In Ghost House inn: why you cannot stay at Lodge Heather No 928 SC

In Kerala, a lodge is a low-budget place where you can stay. But, Lodge Heather No 928 SC in Munnar is an ancient landmark that has withstood the floods that changed the landscape of Munnar in 1924. 

It is easy to miss this landmark, though. Tucked away near the High Range Club and the ancient CSI Church, Lodge Heather No 928 SC is a Masonic Lodge set up in 1902. Free Masonry is a worldwide movement and Lodge Heather No 928 SC was, in its heydays, affiliated to the Scottish Constitutions and hence the SC.  

The Lodge commands a good view of Munnar. The building is about the size of a modest auditorium, the front and the rear being similar. Just one door leads in; and it is locked. The logo of the Lodge is near the door; it represents a tusker standing between two plants. Above the elephant are represented a divider and protractor. The motto is: Wisdom, Strength, Beauty. It is currently in the custody of the KDHP Company, and close to the High Range Club.

Free Masonry in India dates back to the 1800s, when a Lodge was set up in Kollam. Later, Lodges came up in places where more foreigners were – in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.  They used to hold their meetings and other activities at these 'Lodges.' Over time, the secret character was dropped, but the movement adopts secret codes for mutual recognition and other social observances. 

It is highly selective group and keeps its proceedings away from the public eye. Hence, people, especially in Kerala, used to associate it with sinister intentions. The common people believed that even murder could be committed in them with impunity. Some believed that the foreigners indulged in the worship of Satan in these lodges. 

For example, at Munnar, it was believed that the name, signifying 'three rivers,' could also be interpreted as three 'aru' ('river' in Malayalam). It could be written as '666,' a number sacred to worshippers of Satan. And it does not come as a surprise that the locals call Lodge Heather 928 SC the 'Mandavettikovil' or the place where people were decapitated. The other story says that they see the ghosts of foreigners here. 

So, if you are curious enough, take a trip down the winding roads near the ancient CSI church, take a look at Lodge Heather and you can let us know if it scared you. 

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