A haunting we go

Stories and myths about the ghosts and supernatural are held in awe even in Kerala, which goes by the moniker of God's Own Country. Those who have gone before us, some believe, leave a mark. Some stories have over the years become urban legends. Some of these myths will give you sleepless nights, while some others will leave you intrigued. We take you on a tour of the places, where the spirits, they say, still linger. **Wayanad and the 'chain tree'** The 'Chain Tree' and the story of tribal paniya man called Karinthandan is legendary. The story goes like this: Karinthandan knew all the routes to and from Wayanad. The British engineer, who knew this, made use of the paniya man's expertise. But once he discovered the route, the British engineer decided to do away with Karinthandan and is said to have shot him. The ghost of Karinthandan haunted the path and it is said that many have lost their lives here. Later on, a priest exorcised the ghost and tied him up with a chain to a ficus tree. The chain has not broken even though the tree has grown. A trip to Wayanad is incomplete if you do not see this rare tree. Now, there is a small shrine at the foot of the tree. **Thiruvananthapuram and Hymavathi's pond** Hymavathi was in love with a man who did not belong to her caste. In the early 1950's when this story is said to have unveiled, it was something unthinkable and unacceptable to both the families. Hymavathi, it is said, decided to end her life if she could not live with her lover. She left a note and committed suicide by jumping into a pond. This pond is near the back gate of Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram. Fast forward to the present. About a couple of years ago, a techie, who stayed late at office, reported that he felt a presence while riding out this route. An apparition, it was reported flitted across the road. A bunch of people armed with the latest ghost-busting gadgets, couldn't however find any trace of Hymavathi's spirit. **Thiruvananthapuram and the road where Sumathi was murdered** Even now, local people still think twice before riding on the Bharathanur - Palode road in the night. For, it is belived that a young woman, named Sumathi, who was a house maid was hacked to death here. Her spirit, they say, haunts the place even now. However, there is another side to this story. The road here passes through a forest, and the story of Sumathi haunting the place was given undue importance so that anti-social elements could steal forest produce. However, there are many who say that they have spotted a women wearing a white. Most of the stories we have told you here are myths and urban legends. There are many we have left out due to lack of information. Have some stories to tell? Post them in the comments' section.