THE TIRUMURTI SUCHINDRAM

Suchindram, a mystical and tranquil land, is a famous pilgrim town part of kanyakumari. The place is very popular pilgrim destination primarily  because of the presence of thanumalayan temple. During  ancient time, town acted as a citadel for the town of travancove. Very interesting story behind the name of this place suchindram and the temple thanumalayan have also few interesting stories.

The name suchindram is combination of two words suchi and indram, The term "suchi" in suchindram is derived from the sanskrit meaning that stands for "purify" and the term indram is use for god indra. 

Once Indra was infatuated with Ahalya, the wife of Rishi Gautama. One night he came to the hermitage where Gautama was living and crowed like a cock indicating the approach of dawn. Rishi Gautama thinking that dawn was imminent awoke from his sleep and went to the river for his ablutions prior to commencing his prayers. Realising that it was too dark for dawn and too early for morning to break he returned to his hut. In the meantime Lord Indra took the physical appearance of Rishi Gautama, approached Ahalya and satisfied his desire. Rishi Gautama returning from the river was enraged when he saw his wife in another man´s embrace and cursed the man's entire body be covered with 1000 'yoni' (the female organ) and his wife Ahalya to become a statue of stone. Lord Indra in order to get rid of this curse went to Gnanaranya and prayed to the Three Moorthys to rid him of this curse. When he was rid of his curse and transformed into his original form he built a temple and installed the Lingam to represent the three Moorthy - Thanu-Maal-Ayan, and the name of the place came to be known as Suchi-Indran (the place where Indran was purified). 

Thanumalayan temple:

The thanumalayan temple is also called "sthanumalayan" temple. the word sthanumalayan denotes The Trimurti, "sthanu" means siva, "Mai" means vishnu and "ayan" denote the brahma.  

There are many legends associated with this temple. Anasuya, the wife of Atri Maharishi was famous for her chastity and her devotion to her husband - an embodiment of a Hindu wife. She could perform miracles by sprinkling the 'paatha theertham' (water with which she washed her husband's feet) to bring rain to a parched earth or to transform objects to her desire.

When the three Devis, - Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathy and Parvathy(athishakthi) heard through Sage Naradha the powers of this earthly woman they wanted to test her chastity. They approached their husbands Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to test Anasuya's devotion to her husband. The three Moorthys transformed into three old mendicants and went to the hermitage where Anasuya was living and sought alms from her. When Anasuya was about to serve them food they told her that they had taken a vow whereby they could not accept alms from a person wearing clothes. As it was a sin to refuse alms to mendicants she prayed to her Lord and sprinkled a little 'paatha theertham' on the three old beggars. They were all immediately transformed into babies and throwing off her clothes she offered them food.

The Goddesses learning what had happened pleaded with Anasuya to grant them 'maankalya biksha' (gift of married life) and to give them back their husbands. Anasuya showed them the three babies. The Devis ran to the cradle and picked one baby each. Anasuya then prayed to her Lord to restore them back to their original form. Lo and behold! Lord Sri Vishnu was in Lakshmi's embrace, Siva in Parvathy's lap and Saraswathy with Brahma. They accepted that Anasuya's fame as the chastest woman on earth was justified. While leaving for their holy abode, all Trimurthi, on the request of Anusaya, manifested as Swayambhu Lingas, under the Amaltas tree, known as Sthala Vriksham, which is now more than 2500 years old. A small shrine, has been constructed Konnaya in front of this holy tree.

Arhitecture of Thanumamalayan:

Suchindram or thanumalayan Temple of Kanyakumari is known not only for its religious significance but also for its alluring architecture. Its structural excellence allures everyone.

This temple has a white Gopuram of seven stories with its portico adorned with finely sculpted images of various deities. This 134 foot high Gopuram appears all the more astonishing as light rays fall on it, presenting a fine example of the architecture styles of South Indian temples. To the right side, there is huge temple tank; water from here is used for temple activities.

Major attractions of this temple are the four musical pillars with a height of 18 feet. These pillars have been carved out of a single granite stone. Located in the area of Alankara Mandapam, these pillars when struck create various musical notes, presenting exceptional example of architecture.

The temple has a dancing hall as well with around 1035 beautifully carved pillars.

The presiding deity, Sthanu (Lord Shiva), Mal (Lord Vishnu) and Aya (Lord Brahma) are in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. By the side of sanctum sanctorum, there is a shrine for Lord Vishnu; the idol of the Lord has been made by combining eight different kinds of metals. On to the right side, there is shrine of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, while on the left side is the shrine of Lord Ganesha. On the front, there is Navagraha mandapa. There are around 30 shrines in this temple including of those of Kailasanathar, Nataka Sala, Vadakkedam, Kailasattu Mahadeva, Pancha Pandavar, Kontai Adi, Guru Dakshinamurthy, Cheravasal Sastha, Lord Muruga, Garuda, Subramania Swamy and many more.

The massive idol of Lord Hanuman at a height of 22 feet is sure to allure every devotee here. The statue has been carved out of single granite rock. This state of Lord Hanuman, which is one of the largest statues in India, was kept hidden in the temple as attacks from Tipu Sultan were feared. Later in the year of 1930, it was found and was subsequently restored to it previous glory. Another striking aspect is the carving of Vinayaki (Female Vinayaka) in the temple. Majestic Image of Nandi, vehicle of Lord Shiva is also captivating with a height of 13 feet and length of 21 feet and width of 10 feet.

Dress code:

Men should wear a "dhoti or pajama with upper cloth or formal pants ans shirt" to temple and women should wear "a saree or churidar with upper cloths" children could wear any " fully covered dress". requesting to all tourist to abide the dress code rule to avoid disappointment. 

Interesting facts and stories:

• There is another legend that connects this temple and the town to the Devi Kanyakumari Temple. As per the legend, Lord Shiva has stayed in Suchindram when he had come to marry Devi Kanyakumari. He started from here for the wedding that was scheduled to be at an auspicious time in night. It was when he reached Vazhukkamparai, which is around 5 km away from Suchindram, Sage Narada guised as rooster has falsely crowed to indicate the onset of morning. Believing that the auspicious moment has passed, Lord Shiva has returned to Suchindram without marrying the Devi.
• Another story of Suchindram Temple is about the decade old ritual that was practiced at the temple. The practice of Agnipariksha was performed at the temple till 1860s until it was banned by the government. As per the ritual, any Brahmin or priest, when suspected of any unacceptable behavior, was required to go through a ritual. With the permission of the King, the suspected person was required to dip his hand in the boiling ghee that was kept in copper vessel and take out the silver ox which was kept inside. His hand was then covered in a cloth and bandaged. If the Brahmin’s hand comes out unscathed on the third day, he is proven innocent.
• There are four musical pillars. The central pillar is surrounded by 24 or 33 small pillars.“The two northern groups present each a cluster of 24 pillars, while the southern ones present each a cluster of 33. A striking feature is that all the pillars of each group, together with the exquisitely carved turret at the top of each group are chiselled out of a single rock of granite. A tap on each of the pillars in a group produces different sound”