Hero Stone (or) Stones to denote courage

HERO STONE (OR) STONES TO DENOTE COURAGE

It is an ancient Tamil tradition to offer final tributes to the dead soldiers and worship after erecting stones. The stones erected in this way are called 'Nadukal' or 'Hero Stones'. This practice has been existing in many parts of the world since the Stone Age. Generally, 'Hero Stones' can be placed for any deceased person. But it is also mentioned in Sangam literature that people used to worship the Hero Stone of the martyrs.

1. The Period of Stone Erection

In Tamil Nadu, there has been a custom of erecting stone for soldiers since Sangam period. The following lines from Tholkapiyam make this clear.

Proof: Tholkappiyam

2. The Location of the Stone Erected and other Names

Most of the erected stones are found outside the town, Two or more erected stones are also found at the same place. It is also common for many warriors who die in the same battle to have their tombstones found in the same place.

Location

1. Three Hero stones were found at Puliman Gombai (Theni district) by the Tamil University department of Epigraphy and Archaeology. Its period is 3rd Century BC.

2. The Hero stones were also found during the reign of King Athiyaman who ruled places like Sengam and Dharmapuri.

3. In Tamil Nadu during the Chera, Chola and Pandiya periods not only the men who died in the battle, but also the war rooster, a statue engraved with the image of the rooster was set up.

4. The Hero stone of the Nayaka king of the 16th Century was found in Tirupathur District in Vedivattam area. In this Hero stone of the archer, he has an arrow in his right hand and a bow in his left hand. This Hero stone stands as a testimony to honour the memory of the incomparable hero who took part in the battle and sacrificed his life as a tribute to the people.

3. Load Bearing Stones

In Sivagangai District, Manamadurai region villages 'Load bearing stones' (Hero stones) were erected for the women who died during childbirth.

In ancient times, if pregnant women died during childbirth, 'Load bearing stones' were erected on roadsides for making their souls rest in peace. The name of the pregnant woman, year of death, were noted in the stone. On the death anniversary bangles, kumkum, turmeric, ribbon and comb were kept and worshipped.

During harvest seasons, those who carry rice seed, vegetable loads for a long distance kept their loads on the 'Load bearing stones' and took rest for sometime. While doing like that, it was believed that the souls of the dead pregnant women would rest in peace.

4. Other Names

The Hero stones are also called by the following names.

(i) Vethiappan Stone (or) Vethiappan Temple

(ii) Vedar

(iii) Krishnarappan

(iv) Meenarappan

(v) Sanyasiappan

(vi) Anjaneya Stone

(vii) Sirameetan Temple

(viii) Oomai Vethiappan

(ix) Double Vethiappan

(x) Savumettu Vethiappan

(xi) Naththamettu Vethiappan

5. Making of Hero Stone (or) Steps Involved in it

Hero stone formation is carried out in the following steps.

Step 1: Katchi: Going to the mountain to choose a suitable stone.

Step 2: Kalgol: Bringing the chosen stone.

Step 3: Neerpadai: Cleaning the stone brought with water.

Step 4: Theetuthal: Carving the image, name, valour of the dead soldier.

Step 5: Erection: Erecting the stone at the selected place.

Step 6: Perumpadai: Performing abishegam to the Hero Stone with the peacock feathers and garlands.

Step 7: Salutation: Worshiping like a deity and prayer sung.

6. Different Structures of the Hero Stone

The arrangement of Hero stones are made in the following ways.

i) On the epitome there is a figure of a warrior in combat posture holding a bow and arrow or with a sword and shield.

ii) Many epitomes also show the hero with many arrows piercing his body.

iii) Mostly, a long cloth is also tied around the warrior's waist. There is no clothing on the body. A hair is seen on the head.

iv) Some players are found with long braids.

v) Some Hero stones are seen as if the hero is fighting with a tiger. (Evidence: in a town called Moththakkal).

vi) Chicken Stones: Hero stones are also found for the dead chickens in chicken fights.

7. Inscriptions on the Hero Stones

The king's reign, year, the name of the martyred hero and the news about him, the battle, about bringing cattle, about recovering cattle, etc., are engraved on the Hero stone.

The epitomes usually have circular letters. There are also some Tamil letters.

Evidences

1. The stone erected for Pedutheeyan Anthavan who died in the Akol fight held at Koodal town.

2. Another Hero stone erected for Pathavan from Vel town.

3. (i) lynkurunooru. 352, (ii) Akananooru 297.

All these indications show that there were inscriptions on the erected hero stones during the Sangam period.

8. Method of worshipping the Hero Stone during the Sangam Period

There was a custom of offering flowers and smoke to the Hero stones every day. It was called 'salutation to the Hero stone'. It is mentioned in books like Purananooru, Silapathikaram, Malaipadu Kadaam. Stones were placed around the Hero stone to make it a hoard. It is called 'Vallan Padukai God'. They would beat the udukai, perform pooja with Thoppi, a kind of liquor. They also sacrificed animals.

Proofs:

i) Purananooru

Next to Sirtoor, at the dawn, they poured fresh water to the planted stone and performed pooja lighting a ghee lamp. Puranaanooru tells the story of the Hero stone being worshipped, that the smoke produced by lighting the ghee lamp rose like a cloud and smelt in the street.

ii) Auvaiyar says that Athiyaman Nedumananji performed pooja with peelisooti liquor.

iii) Silapathikaram says that Senkuttuvan appointed Kannagi's friend, Devanthi to worship the Hero stone erected for her.

iv) Purananooru 264

Hero Stone is erected in the town for the hero who lost his life in the battle of Karandhai to rescue the cattle lured away by the Vetchiyars. The Hero Stone is garlanded and peacock feathers are put and worshipped.

v) Silapathikaram, Nadukal Kaathai 235

A temple was built for Kannagi. Silapathikaram Nadukal brad of Kaathai says that King Senguttuvan had decided that the statue of Kannagi should be worshipped with gold ornaments. Flowers should be sprinkled and prayer should be performed daily. It is also seen with two Vimanams.