Aru Kaal Madam (Six Pillars Choultry)

                                               In the ancient times, kings and nobles built temporary resting places along popular routes for the weary travelers to rest or spend the night. This practice continued until the end of British Colonial era in mid-20th century. The Six Pillar Choultry (Aru Kaal Madam in Tamil) is one such structure on the Manipay Road in Jaffna. This Madam is built on a 70cm high platform with six pillars holding the roof and open from all sides. This Madam is always associated with well, Goods store (Sumaitanki – a platform with 2-3 feet height & used to keep the goods carried on the head or shoulders of the traveler & load them back without any assistance), Stone Pillar (Avurancikal- a stone with 2-4 feet & used for the cattle to relieve themselves) and small tank. It’s like a Ambalama(resting place for the people) in Kandiyan Kingdom.