Cannons in Adoor Mahalingeswara temple stand guard over centuries of history
The temple, located in Delampady Gram Panchayat, is already renowned for its 10th-century origins, its three-tiered Gajaprishta (elephant-back) style architecture, the famous Adoor inscription, an intricately carved Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and the Sathyakallu (oath stone)
The ancient Adoor Mahalingeswara temple in Kasaragod district, Kerala, serves as a historical monument, housing centuries-old inscriptions, unique architecture and, notably, two old cannons. These cannons, preserved in the temple courtyard, are believed to have been used in military campaigns and possibly predate British rule in South Canara, which began around 1800.
While there is no conclusive evidence tying the cannons to Tipu Sultan's military expedition in the late 18th century, local traditions suggest otherwise. The cannons, each measuring 90-96 centimeters in length, have side trunnions for mounting on wheeled carriages and a small opening for loading gunpowder. Despite their historical significance, the origin and purpose of these cannons remain shrouded in mystery, as there are no inscriptions or historical records linking them to any ruler or battle. Local tradition and oral history provide some context, but concrete evidence remains elusive.
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