சங்க காலத்தில் நடுகல் வழிபாடு / Hero Stone Worship in Sangam Age

Worship is an ancient tradition in Tamil Nadu to face fear through reverence. It is believed that early Tamil society sought protection by worshipping what they feared. This practice evolved into multiple layers that include nature worship, ancestor worship, hero stone worship and idolatry. Archaeological evidence suggests that burial customs were integral to Tamil society with rituals designed to honour the deceased in war. The tradition of ancestor worship emerged to appease ancestral spirits ensuring that they did not pose a threat to them. This practice persists in various forms today. Another significant development was the commemoration of fallen warriors through hero stones (Nadukkal). These stones are often inscribed with the names and deeds of the deceased who served as a testament to their valour in war or feud. Tamil literary sources portray the hero-stone tradition and highlight the connection between warriors, kings, and agricultural communities. The construction of memorials that include walls and hero stones reflects a classy socio-religious system that honoured both martial and agrarian contributions. Thus, hero stone worship in ancient Tamil Nadu was not only a spiritual one but also a means of preserving social memory and communal identity. Therefore, the article investigates hero stone worship in sangam age.