Palakkad Fort is situated in Palakkad town. It is also known as Tipu's fort though it was built by his father Hyper Ali in 1766 A.D. One of the best preserved and maintained forts in Kerala today.
Little known about its early history but believed to be existed from ancient times and constructed in present form in 1766 A.D. Local ruler Palakkad Achchan sent a deputation to Hyder Ali to help him from the invasion by Zamorin and Hyder Ali wanted to have a strategically important location in Palakkad and he sensed the golden opportunity for his thoughts to gain possession and helped the local ruler. From that time onwards till 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British. It was first taken by British in 1768 captured by Colonel Wood. It was recaptured by Hyder Ali a few months later. In 1783, it was captured by Colonel Fullarton but was abandoned a year later. Zamorin captured it and in 1790 it was finally captured by British under Colonel Stuart. The fort was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended for capturing Srirangapatnam. Until the middle of 19th century, the fort continued to be garrisoned. It was converted into a taluk office in 1900.
There is a large ground between the Fort and the Palakkad Town hall, known as Kota Maidanam (Fort Grounds). The ground, which had once served as a stable for the elephants and horses of Tipu's army, is now used to stage cricket matches, exhibitions and public meetings. An open air auditorium called "Rappadi" is also located within the spacious grounds of the Fort. Additionally, there is a children's park on one side of the Fort.
 |
| Some of the Picturesque scenes of the Fort |
It is said that Hyder Ali had plan to build the famous Palakkad Fort here. But the plan was changed and the fort was constructed at Pallakkad. The resulted massive plain land was used by the people of nearby villages as a market of ancient times and the place was known as Kottachantha which means Fort Market place.
Today fort is visited by thousands of locals and outsiders every day for a different reason. Sri Kote Hanuman temple is situated here inside the fort. The temple is dedicated to Lord Anjaneya. The temple is situated on the Eastern entrance of the fort. A sculpture of Anjaneya is carved in the inner side of the fort wall. The murthi of Lord Anjaneya is south facing, while the Lord Himself is facing west.It is worth mentioning here that some of the forts built during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan have Anjaneya figure in 'ardha shilpa' form or in shilpa form in or around the fort. The Lord was worshiped by the warriors, and the Lord is known as Kote Anjaneya ."
The deity was worshiped by the warriors of the fort. He was an inspiration for many warriors. The idol of the deity is shown facing the south, in the standing posture with the gatha held in folded hands. The lord's tail is raised and curved, with a small bell at the end of the tail. His right leg is forward and the left is just raised, ready to move.It is seen to be believed that thousands of locals offering ghee for the lamp on Saturdays and Tuesday from early morning itself. Today He continues to inspire many of the Bhaktas who visit Him for their missions' success. Thousands of local devotees lit ghee lamp infront of the deity and worship Anjaneya on Tuesdays and Saturdays from early morning.
Though the deity is situated inside the fort in a small side corridor, Hanuman Shakthi draws people from far away places for worshipping him. Regular Pooja rituals are being performed for Hanuman and lot of Bakthas visit this temple everyday. When we were at this temple, a beautiful Carnatic music group was performing with melodious songs soothing the admosphere creating a more spiritual sensation.
Then, we proceeded to Thirupparaikkal Sree Bhagavathy Amman Temple for darshan
No comments:
Post a Comment