A hero stone tells a tale from eighth century

"Usually hero stones are built by a group of people belonging to a hamlet or by male relatives of a local hero. But this one has been installed by a woman in memory of her husband who killed a leopard that strayed into the hamlet for killing cattle."

R. Poongundran (right), a retired Archaeological department official, seen near the eighth century built hero stone found at Semmayagoundenpalayam in Tirupur district. Photo: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A hero stone at Semmayagoundenpalayam in the district might not be known to the outside world, but it has tales to tell from as early as the eighth century.

People in the vicinity have been offering pujas to the stone from time immemorial with a belief that arthritis and few other ailments related to the veins would be cured.

R. Poongundran, a retired Assistant Director with the Archaeological Department, who had conducted many studies on hero stones across the State, told The Hindu that the monument was unique.

“Usually hero stones are built by a group of people belonging to a hamlet or by male relatives of a local hero. But this one has been installed by a woman in memory of her husband who killed a leopard that strayed into the hamlet for killing cattle.

Died of injuries

He later died of injuries sustained in the fight. History says the hamlet was known as Vanavancheri in earlier times with the name derived from the said hero whose name was Vanavan,” he said

Due to poor conservation, the inscriptions on the stone could give only a portion of the story as some of the writings were erased with the passage of time.

On why pujas are offered by people only in the night hours, archaeologist S. Ravikumar said the villagers carried the belief that the pujas should not be seen by anyone.

“Probably, they might want to keep the ailments a secret from others in the village,” he added.