| The only shrine dedicated to TRINITY is Thanumalaya's at Suchindram 14 Kms from Kanyakumari. The name Thanumalayan denotes the combination of the Trimurthis Sthanu is a synonym for Siva, Mal for Vishn and Ayan for Brahma. It is believed that the top, middle and base of the Linga in the temple represent Siva, Vishnu and Brahma respectively. Tradition goes that Indra was purified at this place and hence the Suchindram. Suchi means Purity |
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| The temple here is noted for its exquisite workmenship in stone. It is a treasure houseof sculptures. The musical pillars are very impressive and some of the sculptures in the temple like Vigneshwari, the female form of Vinayaka and the scene of Geethopathesa to parthasarathi in the form of Trinity are rarely to be found elsewhere. Carved exqusitely out of a single block of granite, the imposing figure of Anjaneya, 18 feet height, is a product of marvellous sculptural skill. The gigantic image of Nanjdhi locally known as "Makkalai" made of chank powder is considered one of the biggest in India |
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| Suchindram Temple has a large white coloured entrance known as `gopuram`, which is 40 meter in height. This notable temple of Tamil Nadu has long pillared halls. The stories from the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are depicted in the walls of the temple. The temple is a seven-storied construction |
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| There is a story behind the name of the temple `Suchindram`. It is said according to `sthalapuram` that it was the place which purified Indra and hence the name `Suchindram` because the term purification in Sanskrit means `Suchi`. There is a belief that Indra is yet performing Ardhajama Puja |
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| The only place dedicated to the Trinity is the shrine, which is known as `Thanumalaya`. The name Thanumalaya` is derived from the combination of the Trimurtis. `Thanu` is a synonym for Siva, `Mai` for Vishnu and `Ayan` for Brahma. According to an ancient belief, the top, middle and base of the linga in the temple represent Siva, Vishnu and Brahma respectively. This `sthala` is also linked to the tradition of proof of chastity given by Devi Anasuya. This temple is counted among the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple`s musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman are the main attraction. Apart from this, there is a valuable collection of art from different periods can also be seen. The brilliant workmanship of the temple in stone is noteworthy. Many ancient sculptures like Vigneshvari, the female form of Vinayaka and the scene of the Geethopadesa (Krishna to Arjuna) are also noticeable, which cannot be seen anywhere in India. The sculptures are carved exquisitely out of a single block of granite. The imposing figure of `Anjancya` is an 18 feet high structure, which is a product of marvellous sculptural skill. There is a gigantic image of Nandi can also be seen in the temple, which is locally known as `Makkalai`. It is made of chank powder and is considered as the biggest in India. On the side of the long hall after the entrance, 1108 sculptured women stand, holding oil containers. A huge boulder halfway downs the hall, and just outside to the right contains the temple records, inscribed in Tamil and Sanskrit. Again, at the end of the next hall, there is a small shrine, which is dedicated to Rama and Sita, the heroes of the Ramayana |
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| Kanyakumari / Cape Comorin |
| Described as the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land’s end of India or the point where the three seas meet, enchanting Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state. Part of the fascination is of course due to the fact that it is the very tip of the Indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra Pournami (the full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face on the same horizon but other full moon days are also special and you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously. It seems as if it is by prior arrangement...MORE |
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