TIRUVANGAD - SRI RAMA TEMPLE 
DORRIL, THE BRITISH OFFICER

But trouble came when Haidar Ali marched his army in 1766 into North Kerala and occupied Chirakkal. Though he was refined in religious sentiments, his expansionist activities brought untold misery to the people, physically and economically. When he directed his army to invade thus region, the frightened people along with royal family took refuge in the temple. Fearing that the Muslim soldiers might attempt the untoward, depriving them of honour and life, they prayed soulfully by the temple closing doors on all sides. A reasonable surmise. All were safe. Did not Rama extend asylum to Vibhisan? Would Saranarthas be ever left in the lurch'? Though the expedition filled All's coffers, it did not stain his moral fabric. Sri Rama tamed his ferocity and taught him commendable toleration. He proved magnanimous in this and won laurels even from the opponents. Naturally their safety rather escape from Muslim persecution resurrected people's faith in Sri Rama.

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