Suchindram Temple, also known as the Thanumalayan Temple, is located in the Kanyakumari district of Suchindram, about 11 km away from Kanyakumari. This temple’s striking aspect is that it is dedicated to God’s Trinity, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. As a result, devotees belonging to both Shaivite and Vaishnavite sects are of high religious importance.
Suchindram Temple History
It is one of the few temples in the world where there is the adoration of the Trinity,’ Brahma, Vishnu, and Ishvara.’ The temple consecrates the Trinity of God (Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma)’ Sri Sthanumalaya.’ There are three parts to the linga. The top reflects Siva’s name “Sthanu,” Vishnu’s middle name “Mal,” and Brahma’s foundation name “Aya.” One of Suchindram’s legends is about Anasuya’s chastity, Sage Atri’s mother. The legend says the Trimurtis appeared as begging brahmins in front of Anasuya. They put a rule when she was about to serve that they would only eat if she served them naked. She transformed the three gods into babies and drained them through the force of her chastity. Anasuya restored the deities on Godesses ‘ request. A linga sprouted on the same location that still remains.
Special Features of Suchindram Temple
Spiritual significance: The spiritual value of the temple is based on the fact that the central linga statue represents Siva (Sthanu), Vishnu (Maal) and Brahma (Ayan), (giving its name to the temple).
Anthropological significance: Anthropologically, it may have been due to the fact that Vaishnavite was the largest temple in Padmanabhapuram, and the Nanjil Pillais and other groups in Nagarcoil were predominantly Shaivaites owing to the influences of the kingdoms of Chola, Chera, and Pandya. One of the unique aspects of the temple is the inclusion of the Gods from Rama and Krishna to Amman and Kandan across the length and breadth of the Hindu pantheon. Vaishnavism, Shaivism, the various Hindu sects to more regional Tamil sects including Amman, Kandan are depicted in the temple’s various idols.
How to Reach the Temple
By Road
Suchindram is about 11kms from Kanyakumari and about 7kms from Nagarkoil and, therefore, lying between these two towns. Buses ply from Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Trivandram.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Thanumalayan Temple is Nagercoil Junction which is 3kms away from Thanumalayan Temple.
By Air
The nearest airport to Thanumalayan Temple is Thiruvananthapuram International airport, Thiruvananthapuram which is 70Kms away from Thanumalayan Temple.
In addition to that, the Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli Division) operates special buses from various destinations to Suchindram on all the 10 days of the famous Car Festival.
