Worship of Heroes and Warriors
The memory of warriors and historic personages who have carved
for themselves a niche in the hearts of the people is perpetuated
in ballads besides monuments. The most famous ballad is about
'Desingu Rajan' of Gingee in south Arcot district who built
two fortresses and died in the 17th century fighting against a Muslim
prince. Similarly Panchalankurichi Veerapandya Kattabomman Kathaigal
keep alive the memory of Kattabomman, an early freedom fighter
Mythological heroes are also worshipped Madurai
veeran, a vassal of the Pandyas is supposed to have saved the lives
of many persons in heroic struggles, and is almost a demigod
in Madurai . At the festival held in his honour, villuppattu is sung about
his times. |