Cursed by a Hermit, Left Desolate for Centuries
Local lore tells of a hermit's curse placed upon the Kiradu Temple, which has led to its desolation. According to a legend, centuries ago, a hermit came to Kiradu with his disciples. The disciples stayed for some time, but the hermit eventually set off on a journey across the country. During his absence, the disciples fell gravely ill. The villagers refused to help them, but a kind potter's wife cared for the sick disciples.
When the hermit returned and saw the condition of his disciples, he was filled with sorrow. In his anger, he cursed the villagers, declaring that where there is no humanity, humans should not dwell. As a result of his curse, all the villagers turned to stone. However, he instructed the potter's wife to escape the curse by leaving the village but warned her that she must do so before sunset. He cautioned her not to look back, or she too would become a stone statue.
The potter's wife obeyed and left, but as she traveled, she turned back to test the truth of the hermit's curse. In that moment, she also turned to stone. Due to this curse and mystery, no one dares to linger in Kiradu after sunset, leaving it desolate for centuries. It is said that anyone who stays there after sunset will also turn to stone.
