Centuries-old relics unearthed in Belur village

Ancient 'spirit worship' relics unearthed in Parakkalai Valiyadukka, revealing centuries-old rituals and cultural significance in North Kerala.

In a remarkable archaeological find, remnants of centuries-old ‘spirit worship’ rituals have emerged from the soil of Parakkalai Valiyadukka in Belur village.

The discovery was made while clearing land owned by Rathi Radhakrishnan for house construction, revealing a trove of brass artefacts believed to be linked to ancient vow offerings. The unearthed objects, crafted primarily from brass and other alloys include intricately shaped figurines and ritualistic items.

Ms. Rathi, who discovered the objects informed the Janamaithiri beat officer and based on the information, Dr Nandakumar Koroth, a historical researcher and faculty member at Nehru Arts and Science College, visited the site and identified the relics as evidence of ‘spirit worship’ practices that were prevalent in North Kerala between 16th and 17 centuries. Mr. Koroth said that the artefacts are likely to be offerings made as part of ancient rituals.

‘Spirit worship’ was a deeply rooted practice in this region during the medieval period. These vow forms were dedicated to supernatural entities in return for protection, blessings or fulfilment of desires,” he said. The other possibility is that it may have been hidden during an invasion. The artefacts were found in an area, which is in between two temples. The items played a crucial role in religious and cultural ceremonies, possibly as part of ‘spirit propitiation’ or goddess worship.

Adding further historical significance to the find, renowned archeologist Professor Ajithkumar observed that some of the figures bore resemblance to the artistic traditions of the Ikkeri Nayakas, a dynasty that ruled parts of Karnataka and Kerala during the same era.

“ The Namaskara mudra (a folded-hand gesture in prayer) seen in some of the metal forms suggest strong artistic influences from the Ikkeri Nayaka period,” he noted.

Among the artefacts recovered from the soil were depictions of various animals, including pigs, deer, chickens, crabs, goats and snakes, creatures often associated with folklore and divine symbolism in local traditions.