreted. This inscription was recorded about 20 years before by Mr Gandhi, Curator of Vellore fort.  As per the style of inscription this Thoonguthalai hero stone belongs to 10th Century, Chozha period. 

The inscription is as given below...
1. தூங்கு தலை குடு
2. த்தாந் வீர சோழ
3. னை கல்செய் வி
4. த்தார் நல்லூர் நம்
5. பி

Arikanda Hero stone…. In the second hero stone, only head is visible. The hero holds his tuft with left hand and cutting head holding a knife in the right hand. We may observe a smile on his face even at the time of killing himself, which shows his braveness. The details below his head is known. This hero stone do not have inscriptions. 
  


HOW TO REACH
To reach Thirumalaicherry,  from Chennai, just before the Kaveripakkam Toll gate turn left and travel on Anaicut Road towards Palar Anaicut Walaja Entrance. 4.6 KM from Madras – Bombay trunk Road / Chennai to Vellore Road / Mumbai Hwy.
The temple is about 8.9 KM from Walajahpet, 10.3 KM from Kaveripakkam, 12 KM from Arcot, 12 KM from Ranipet, 33 KM from Vellore and 104 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Walajah Road Junction

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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