PATALA GANGA, Varakal

Kozhikode (Kozhikode - IN)
11.300000,75.750000
Grottocenter / carte

Description

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

A sacred, seasonal spring rising from a fissure of the rock (temple cave) attracts pilgrims to a venerable pagoda (note 1) at Varkool about 6 km or 7 km in a direct line approximately north-west of Calicut (Kozhikode N11°15': E075°46'). SITUATION: Unidentified. Perhaps in Elattur. BURTON, R F (1851 edited 2001 chapter 10 Calicut: 122) located the pagoda of Varkool or Varakal (note 2) beyond the town (Kozhikode) and at a spot where its position is remarkable -- perched upon the summit of a pile of laterite rock rising abruptly from a level expanse of sand. CULTURAL HISTORY: The pagoda of Varkool itself is a building by no means admirable in point of outward appearance; the roof is tiled, and there is little to excite your curiosity in the woodwork … Early in the month of October, water appears bubbling from a fissure in the rock, and this, learned Brahmans, by what test we know not, have determined to be the veritable fluid of the Ganges, which, passing under ground, via Central Inia, displays itself regularly once a year to the devotees of Rama [note 3] (BURTON 1851 edited 2001: 122, 123).ia, displays itself regularly once a year to the devotees of Rama [note 3] (BURTON 1851 edited 2001: 122, 123).

Documents

Bibliography 06/01/2018
  • Burton, Richard F 1851, 2001, 2003.

History

EXPLORATION HISTORY: 1850 (circa) and a short time before a partial eclipse of the moon, Lieutenent Richard F. BURTON (1851 chapter 10 Calicut, edited 2001: 123) had been to the site but did not dare to … venture in as the Hindoos generally in this part of the world, and the Nairs particularly, are accustomed to use their knives with scant ceremony. Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

Caves nearby

Distance (km)NameLength (m)Depth (m)
5.6VALIYAMALA CAVE 1
5.6VALIYAMALA CAVE 2
5.9CALICUT CAVE
7.3CHÄLLIL KURINYORI PERAMBA ROCK CELLS
7.4MANIKOTTAPARAMBA CAVE
10.7KONNERI CAVE
13.9KOVUR CAVE, Velliparamba
17.0FEROKH CAVE 1
17.0FEROKH CAVE 2