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Suchindrum is situated 13 km from Kanyakumari and is an important
pilgrim centre. Suchindrum known as Gnanaranya, is well known for
its sculptural wealth. It is one of the few temples in the country
where the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Ishvara, are worshipped. The
temple enshrines Sri Sthanumalaya, the Trinity of God (Siva, Vishnu
and Brahma). The linga is in three parts. The top represents "Sthanu"
name of Siva,the middle "Mal" name of Vishnu, and the base "Ayan"
name of Brahma. It is believed that the Trinity appeared here at the
request of a sage, Atri, and his wife,Anusaya. Images of Vigneswari
(a feminine form of Vinayaka), Goddess Aram Valartha Nayaki, Indra
Vinayaka, Kala Bhairava and Saakahi Ganapathy are also enshrined.
Inscriptions said to be of the 9th century are found in this temple.
Suchindrum known as Gnanaranya, is well known for its
sculptural wealth. The 134-foot-tall gopuram beacons the pilgrims
from a long distance. On the eastern corridor is the shrine of Guru
Dakshinamurthi next to Konnayadi. The Navagrahas are engraved on the
ceiling. On the outer prakaram, there are separate shrines for
Cheravasal Sastha, Rama and Lord Muruga. There is an imposing
monolithic image of Lord Anjaneya opposite to Lord Rama's Shrine. It
is about 5.5 m high and is said to represent the Viswarupa of
Hanuman as shown to Sita at Ashoka Vana in Lanka. On the northern
corridor, there are four musical pillars cut out of single granite
blocks. |
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