KOZHIKODE: The banyan tree located at Poyilkavu town near Koyilandy has a long history associated with the nearby Sree Durga Devi Temple. The legend says Sage Parasuram worshipped Durga Devi here with such devotion that the goddess herself appeared before him granting a boon. During the annual temple festival, devotees conduct rituals under this banyan tree, which is also a meeting place for the locals. This time during the temple festival, local group Heart Breakers gave a unique gift - a cement relief depicting the arts and culture covering its base created by cement relief artist Shaji Poyilkavu which is a blend of Kerala and Hoysala architectural styles.
The cement-relief sculptures based on the theme Natyam, Thaalam, Layam depict music, dance, love and family. The base has four layers of mural designs namely Vanamaala (floral design), Mrigamaala (elephant and horse designs) and Pakshimaala (swan designs). Mr Poyilkavu and his team Shilpa Mudra completed the work in 14 days. “Unlike the wooden relief, it requires more care,” he told DC. “We used a mixture of cement and sand, but in places where detailing such as eyes, ornaments needed, only cement is used. Bigger sculptures are tougher to make compared to smaller ones.”
The relief will be dedicated to the temple at a function after Kodiyettam by the chief priest Wednesday night. Shamal K., Manoj K., Dheeraj M. and Susheel T., members of the Heart Breaker Club, said the banyan tree base was their meeting place for very long. So they thought this gift would be an apt one which will carry their memories forever. It cost them nearly Rs 5 lakh. Its official inauguration is on Thursday.
