S.R.S.D. Memorial Shiksha Shodh Sansthan, Agra, UGC Sl. No.64431

INQUISITIVE TEACHER

A Peer Reviewed Refereed Research Journal

ONLINE ISSN-2455-5827

Volume IV, Issue II, December 2017, pp. 29-32

Suchindram Thanumalaya Swami Temple-A Historical Study

Dr. Praveen. O.K.

Assistant Professor, Department of History Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Abstract

Kanyakumari District is denotes with the ancient temples. The temple are either for Lord siva or Lord Vishnu with different names and incarnations. In each villege there is a temple. They constructed the temples for their worship and for the worship of public. Suchindram is a small village community in the Kannyakumari district of state but is an important site of pilgrimage in the sense that it is the only place in India where the trinities of Indian mythology (Brahma, Vishnu and Ishvara) are worshipped together. Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple is one of such rare temples and even its name consists of three elements: “Sthanu” is a name of Shiva, “Mal” stands for Vishnu and “Ayan” is for Brahma.

Keywords: Suchindram, Thanumalayan, Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Garudalwar, Thirumalanaick, the musical paillers, Navagraha, Anjaneya, pooja, temple, Dravidian, art and Archecture.

Introduction

Suchindram is a small villege about 12km frm and about 7km from . Suchindram means the place where India attained Suchi i.e. Purification. Actually, Suchi means Purityand Suchindram denotes the place where India attained Purity It is said that Thanumalaya Swami Temple is the only shrine dedicated to the Trinity in India. The present structure of the temple is the work of a number of persons spread over a number of centuries, and is one of the best specimens and storehouse of the Dravidan Style of art and architecture

Need for the Present Study

Kanyakumari District is having temples of great antiquity and cultural importance. Temples also functioned as a source of history. Music and dance formed a regular part of the temple festivals. Educational institutions were also run by the temples The South Indian temples have always played a vital role in the religious, social, cultural and economic life of the people. In this context, it is possible to bring in to light the unique nature of the famous Shiva temples of IT, Vol. IV, Issue II, December 2017 ISSN-2455-5827

Kanyakumari District. The present investigation is passing light on the Suchindram Thanumalaya Swami Temple- A Historical Study

The temples where Hindu Gods and Goddesses are enshrined are the real pillars and protected forts of Hinduism. They have the greatest influence in strengthening the spiritual and cultural aspects of our country. Our ancestors have sacrificed their lives for the construction and maintenance of these temples. Our sculptures, music, dance, mantras and every aspects of our culture were dedicated to God in temples. Indian temples are thus the standing monuments of the everlasting spiritual and cultural heritage of our country.

Objectives of the Study

1. To evaluate History of Suchindram Thanumalaya Swami Temple 2. To analyse sculpture of Suchindram Thanumalaya Swami Temple 3. To sketch rituals of Suchindram Thanumalaya Swami Temple 4. To analyse cultural heritage Suchindram Thanumalaya Swami Temple

Methodology

The methodology adopted in the present study is analytical, descriptive and interpretative reflection. In the preparation of the present study the following sources including both primary and secondary sources.

The temple is a store 4 house of varied types of sculptures. The well polished figure of Garudalwar, Thirumalanaick, the musical paillers, the two Kings, the Navagraha images on the ceiling of Vasantha Mandapa, the Yalis, the sculptures on the base of the Gopuram are all very fine pieces of art. The monolithic good looking Anjaneya of 5 mètres Hight invites adminiration.

GOPURAM GOPURAM

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MANDAPAM BHAGAVANANJANEYA

The 4 metres high stupendous Nandi, made of mortar and bricks, is the second best in the country. The 40 metres tall , seven tier Gopura mis statelyin look outer space is studed with exquisite plaster figures depicting scenes from piranas and epics. The temple has 4 chariots the biggest one is biggest in all tamil nadu, with splendides Wood Carving is quite majestic in appearence.

The temple holds over the people considérable large. People throng in tens of thasounds to participate in the 10 day festivel conducted in the tamil months of Chithirai, Avani, and Margai, the aspects of which have been sung in many folk songs. The worship on Monday, particularly in the month of karthigai, is considered very auspicious. The splendor and richness of the rituals of the temple can be gauged from the fact that in the those palmy days, daily 7 bags of rice were cooked and offered to the deities.

CHARIOT Charit- People throng

The contribution of this temple to a typical cultural synthesis is patenly original. The presiding deity Thanu (Siva), Mal(Vishnu),Ayan(Brahma) is the from the top, the middle and the base of the which are identified with the Trinity.suchidram is the confluence of Sankaras six

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IT, Vol. IV, Issue II, December 2017 ISSN-2455-5827 cults for here, along with others, tradition presents and worships the presence of Surya as well, through that open space of about a decimeter square, over the Kaimuku square, that permits Suns rays to pass inside.

The formless supreme also can be seen accommodated in the Chitra Sabha. Even at the entrence, one can find the strange also can be seen accommodated in the Chitra Sabha. even at the entrence, one can find the strange coexistence of vedic Gods and folkgods side by side in Udayamarthanda Vinayargar, Theradi Madan and Theradi Boothathan. The main temple houses all the Godheads of Hindu pantheon. Besides, there are exclusive temples for Sakthi (Munnoottu Nangai), Nataraja (perambalam), Namasivaya Murthi and Krishna (Dwaraka Emperuman) out side the main temple.

Conclusion

In short, suchidram temple is best examples for temple monument in Kanniyakumari. Thanumalaya Swami Temple is the only shrine dedicated to the Trinity in India.

SUCHINDRAM TEMPLE KANYAKUMARI TIMINGS

ALL DAY SUNDAY TO SATURE DAY MORNING: 4.30AM TO 11.30 AM EVENING: 5 PM TO 8.30PM

SUCHINDRAMTEMPLEKANYAKUMARI ADDRESS: KANNIYAKUMARI DISTRICT, SUCHINDRAM, TAMIL NADU, 629704, INDIA. PHONE: 04652-241421

References

 Sreedhara Menon, A., Survey of Kerala History, DC books, , 2005, p.157.  Gopala Krishanan, M., Kanyakumari District Gazette, Madras, 1995, p.206.  Dhina Thanthi, Tamil Daily, Thahaval Kalangi yam, Nagerciol Edition, 2008, p.14.  Travancore Archeaological Series ,Vol.II,pp.125-128  .Nagam Aiya,V., Travancore State Manual,Vol.III ,Travancore,p.590.  Subramaniam, S.V., Heritage of Tamils Temple Arts, Madras, 1905, p.102.  Sadasivam, S., Cheranadum sentamilum(Tamil), Nagerciol, 1949, p.149.  Padmanabhan,S., Temples in Kanykumari District, Nageerciol,1970,pp.8-10.

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