Suchindram Temple - Information, History & Temple timings

The word 'Suchi' in Suchindram is believed to be derived from Sanskrit, which means 'pure.' Suchindram temple(Shakti Peeth) is also called Thanumalayan or Stanumalaya Temple. It is believed that the Goddess is still meditating at this holy shrine. Moreover, the Suchindram region is also known as the Guantanamo region.

About the Suchindram Temple

Located in Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu, Suchindram temple (Shakti Peeth in India) is quite famous and is listed among the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati. Goddess Sati is revered here as Shakti Narayani, while Lord Shiva is Sangharor Samhara. The temple has a grand and impressive statue of Narayani Maa and a garland in her hand. Taking a bath in Kanyakumari eradicates all the sins of the devotees, and they become pure.

Architecture of the temple

The white Gopuram of this seven-storeyed temple is visible from a distance. Constructed in the 17th century, the Suchindram temple is filled with beautiful carvings on its doors, and the complex has about 30 temples of various deities. The entrance of the temple is 24 feet high, and a massive statue of Hanumana is situated at the eastern end of the northern corridor.

Followers of Vaishnavism and Shaivism visit the temple and take the blessings of God. The big lingam is situated in the sanctum. The idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva dwell in the main temple in the same form called Stanumalaya, which portrays three deities in the same form. 'Stanu' indicates 'Shiva,' 'Mal' denotes 'Vishnu,' and 'Ayan' signifies 'Brahma.'

Also Read: The Interesting Story of Panch Pandav Tree

The Mythology of the Temple

According to history, when Lord Shiva was roaming around the universe carrying the corpse of his consort Goddess Sati and doing the dance of destruction (Tandava), then Lord Vishnu cut the corpse of the goddess Sati into 51 parts to save the universe from the rage of Lord Shiva. The 51 parts were spread around the Indian subcontinent. During this, the upper teeth of Sati fell at this place.

There is a mythological legend that Bhasmasur, after doing severe penance, asked Shiva for a boon of immortality. Shiva said that he would be invincible to all except Kanyakumari. On getting the boon from Shiva, he becomes violent and defeats the gods too. Due to this, all gods went to Vishnu and performed a Mahayajna on his advice from which Bhagwati Durga appeared, who later slaughtered Bhasmasur.

According to the historical legends, Lord Indra, the king of all deities, was liberated from the curse given by Maharishi Gautama at this place.

Also Read: Significance of Makar Sankranti

Festivals

Major festivals celebrated in the temple are Rath Yatra, Navaratri, Shivratri, Ashokastami, Durga Puja, Suchindram Margazhi festival, Chaitra Purnima, Ashada and Ashwin Amavasya, Mesha Sankranti, and Raja Parba (Mithuna Sankranti).

Best time to visit

From August to March are considered the best months to reach the Suchindram temple, due to its excellent climate conditions. Moreover, festivals like Suchindram Margazhi festival, Navaratri, Durga Puja, Rath Yatra, etc. are also celebrated during these months.

Places to visit

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Our Lady of Ransom Church, Kanyakumari
• Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam
• Kanyakumari Beach
• Sarvani Shakti Peeth Shri Bhagavathi Temple
• Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Sunset Point, Kanyakumari, Kovalam
• Vattakottai Fort
• View Tower

Suchindram Temple Timings:

04:30 am to 01:00 pm (Morning)
04:00 pm to 08:00 pm (Evening)

Location:

N Car St, Kanyakumari, Suchindram Tamil Nadu 629704

Way to visit

1. Railways

Kanyakumari railway station is the nearest one to reach the Suchindram temple, which is around 3.2 km away from Narayani Shakti Peeth.

2. Airways

Trivandrum International Airport is 90.6 km away from the temple. Buses and taxes are readily available to reach the temple.

3. Roadways

Buses and taxis are also available from the major cities of the country.