INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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
The Kuzhu helps search for heritage sites and lost ancient structures
The man chops off his own head
If the body was cut in nine parts as the man wished, it was called 'Navakandam'
The act was also referred to by other names, including 'Avi pali (sacrifice)', 'Thalai pali', and 'Than pali'
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
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.
