An Unusual Phenomenon in Kerala-The Ariyannur Umbrellas
Ariyannur Umbrella
The Ariyannur Umbrella Stone is a prominent type of megalithic monument situated in Chermanangad of Thrissur District of Kerala. It is known as “Kudakallus” in Malayalam and is a burial site in which the corpse is buried that has curvilinear blocks. The iconic areas of Thrissur have 69 megalithic monuments spread over a small area. Different types of burials in this area include Topikkal, Kudakkal, multiple hood stones, and stone circles. The structure is installed on the ground with a hollow space in between and an umbrella-shaped block is kept atop. These monuments are also found at Chowannur, Kandanassery, Porkulam, Eyyal, Kattakampal, and Ariyannur in the Thrissur district. The structure is mostly found in regions that fall under the erstwhile Kochi kingdom. The Archaeological Survey of India in 1951 declared it a protected monument. Kudakallus is part of the larger Kudakkallu Parambu complex and is believed to be aged nearly 2000 BCE.
History-A prehistoric Megalith burial site
The Umbrella Stone is a prominent type of megalithic monument found in peninsular India. These Stones, The archaeological potential of Kerala first emerged in the 19 century. John Babington, a British administrator had explored Megalithic sites in Malabar as far back as 1819. The Umbrella Stones are known for their architectural splendor. Research says that these are the Iron Age burial sites, built of dressed laterite block.
The Umbrella Stones are limited in distribution when compared to other megalithic monuments. In Kerala, this type of structure is found in the districts of Trissur, Palakkad, Malapuram, Kasargode, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The present Umbrella Stones were reported along with kudakal in Cherumangad and Ariyannur in the Trissur district. The majority of the sites can be dated to the late Iron Age. The best quality laterite was used for building Umbrella Stones. This compact and exposed laterite is probably brought from a different part of Kerala which is rich in Laterite.
The explorations from 1819 to 2015 have led to the discovery of more than 1000 megalithic sites in Kerala. Nearly 100 known prehistoric sites in Kerala covering the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. Of the 1000 known megalithic sites, less than 25 have been systematically excavated so far.
Kudakkallu Parambu
The Kudakkallu Parambu prehistoric megalithic burial site consists of a total of 69 preserved megalith monuments. Like a majority of ancient monuments in India, this too has been encroached on and destroyed by people and nature. The monuments were once burial sites, in ancient times people used to bury their dead instead of burning them as we see in present times. Most of the burial takes place with specific traditions and customs. Kudakkallu is one such that was prevalent in ancient Kerala.
The structures, resembling giant umbrellas, were used to cover the earthen urns where the dead were placed. There are different types of burials structure- Kudakkal (umbrella stone), Topikkal (hat stone), hood stones, and stone circles.
Ariyannur Temple
Ariyannoor Temple located on the top of a hill dates back to the 14th century C.E. The Temple is known as Harikanyaka Temple. This aged temple is considered to be built by Perumthachan, the ancient legendary carpenter. Harikanyaka Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Erstwhile Harikanyakapuram, now known as Ariyannur, was the capital of 32 deshams. Harikanyaka Temple is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. The shrine is two-storeyed. Its granite Adhishtana has ornate walls made of laterite. Some wooden carvings are there on the ceiling of the temple that attracts tourist.
How to reach Ariyannur Umbrella
The Trissur is a short distance from Trivandrum, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi, Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkady, and Wayanad. Trains and buses connect most cities in India to Trissur. The nearest railway station is Thrissur or Wadakanchery and the nearest airport is Kochi.
Also, read- These are the Fabulous Tourist Attractions in Sikkim on a Tight Budget
Conclusion
Kerala is located in the southern part of India with Stunning natural beauty and beaches. Kerala has a very relaxed way of life to enjoy. It is the Favorite tourist destination from all around the world. Many things make it a much-visited place like Kathakali, the cuisine, Ayurveda, houseboats, and backwaters. There are lots of hidden facets like Kudakkallu Parambu in the state that mesmerized visitors with its unique culture. Kudakkallu is a slice of history that you can add to your Kerala experience.
