Among the Pulayar tribe, one of the oldest communities in the Anamalai Hills, there is a haunting legend known as the River of Tears, a tale of love, loss, and eternal devotion.
The story revolves around a young Pulayar woman named Marathi, renowned for her beauty and her deep connection to the forest. Marathi fell in love with Perumal, a brave hunter from her tribe. Their love was pure, but fate had other plans. One day, Perumal set off into the forest to hunt, promising to return before nightfall. Hours turned into days, and Marathi waited anxiously by the riverbank, praying for her lover’s safe return.
Days later, the tribe discovered that Perumal had been attacked by a wild animal deep in the jungle, and he never returned to the village. Heartbroken, Marathi could not believe the news and continued to wait for him by the river every day. The gods, touched by her devotion, transformed Marathi into a river, so that her tears of longing would flow for eternity, keeping her connected to the forest and her lost love.
The Marathi River, named after her, still flows through the hills today, and the Pulayar people believe that it carries the spirit of love and devotion. Even in modern times, young couples come to the river to make offerings, hoping to receive Marathi’s blessing for a long-lasting relationship.
5. Legends and Folktales from Anamalai
5.1 The Tale of Karimalai, the Black Hill
One of the most famous legends associated with the Anamalai Hills is the story of Karimalai, or the “Black Hill.” This tale is not only a favorite among the local tribes but also revered by Hindu pilgrims who visit the hills to pay their respects to the ancient deities believed to dwell there.
The story begins long ago when the Anamalai region was untouched by human hands, and the gods roamed freely in the forests and mountains. It is said that the hills were ruled by a powerful god named Karimalai Aandavar, or “Lord of the Black Hills.” Karimalai Aandavar was a mighty protector of the forest, ensuring that no harm came to the trees, animals, or rivers.
Legend has it that Karimalai Aandavar had the ability to transform into a mighty elephant, as elephants were considered sacred in the Anamalai region. One day, a great drought struck the hills, causing rivers to dry up and the animals to suffer. The god, in his elephant form, traveled across the mountains to seek help from other deities, but even they could not restore the water.
Moved by the suffering of the people and the animals, Karimalai Aandavar decided to sacrifice himself for the land. He climbed to the highest peak of the Anamalai Hills and, in a final act of devotion, disappeared into the earth, turning the peak into a dark, sacred hill—the Karimalai Hill. From that day on, the rains returned, the rivers flowed again, and the land prospered. It is said that Karimalai Aandavar continues to protect the hills in spirit, and even today, offerings are made to honor his sacrifice.
Pilgrims who visit Karimalai Hill often leave small clay elephants as tokens of gratitude, believing that the spirit of the god still watches over the forests and ensures balance in nature.
Another popular folktale is the Curse of the Lion-tailed Macaque, a tale that explains why the rare and endangered lion-tailed macaque is treated with such reverence in the region.
According to tribal legend, there was once a mischievous young prince who lived in the hills. He was known for his arrogance and cruelty toward the animals of the forest. One day, he decided to hunt a group of lion-tailed macaques for sport. Ignoring the warnings of the village elders, he chased the macaques deep into the forest, where he came face to face with the Spirit of the Forest, who appeared in the form of a giant lion-tailed macaque.
Angered by the prince’s cruelty, the Spirit placed a curse upon him, transforming the prince into one of the very macaques he had sought to kill. The prince, now in the form of a macaque, was forced to live among the animals he had once hunted, learning their ways and suffering the hardships they faced.
Over time, the prince grew to understand the importance of the macaques and their role in maintaining the balance of the forest. He repented for his actions and begged the Spirit of the Forest to lift the curse. The Spirit, pleased with the prince’s transformation of character, agreed but with one condition—the prince and his descendants must protect the macaques for all time.
From that day forward, the local people vowed never to harm the lion-tailed macaque, believing that the creatures were sacred and carried the spirit of the prince. Even today, the lion-tailed macaque is regarded with great respect in the Anamalai Hills, and many locals believe that harming them will bring misfortune.
Another ancient tale from the Anamalai Hills speaks of the White Elephant, a mystical creature believed to have the power to control the rain. The story is set during a time when the region was plagued by severe drought, and the people of the hills were desperate for water.
According to the legend, a group of tribal elders prayed to the rain gods for relief, but their prayers went unanswered. As the situation grew worse, a wise old woman from the Malasar tribe claimed to have seen a vision of a white elephant in her dreams. She told the villagers that the white elephant was a celestial being, and if they could find it and offer their deepest prayers, the rains would return.
The villagers set off on a long and perilous journey through the dense forests and high mountains, searching for the white elephant. After days of searching, they finally found the creature at the top of a sacred hill. The white elephant, moved by their devotion and desperation, agreed to help. It raised its trunk to the sky, and almost immediately, rain began to pour, ending the drought and bringing new life to the land.
The legend of the White Elephant is still told by tribal communities during times of drought, and it is said that if the people of the Anamalai Hills ever need rain, they must call upon the spirit of the white elephant with songs and offerings. Some tribes even perform special rain dances in honor of this tale, hoping to invoke the power of the mystical creature to ensure a good harvest season.
For the tribes of the Anamalai Hills, the forest is more than just a home—it is a living, breathing entity filled with spirits and deities that watch over both people and animals. Many of the legends passed down through the generations involve these forest spirits, who are believed to guide and protect the inhabitants of the hills.
One common tale tells of the Vanadevata, or forest deities, who take the form of animals, trees, or even the wind. These spirits are known to test the character of travelers passing through the forest. Those who respect the environment and treat the forest with kindness are rewarded with safe passage and good fortune. However, those who harm the forest or act with greed and disrespect are met with misfortune, often losing their way in the dense jungle or encountering wild animals.
One popular folktale involves a young hunter who entered the forest in search of game, disregarding the warnings of his elders about the Vanadevata. In his arrogance, he killed several animals without offering prayers or thanks to the forest spirits. As he ventured deeper into the woods, he became lost, and a thick fog descended upon him. No matter how far he walked, he could not find his way out. It was only when he stopped to apologize to the Vanadevata, offering his last meal as a tribute, that the fog lifted, and he was able to return to his village.
Even today, many tribal communities perform rituals before entering the forest, asking the spirits for permission and safe passage. The belief in the Vanadevata reinforces the respect and reverence that the people of the Anamalai Hills hold for their natural surroundings.