India

CHENNAI: A 1,000-year-old ‘Arikandam’, a statue installed in the memory of a man who took his own life through decapitation to redeem a vow made to goddess Kali, has been found near Cholapuram in Sivaganga district.

Sivaganga Tholnadai Kuzhu coordinator K Kalirasa, secretary R Narasimhan and joint secretary K Muthukumar found the statue while on a field trip in Cholapuram.

“We found the statue in the Pidari Amman temple, which is situated between Cholapuram and Nalukottai village,” said Kalirasa.

The Kuzhu helps search for heritage sites and lost ancient structures.

He said ‘Arikandam’ was the act of a man making a vow to the deity to take his own life, if he won a war or overcame a disease.

The man chops off his own head.

If the body was cut in nine parts as the man wished, it was called 'Navakandam'.

Kalirasa said there was mention of ‘Arikandam’ and ‘Navakandam’ in the epic 'Silapathikaram'.

The act was also referred to by other names, including 'Avi pali (sacrifice)', 'Thalai pali', and 'Than pali'.

“Arikandam was an act that was predominantly performed by men,” said Kalirasa.

The stone inscription about 'Arikandam' in Mallal village in Kalayarkoil union in Sivaganga district has been documented by the Archeological Survey of India.

The one in Cholapuram measures two feet in height and one-and-a-half feet in width.

It is seen in a sitting position with one foot in front and the other bent.

His left hand is seen holding his hair, and the sword held in the right hand is positioned as if to chop off his head.

There are bangles on the hand and an armlet.

Other jewellery like earrings and a chain are also seen.

Kalirasa said from the design of the statue it may have been erected for the commander of forces, which is similar in features to statues of the 11th century CE.

There are three smaller hero stones near the statue.

An ancient Kali statue in this temple premises may have been the deity to whom the sacrifice was made, Kalirasa said.





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