Hero Stones / Veerakallu / Nadukarkal – The Hero who saved a lady from Molestation / கற்புநெறி காத்து பட்டான் கல் and Pandrikuthi pattankal / பன்றி குத்தி பட்டான் கல் Thalavadi, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

9^th December 2018.

This post will cover the hero stone which we had seen at Chikka Halli School a part of Thalavadi and Bommanahalli in Karnataka State. This was a part of heritage visit to Thalavadi organized by Mr John Peter.

  

THE HERO WHO SAVED A LADY FROM MOLESTATION ( கற்புநெறி காத்து பட்டான் கல் ).

The literature like Mallinatha Purana and Thiramanathapuranam ( Jains ), compels the males to save the females from molestation. Then only the males are only called as “kshatriyas”. It was a habit that the enemy soldiers used to enter in the village and molest the ladies. The brave males used to fight with them and if the male dies, a memorial stone will be erected. These type of hero stones comes under the group of Penbuyals ( பெந்பூயல் ).  These type of hero stones are found at Kambathalli, Mathaluru, Muthiyanur, Korakodu in Shimoka district. These Hero stones belongs to 9^th – 10^th Century.

One such Hero stone was found out at Neithalapuram near Thalavadi, which belongs to 16^th Century and shifted to Chikka Halli School. The Hero stone is of two stages. The Male is shown moving forward holding a sword in his hand. The Lady’s saree tail curls around the male and the hands are in praying position. On the body of the lady, a knife is also shown.

 

In the second stage the hero who fought & died with the molesting person is shown worshiping Lord Shiva with Rishabam. In addition to the hero a man is shown blowing a conch. Sun and moon are shown faintly.

As per the experts from Mysore ASI of the opinion that if an arrogant male is shown with a lady, pray to leave her from molestation is called as Penbuyals (  பெந்பூயல் ) type of Hero stones.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

PANDRI KUTHI PATTAN  KAL – SATI KAL ( VEERAKALLU ) – ( பன்றி குத்திப்பட்டான் கல்)

On the way to Sri Rameswara Temple at Narasamangala near Chamarajanagar happened to see this Hero stone at Bommanahalli along with a Chekku, Hero stone and an inscription stone.  The Bommanahalli was a part of Kongu Nadu  under Oduvanga Nadu, one of the 24 divisions of Kongu region.

   

This hero stone is of three tiers. In the bottom row the hero is shown with a sword in his right hand. His wife  and Pig are shown on both sides. The hero’s wife, who took sati, is shown with right hand raised, like ondikai maasti.  In the second row both husband and wife are leading to Heaven by the Devakanniyars holding samara separately. This is an unique Sati stone since 4 Deva kannis are shown and Hero and his wife are taken to the heaven separately. The leg positions are shown like they are flying.

In the top tier both hero and his wife are shown worshiping Lord Shiva with Rishabam. A Man doing pooja with two devakanniyars on the extreme right and left is also an unique feature of this Hero / Sati Stone. Above the top tier sun and moon with Kumbha at the centre is also shown.

LOCATION:

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Hero Stones / Sati Stones / Veerakallu - Ondikai Maasti and Eradukai maasti Kal, near Thalavadi, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

A featured post on Indiblogger

09^th December 2018.

Thalavadi in  Erode district of Kongu Nadu  has the maximum number of Hero Stones, Sati Stones, Pulikuthi kal compared to any other districts of Tamil Nadu. Since this place is  very near to Karnataka border, most of the hero stone inscriptions  are in Kannada. The culture of erecting a hero stone was followed  almost in all the villages of Thalavadi. During our recent visit to Thalavadi, we  had seen an Ondikai maasthi and an eradu kai maasthi Sati Stones. In this post the details of ondikai maasthi kal kept in Chikhalli School and eradukaimassthi kal erected at Iggalore are given.  The Kannada literature’s mentions that this happening is called as “Sahamara” which means “leaving accompanied”.  As per the experts, the raised hand is the symbolic representation of Sati Stone.

  

ERADUKAI MAASTI SATI STONE – IGGALORE.

This sati stone came to light after a long wait, by the effort of the PT Teacher Mr John and his students.  The sati stone  is of three stages. In the first stage from the bottom the hero is fighting with his opponent holding a curved sword in the right hand and a shield in left hand. The opponent warrior is shown smaller than the hero. An arrow is shown piercing through the thigh of the hero. The hero wears a half dress. The hero’s wife is shown on the right side of the Hero. The opponent is shown holding a shield and a spear.

In the second stage, hero’s two wives are shown on both side of the hero, with raised hands. The two devakanniyars holding samara leads them to the heaven. In the third tier, the hero with his wives are sitting in padmasana posture. The hands are in praying  position.

On the left side ( on the right side of the hero)  of this Eradukai maasti Sati Stone an ornamental pillar like arrangement with two hands holding the lemon are shown. A flower is shown at the base of the pillar. A Kumba / Kalasa is also shown on the top of the pillar. The pillar occupies two tiers. Both hands are holding  lemon.

Regular feature of the hero and his wives worshiping Shiva Linga with rishabam is not shown in this Sati Stone.  As per the experts, the hero stone believed to be erected during 16^th Century Vijayanagara period.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

(Pic : Mr John )

ONDIKAIMAASTI SATI KAL  - CHIKHALLI

This ondi kaimaasti kal is a part of the School’s collection. In that ondikaimaasti Sati Stone, a Hand holding a lemon is shown along with the hero and his wife, who took the sati after her husband’s death. It is believed that lemon will chase away the evil spirits.

LOCATION:  CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Vijayanagara Period Mandapam in ruins at Dharapuram, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu – A Part of Kongu Heritage Visit.

06^th December 2018.

This 16 pillar mandapam is very close Kolinjivadi Shiva Temple ( Kottaimedu ), part of Dharapuram. It was told that this was once in the middle of a Temple tank called “Neerazhi Mandapam” where deity will be kept and poojas will be conducted. The mandapam is in ruins now and may collapse in near future.

The Pillars are square and octagonal sections with floral designs. The corner pillars are the combination of two pillars in which smaller pillar has the kumba, kalasa, palakai arrangement. The Pothiyals are like simha design. The Pothiyals also has the reliefs like Yazhi, Vaishnava saints like Ramanujar. Vishnu Avatharas like Kalinga Narthanar, etc. The adhisthana has the Oorthuva padmam, round kumudam (Pirathi bandam ).  There is a raised platform combining the central 4 pillars.

This mandapam is believed to be built during Vijayanagara Period has the 15^th to 16^th Century inscriptions on kumudam surface ( due to vegetation growth around the mandapam made us difficult to read what is inscribed on the kumudam ). Due to high vegetation growth on the roof, the mandapam faces the threat of crumbling to pieces.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Ponnachi Amman Temple / ஸ்ரீ பொன்னாச்சி அம்மன் கோயில், பெருந்தலையூர் / Perundalaiyur, / Perunthalaiyur, near Kavindapadi & Erode, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

When we are looking for a Pulikuthikal in Erode District, we came to know that there is a Pulikuthikal in this Ponnachi Amman temple at Perundalaiyur on the banks of river Bhavani. This Amman is a Kuladheivam for a sub sect of Vettuva Gounder's community.

The presiding deity: Sri Ponnachi Amman.

Some of the important details are...
The Temple is facing east with a small 4 pillar Simha vahana mandapam and a swing. The Simha vahana mandapa  and the pillar reliefs shows that this mandapa  was built during Vijayanagara period. Kondam or the pookuzhi ( Fire walk ), a lengthy place is in front of the temple.

ARCHITECTURE and PULIKUTHIPATTAN KAL ( HERO STONE )

In the outer prakaram, Nagars, a 18^th to 19^th century Pulikuthi Pattan kal with inscription, two Muneeswarans built with brick & mortar  and a Stucco horse are there. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, anatrala and a mandapam.

 

The Details about this PULIKUTHI KAL was written in a separate post

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple is believed to be built during 16^th to 17^th Century Vijayanagar Nayaks period. It was learnt that the temple was under palalaya for about 3 years and renovation works were abandoned, due to conflicts between two groups of Kongu Vettuva Gounder Community.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 Hrs.

HOW TO REACH:
About 6 KM from Kavindapadi and Kavindapadi is on the way from Erode to Gobichettipalayam.
Kavindapadi is 24 KM from Erode and 14 KM from Gobichettipalayam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

PIC Courtesy : Google map 

 --- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Appichimar Madam / அப்பிச்சிமார் மடம் / Appichimar Madam, Thingalur, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

A featured post on Indiblogger

06^th December 2018.

It was a long wish to visit this Appichimar Madam temple very close to Thingalur in Erode District. The temple was kept closed for long period due to legal battle between two groups of Vettuvar Community. Hope the dispute was resolved  and the temple was opened for darshan. This old post is updated with architecture, History, Legends and photos. Really fortunate to Visit the temple on 16^th August 2022.

This Appichimar madam was praised by the 18^th Century Kullaiyan’s son Avanasi Pulavar in his book called “Thingalur Arulmalai Nondi Nadagam”.

10. அப்பச்சிமார் பேரில் விருத்தம்

சந்திரபுரி மாநகரில் இந்திர யோலக்கமாய்

        தழைத்திட விளங்கு மடமாம்

தண்டமிழ்கவி வாணர்கொண் டாடவே வந்தசரச

        சங்க மான மடமாம்

விந்தையுட னேசகல பேர்கள னைவோர்களும்

        மெய்ப்பாய் விளங்கு மடமாம்

வீரன்ரெண சூரன்அப் பச்சி மாரய்யன்

        வீற்றிருக் கின்ற மடமாம்

கொந்துலவும் குலமாதர் நித்தம் நடனம்பரவு

        கொலுவலங் கார மட்மாம்

கூறரிய கொங்குமலை யாளமும் ஈழமும்

        கொண்டாட வந்த மடமாம்

DEITIES

The presiding deities are Appichimaraiyyan, Rakkiyannan and Maasiriyamman are in separate temples. A Vinayagar sannidhi is on the back side. 

ARCHITECTURE

The Appichimaraiyyan and Maasiriamman temples are facing east and Rakkiyannan temple is facing North with a common entrance with a mandapam and a mini rajagopuram on the south side. The balipeedam and Deepasthambam is on the east side of the temple. Two stone elephants are also installed at the deepa sthamba mandapam.

Main shrine is facing east with sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Both Moolavar and Rakkiyannan mukha mandapams are joined together and formed as a single mandapam. The Mukha mandapam wall facing Rakkiyannan has the painting of epic Ramayana related scenes. The mandapam pillars has the Vijayanagara style sculptures and pushpa pothyals. 

All the three temple are with similar construction. The  sanctum sanctorum is on a simple pada bandha adhistanam with three patta kumudam. The bitti starts with vedhika. Brahmakantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palagai, veera kandam and poo mottu pothyal. The Koshtas are empty. Bhuta ganas are in Mahara thorana above the Koshtam, which is common in Kongu region temples. 

The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam and Bhoomi desam, a Two tier brick Vimanam is above Bhoomi Desam. The Vmanam has the stucco images of both Shiva and Maha Vishnu. In one of the tala koshtam Hanuman and Garuda are on both sides of Maha Vishnu. Usually on the back side of the Vimanam, Maha Vishnu's stucco image will be there, but here a man in standing posture with 2 hands is there ( may be Periya Maraiyyan ). And Maha Vishnu is in Brahma's place.

 

  

Epic Ramayan scenes paintings 

Vijayanagara period pillar reliefs ( the iconic Herdsman )  

Entrance mandapam adhistanam

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the architecture of the entrance mandapam and mukha mandapam, the temple might have been built during 16^th to 17^th Century, Vijayanagara / Nayakas Period ( Vijayanagar's iconic sculpture of herdsman can be seen on one of the pillars of entrance mandapam ). This Thingalur Appichimar madam is  believed to be constructed by the Thingalur Pattakarars, a sub division of Vettuvar Community. These Vettuva Gounder of Thingalur Pattakarars claims that they belongs to the descendants of Kannappa Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars who worships Lord Shiva.  

"Appichimar Kaviyam" narrates the story of Appichimars in the form of Poem. The Vettuvar Community, believed to be the decedents of Kannappa Nayanar ( one of the 63 Nayanmars ) worships Appichimaraiyyan as Kula Deivam. 

As per "Appichimar Kaviyam", Maraiyyan alias Periya Maraiyyan ruled Vazhavanthi Nadu, one of the 24 Nadus of Kongu Mandalam. He has 4 brothers and they are Chinna Maraiyan, Pillai Maraiyan, UththaNdarayan and Avudayan. The Minister Karpakathan, Rakkiyannan of Vettuvar Community Pattali kulam, the learned poet Singa Kavirasan, the Guards Thanukkaman and Patharukarar helped Periya Maraiyyan for the governance of his country from aththani mandapam. In addition to that Nalla Saman of Kongu Velalar Payira kulam, Sivagurunathan’s son Ardhanari of Sathanthai Kulam and his wife Moiyandaayee also are in the Aththani Mandapam

All the 5 brothers had 70 Children. When arrangements were made for the marriage of  Periya Maraiyyan’s elder son Palaniappan with Vettuvar Kulam Annan Ponnaiyan’s daughter Kaliammai of Nagamalai, in Keerambur Kadu, Palaniappan told that he cannot marry alone, since all the 70 brothers had taken a vow to marry at a time. 

So Periya Maraiyyan arranged marriage for all the 70 brothers with the brides / Girls from 11 families of Perur, Poonthurai Nadu, on the banks of river Kaveri. The 11 families are from 7 Odappalli Vettuvar community, they are Harichandra Vettuvar, Kattu Vettuvar, Pulla Vettuvar, Punnadi Vettuvar, Ponna Vettuvar, Maniya Vettuvar and Ventha Vettuvar kulams / Sects of Vettuvar Community. Andayi alias Moiyandaayi played a main role for arranging the brides.  After fixing the marriage, the marriage was conducted after fulfilling the rituals and along with marriage feast.

In the mean time, Pothirayan, who belongs to Poovani Vettuvar Kulam / Sect ruled the South Poovani Nadu with Perur as Capital. There was a conflict between Pothirayan and the Poonthurai Nadu, which resulted in a war. In that Poonthurai Nadu was defeated and lot of damages occurred. Poonthurai Nattar had sent a person/ messenger to Periya Maraiyyan with a request to help them from Pothirayan. On hearing the request Periya Maraiyyan and all the 70 bridegrooms marched towards battle field to fight with the Pothirayan. In the war Periya Maraiyyan killed Pothirayan and he also died. Along with him some of the 70 brothers also killed in the war. On seeing some of their brothers were killed in the war, rest of the 70 brothers killed themselves.

On hearing the news, the 70 brides, decided to end their lives, since they cannot marry some other persons after completion of their marriage. Told to their decisions to their brothers and parents, to prepare a funeral pyre at Koopittachunai alias Kanaachunai on top of the Kappara Hill. Further told that they all will jump in to the funeral pyre and wish to become Veeramathis. The brides went to war field and took their bride groom's head and jumped in to the funeral pyre after praying Tiruchengode Ardhanareeswarar. Latter Vettuva community people, built a temple for Periya Maraiyyan as “Appichimaraiyyan” and worshiped.  

It was told that the descendants of Appichi Siththaiyar, separated from Thingalur and established 6 more Appachimar Madams in Tamilnadu. 

This Appichimar or Appichi Maraiyan was praised by the 18^th Century Kullaiyan’s son Avanasi Pulavar in his book called “Thingalur Arulmalai Nondi Nadagam”.

ஆருக்கும் அனுகூல முற்றருள் மெஞ்ஞாளமே

        அருள்பொருட் டானமணியே

ஆகமது ரஞ்சித்திர வித்தாரக் கிருபையில்

        உத்தாரக் கிருபாகர்

அண்டகோ எத்தையில் உத்தண்டனே அக்கினியில்

        உக்கிர கன்னியர் அமிரா

ஆங்காரச் சங்காரனே அன்ன சத்திர

        சாலை மண்டபமும்

ஆணிமுத்துக் கோர்வைநவ ரத்தினவ பிடூரியம்

        அழுத்துமுப் பரிகைமேடை

ஆற்றளையில் நீர்பெருகி வாய்த்தகுள ஆறெல்லாம்

        அவர்ந்ததாம ரைத்தடாகம்

அல்லிமலர் நெய்தலும் மல்லிகை யிருவாட்சி

        அருநெல்லி வருசாலையும்

ஆங்கமிகு தெங்குதிறை பூஞ்சோலை மாதனைகள்

        அழகுற சதாளிவகையும்

ஆகமபு ராணசாஷ்த்திரம் அனவேத மறையோர்கள்

        அருள்திங்க ளூர்மடத்தில்

ஆசார நெறியுடைய சோடசஉப சாரமுடன்

        ஆண்டமுத்துச் சுவாமி

அர்ச்சனைகள் செய்யவளர் பொன்மசரி யும்ராக்கி

        யண்ணதீர தளபதியோடு

அப்பச்சி மாரய்யன் மெய்ப்பச்சி யானதுரை

        அப்பச்சி மாரய்யனே.

LEGENDS

When I was an young boy, I was told this temple was a holy temple to chase the evil spirits from those who are caught. In the process of chasing out the evil spirit, the person’s hair will be plugged  and nailed it on a tree.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Two kala poojas are conducted in this temple. Do not know completely the procedure followed during the pooja. The sanctums are in kept closed condition. The Poojari, usually Pattakarar sect of Vettuvar Community used to lit lamps immediately after the main door and closed once again. The deepam  can be seen through the gap of the door. All the three sannidhis are followed with the same procedure. 

Special poojas are done on Amavasya days. Thousands of devotees turnout on no moon day ( amavasai ) to pray Appichimar. They offer whatever yields from their fields like paddy, coconut, groundnut etc,.

The door is always kept closed

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH.

Appichimar madam is about 2 KM from Thingalur. Town buses are available from Perundurai and Gobichettipalayam.  

The temple is about 14,5 KM from Perundurai, 18.6 KM from Gobichettipalayam and 33 KM from Erode.

Nearest railway station is Perundurai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE    : CLICK HERE

Deepa sthambam with stone elephants

Durga

OLD PHOTOGRAPHS

Present praying place

A hand made tiled roof mandapam in front of the temple

A hand made tiled roof mandapam in front of the temple

PRESENT STATUS as on 06th December 2018

Now the temple is kept closed due to legal dispute between two groups of Vettuva Gounders community  to hold the Temple & its property.

In one of the google blog it is mentioned that this temple is a Jain’s Jinalaya/ Temple for the 9th Tirthankara Pushpadanta (Suvidhananda)  and there is a Jain Tirthankara sculpture in side the temple. There is no visible evidence found to prove that claim .  

A Humble appeal is, some one from Vettuvar Community, has to take initiative to open the temple for the General public worship and to know the temple, architecture, religion and culture of our Kongu region. 

Ref:

1. http://gounderhistory.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-post.html?m=1

2.https://kavithaimathesu.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-post_12.html?m=1

3."Thingalur Arulmalai Nondi Nadakam" written by Avinasi Pulavar

4. Kongu Mandala Sathakam.

5. Appichimar Kaviyam, republished by Pulavar Rasu.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---