Spears, swords, bows and arrows welcome believers when they enter an ancient temple in Uppilipalayam, Coimbatore. The temple, which was built at least 300 years ago, has its priests carrying out sacred rituals for weapons that were used for warfare and hunting purposes during that period. Approximately, 75 years ago, an idol of Lord Shiva was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the structure alongside weapons.

The complex of the temple spans across 60 cents and has been constructed in a manner to house pathshalas (primary schools) and gramsabhas (local governments). It also offers other facilities such as depositing funds that have been collected by the local administration, a space to teach youth the art of using weapons, a library, an Ayurvedic center that treats victims of snakebites and another space to serve meals to the needy.

“The temple was called 'Vel kottam' in the earlier days before being renamed as 'Paramasivan koil' after the idol was placed,” said S. Ravikumar, an archaeologist who has made many a studies about ancient temples in the region.

He said the architecture of this temple resembles those in Kerala.

“This is because that those who were residing in the village, who originally were from Vellakoil, migrated to Palakkad for a brief period in search of livelihood. After returning, they built the temple to perform puja on weapons to attain prosperity. They might have copied the construction style in Kerala,” said K. Ponnusamy, a historian at the Virarajendran Historical Research Centre.

To date, locals display their skills with various weapons by playing around with swords and spears during festivities. 

“Since the temple is not popular outside the region, there is not much crowd,” said S. Ramesh, the temple priest.

Photo Credits: The Hindu