Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram, Kanyakumari District- 629 704, Phone: +91 4652 241270

Deity

Thanumalayan

Introduction

The Thanumalayan Temple, also known as the Sthanumalayan Temple, located in Suchindram, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.

1. Trimurti Deity: The temple is dedicated to the Trimurtis of Hinduism – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, represented as a single deity named Sthanumalayan. The name “Sthanu” stands for Shiva, “Mal” for Vishnu, and “Ayan” for Brahma.

2. Unique Representation: It is unique in India as it houses these three principal deities in one image in the sanctum sanctorum, making it a place of importance for both Shaivite and Vaishnavite sects of Hinduism.

3. History: The temple is approximately 1,300 years old, with various parts of it dating back to different centuries. It is known for its exquisite stone sculptures and architecture.

4. Religious Significance: The temple complex features numerous deities from different sects of Hinduism, including Rama, Krishna, Amman/Devi, and Kandan (Muruga). This reflects the diverse religious traditions and worship practices found in the region.

5. Legends:

The name “Suchindram” is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “purify.” Legend has it that Indra visited the temple to purify himself from a curse.
There is also a story about Anusuya, the wife of Sage Athri, who had extraordinary powers. When the Trimurtis tested her chastity, she sprinkled water from her husband’s feet to transform them into babies.

6. Architecture and Sculptures: The temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings, including musical pillars that produce different notes when tapped. It has a seven-story entrance tower adorned with sculptures and statues from Hindu mythology.

7. Main Deities: The presiding deity in the temple is represented as a Lingam, with the bottom symbolizing Brahma, the middle Vishnu, and the top Shiva. The temple also houses other shrines for deities like Lord Vishnu, Sita-Rama, Hanuman, and more.

8. Hanuman Statue: The temple boasts a tall Hanuman statue, which stands at 22 feet, and is carved from a single granite block. It is one of the tallest Hanuman statues in India.

9. Festivals: The temple hosts two major festivals, one in Margazhi (December/January) and the other in Chittirai (April/May). During these festivals, the deities are taken out in grand processions with chariots, attracting a large number of devotees.

10. Temple Statistics: The temple complex covers four acres, and its Rajagopuram (entrance tower) rises to 134 feet. There are also beautifully carved chariots used in the annual car festival.