The visit to these Hero Stambhas, at Sinjuvadi, Seelakkampatti,
and Avaleppampatti, was a part of “Temples, Hero
Stones, Memorial Stones, Hero Stambhas (Mala Koil) and Heritage Sites Visit,
around Pollachi”, on 31st January 2026 and 1st February 2026. Thanks to Mr Bala, Mrs Padma Jyothi, and
Mrs Sakthi Prakash for accompanying me on both days.
These
Hero Stambhas are also called Malakoil, especially in the Kongu region. The Kampalathu
Nayakar Community people erect these Hero Stambhas in memory of their
ancestors. Since their main job was to rear cattle, the Hero Stambhas had the
bas relief of Cattle, killing the wild animals (Tiger, elephant, etc.), which
showed their ancestors. In
most of the Hero Stambhas, Krishna’s image will be at the top playing the flute and
cattle around him.
Every year on “Thai Pongal day”, they
used to bring their cattle and worship by offering sweet pongal to these Hero Stambhas.
Also, it is a practice of doing a ritual to get relieved from diseases when the
cattle are affected.
197.10.A.
PLACE : Sinjuvadi
TITLE : Mala Kovil
PERIOD :
16th to 17th century
DETAILS :
This Hero Stambham is in the middle of
the village, considering a Vishnu deity, and Vishnu-related stucco images are on
the top of the parapet wall. This Hero Stambham is worshipped as “Aavulu
Thathayan”. The Hero Stambham is in 7 tiers with sculptures on all four
sides.
197.10.B
PLACE : Seelakkampatti
LOCATION : At the entrance of the village.
TITLE : Mala Kovil
PERIOD :
16th to 17th century
DETAILS :
The Mala Kovil/ Hero Stambham is open
to the sky at the junction of two concrete roads. The Hero Stambham is slightly
slanting towards the north. The Hero Stambham is of 9 tiers with sculptures on four
sides.
Along with this, and on the right side of
the road, some stones are erected like menhirs. It is said that these stones
exists on this place since ancient times.
197.10.C.
PLACE : Avaleppampatti
TITLE : Mala Kovil
PERIOD :
16th to 17th century
DETAILS :
This Mala Koil is at the centre of the
village and is called “Jotha Muthaiyan Temple”. A Garuda thoon is in front of
the temple. A stucco image of “Jotha Muthaiyan” is on the top of the mandapam
entrance. 3 Hero Stambhas and a flat
stone slab are in the sanctum sanctorum. These Hero Stambhas have sculptures
on all four sides. The Hero Stambhas are 9 tiers, 11 tiers and 7 tiers. These Hero Stambha sculptures are related
to Shiva.
The flat stone slab is similar to Hero
Stambham with sculptures. This is unique, in which a husband and wife are in
Anjali hastam, in a standing posture, along with a Horse rider, a hero and his wife
are carried in a palanquin and a fighting scene at the bottom and sati sculptures.
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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