PATALA GANGA, Varakal

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).