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 PATTAN KAL )- குதிரை 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 sukasana 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 legt tigh. Wears ornament on his neck and a yaknopavithra. 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 : CHEKKUS / OIL MILLS 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 Nandhi 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 swords in both hands and right hand sword is shown cutting head. A Half dress is shown below his waist. The hero might have died in the war. He is wearing rings on his legs and hands.
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
Thanks for the valuables information, My best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks and you are welcome Abi
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