Thanumalayan Temple – Suchindram
Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, also known as Suchindram Sthanumalayan Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Suchindram, a small town in the Kanyakumari district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is renowned for its unique architecture, rich history, and religious significance. It is a place of worship and pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
Architectural Marvel:
The temple’s architecture is a fascinating blend of Dravidian and Kerala styles. It boasts a towering gopuram (entrance tower) that rises to a height of about 134 feet and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple’s outer walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings.
Triple Deities:
One of the most distinctive features of this temple is the presence of three principal deities in a single sanctum sanctorum. The three deities are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma, represented by three separate lingams (phallic symbols). This unique triad is commonly referred to as “Sthanumalayan.”
Colossal Hanuman Statue:
The most prominent feature of the temple is the massive Hanuman statue, which stands at a height of approximately 22 feet (6.7 meters). The idol is made of a single granite stone and is painted in a bright orange color. This ranks it among the tallest Lord Hanuman statues in India.
Mythological Significance:
The temple has strong connections to Hindu mythology and legends. It is believed that the three deities came together to resolve a celestial dispute and took their abode at Suchindram, thus making the temple a sacred site.
Impressive Nandi Statue:
In front of the central sanctum, there is a massive and beautifully carved Nandi (the bull mount of Lord Shiva) statue that is made of a single piece of rock. This Nandi statue is believed to be one of the largest in India and is an impressive sight for visitors.
Festivals and Celebrations:
Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is known for its grand festivals and celebrations. The most significant festival is the annual “Masi Mahotsav,” which is celebrated with great fervor and includes various cultural and religious events.
Visiting Hours and Pooja timings of the Temple:
The temple is open to visitors from 04:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 04:30 PM to 08:30 PM.
The pooja timings are as follows
Nirmalaya pooja- 04:30 AM to 05:00 AM
Mirushtana Pooja-06:00AM to 06:30 AM
Ushakala pooja- 07:00 AM to 07:30 AM
Uchikala pooja- 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM
Sayaratchai pooja-06:30 PM to 07:30 PM
How to reach Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple:
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is approximately 70 kilometers away from Suchindram.
- You have the option to either hire a taxi or utilize public transportation to reach the temple from the airport.
By Train:
- The nearest major railway station is Kanyakumari Railway Station, which is around 12 kilometers from Suchindram. Upon arriving at the railway station, you have the choice to either hire a taxi or take local buses to reach the temple.
- Nagercoil Junction is another nearby railway station you can consider.
By Road:
- Suchindram is well connected by road. You can use buses, taxis, or your own vehicle to reach the temple. If you are traveling from nearby cities like Nagercoil or Kanyakumari, the journey should be relatively short.