Whispers of Quilon: Forgotten Legends and Mysteries from Ancient Kollam

 Whispers of Quilon: Forgotten Legends and Mysteries from Ancient Kollam

1. The Legend of the Kollam Era (Kolla Varsham)

Kollam is associated with the Malayalam calendar (Kolla Varsham), which began in 825 CE. According to legend, the calendar was established after a great assembly of scholars and rulers convened in Kollam by King Udaya Marthanda Varma of the Venad dynasty. This event marked a cultural renaissance, and the calendar is still used in Kerala today. Some stories suggest the king initiated it to commemorate the liberation of the region from external invaders or to unify trade and agriculture.

2. The Myth of the Sacrifice at Ashramam

A local folktale speaks of a sage or king who performed a ritual sacrifice (yajna) at Ashramam (now a prominent area in Kollam) to bring prosperity to the land. It is said that the gods blessed the region, turning it into a hub of trade and spirituality. The nearby Ashramam Sreekrishna Swamy Temple is linked to this lore.

3. The Lost Treasure of Kandachira

Kollam’s old Kandachira market area is rumored to hide a buried treasure from the era of Portuguese and Dutch colonial conflicts. Stories claim that a wealthy merchant or a local ruler buried gold and jewels here to protect them from invaders. Treasure hunters have searched for centuries, but nothing has been found—adding to the mystery.

4. The Tale of Ramavarma and the Curse

A lesser-known legend involves King Ramavarma, who ruled Kollam in the medieval period. It is said he angered a powerful sorcerer, who cursed the kingdom with drought. To appease the gods, the king performed a penance at the Thirumullavaram Temple, leading to rains and the lifting of the curse. This story is often tied to the temple’s rituals.

5. The Ghost of Kollam Fort (Tangasseri)

The ruins of the Kollam Fort (built by the Portuguese in the 16th century) in Tangasseri are said to be haunted by the spirit of a Dutch soldier who died defending the fort. Locals claim his ghost roams the area, guarding hidden treasures or seeking revenge.

6. The Story of Kollam’s Chinese Connection

Kollam was part of ancient trade routes linking Kerala to China. Folktales describe Chinese traders settling in Kollam and introducing techniques like fishing nets (similar to Kochi’s Chinese nets). Some stories even mention a Chinese princess or merchant who married into a local family, blending cultures.

Need More Specifics?

If you’re looking for a particular type of story (mythological, colonial, or folklore), let me know! Kollam’s history as a port city, its role in the spice trade, and its multicultural past (influenced by Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and British) provide endless material for tales. Many of these stories are passed down orally, so details may vary. 😊