MEGALITHIC LABYRINTH OF

KAMBAYANALLUR
-SUGAVANA MURUGAN
The history and diversity of mazes/labyrinths, according to the archeologists have
been found to be in existence since the neolithic period. The ages of the Circular mazes can
be traced back to 5000 years.Labyrinth although synonymous with maze carry their
individual meanings.Maze is a multi-cursal category where we have multiple
choices/pathways to reach our goal whereas in labyrinths there is only one pathway which
leads inexorably to the goal from the point of entry.
For example ,Abhimanyu was killed as he was ignorant of the technique of
extricating himself out of the chakravyuha, the wheel formation of the Gaurava army.Some of
them were discovered during the Neolithic period namely Lussanna(2500 B.C) at The
Sordenian islands, The Syrian labyrinths ( those drawn on pot shreds during the 1000B.C)
and many found on the Scandinavian islands can be traced to the Megalithic period. The
most important of them not only belong to the Greek and the Roman family and were also
discussed briefly.The labyrinths were less in number during the pre-historic period .
The first ever labyrinth to be documented is Nachiketas visit to Yamaloga where
he travels through a Labyrinth. The Lussana labyrinth at Bansoymol (sometimes called
Uskalimol)of the Rivana village,South Goa is also a Well known example and others include
the Chakravyuha formation .To give a succinct explanation about Lussana, 7 fork paths were
carved on the rock .This belongs to the megalithic period.Moreover it is considered a
national property .This rock carved pattern is similar to the trap in which the Veer Abhimanyu
got caught.The idea of labyrinth can be generalised into a belief that human soul is the
biggest labyrinth and the perception to attain moksha is given as the goal of the maze.
Indian Megalithic period is accepted to be estimated around 3000 years .
Unveiliing the megalithic culture and Understanding the Indus scripts have always been a
hard nutshell to crack as the evidence provided are not enough.The thing is that we dont
focus on criterions other than excavation . It is believed that a little knowledge on
anthropology might help us in finding the solution to these problems.The circular labyrinth
discovered during the 6thcenturyAD(Post-Megalithic period) in the Undavalli caves of Andhra
are of great notice.
Labyrinths were in existence even during the Hoysala period and this can be
understood from the Abhimanyus Chakravyuha sculpture in the Halabedu Hoysaleswara
Temple.
The popularity of labyrinth lies in the traditional Rangolis drawn in front of our
houses. A better Involvement and a good interest on this research takes us to a historical ride
and in understanding our culture to a greater depth .
The Pandavas used to know about all the war-formations before they battle with
their enemies.There is a myth saying that Abhimanyu was not aware of these formations and
thats why he got caught in Dronas Chakravyuha. A square labyrinth in the Kurukshetra Kali
Temple relates this Mahabharatha story.

The first one discovered in South India is a Circular labyrinth at the combined
Thagadur region(present Krishnagiri District).The saddest part is that this Labyrinth which is
found among the Megalithic circular bogs and burial monuments is still not brought
completely to the research shade. After 3 decades from the period of this finding, the present
Kambaiyanallur Labyrinth was discovered . Archeologist Mr.Sugavana Murugan,
Krishnagiri District Archeological Research Centre and Mr.Sadhanandham Krishnakumar of
Pennar Archeological Forum owe all the credits in making this rare discovery.
This square labyrinth (80 X 80) is the largest one ever found all over the world.It contains
7 paths.The temple must be ancient as it is worshipped by people over years and years of
age.This place is still worshipped. It is not only exciting that it is found among the circular
bogs but also made easier for the archeologists to predict its age .
The most exhilarating fact is that this labyrinth pattern is exactly the same
one which is found on the Greek Phylos Tablet.The following three facts make us steer clear
to conclude that the labyrinth is 2500 years old:
1 .The Punchmarked Roman coins obtained from the Kambaiyanallur Navalai region belong
to the 1st century AD.
2.This place is one among the most used ancient trade route by the merchants.
3.This labyrinth belongs to the Megalithic period as it is found among the circular bogs.
This labyrinth is called Sevenfort Pillayar by the vernacular people and the name itself
describes that it it has Seven paths.
The myth prevailing in this region is a story of a women who brings her death sentenced
husband back from the king.The adorance towards the deity is carried out in three
stages.The three stages include worshipping the god to bless them with a child, to attain
things they pursue and also to offer long life for their cattle.All these rituals were in practice
since the ancient period. Every ritual followed till today is just an extension of the fertile-cult
in this region.
Above all , the belief is that the person who walks whole through the seven paths
will receive all he wishes for .The one who skips the stones is sure to loose good omen.This
belief is common throughout the world. This article may remind Borges puzzle paths for
some modern writers.