Muniyaras

Muniyaras

Muniyaras are one of the most ancient historical sites in Kerala. The age of these Muniyaras are calculated to be about 3000 years. The Muniyaras are found in Marayoor in Idukki district. Muniyaras are found in huge rock strands of Kovilkkadavu in Marayoor. These chambers are considered to be built in Great Stone Age. These chambers were used to bury the dead of that time. The Muniyaras are built using flat and carved rock sheets. At one look it really looks like a small room. The fact that these chambers withstand the climatic changes for centuries is still a wonder. It is unknown that how Muniyaras got this name. It is said that they were called “Kuranku Madam” in the early times. Some historians doubt that the dead bodies were called as “muni” in the ancient time and the chambers used to bury these munis were called Muniyaras where “ara” means chamber. The measures of all Muniyaras are almost equal. They had about 4.5 feet height, 6 feet length and 3 feet width. The rock used to cover Muniyaras were flat carved rock sheets with 2 to 3 inches height. Muniyaras are the best examples for the great culture and heredity of Kerala “The gods own country”.