The tourist on the way to kanyakumari is always attracted by the charm and grandeur of the lofty Gopuram at Suchindrum, a small village just 7 kilometres from Nagercoil. Suchindrum is a place of exceptional interest in many respects. Its sculptural wealth is one of the best in the south. The village is surrounded on all sides by paddy fields and coconut groves. The broad streets around the Temple and other smaller streets are well planned. There is a big tank with a beautiful Mandapam in the center.
 

At the outskirts of the four main streets, there are more than ten small shrines dedicated to Durga, Vinayaka and other deities who guard the village. But the main attraction is the renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Sthanu-Mal-Ayan (Siva Vishnu Brahma), rich in puranic lores and traditions. The art, and architecture is of such arresting excellence that this ancient Temple stands as one pf the foremost and richest among the South Indian Shrines.
 

The suchindrum temple :
Even from a distance the Tower of the Temple, framed by the coconut trees and the sky as a backdrop, makes a sitting posture. At the entrance, we find the dutiful brother Lakshmana and near him stands the most devoted Hanuman, with folded hands.
 

Jayantheeswara temple :
We now proceed eastward and come to the northern entrance of the Temple by the side of which Kala Bhairava is enshrined. Turning west, we see the charming idol of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivayanai on either side. At the entrance there are two statues of Kings or Chieftains called Nanjil Kuravas who donated their wealth to the temple.

Behind this shrine there are six small shrines dedicated to Mahadeva, Narayana, Rameswara, Krishna, Srichakra and Durga. These smaller shrines and the Muruga Shrine are together called Jayantheeswara Temples. It is interesting to note that Jayantheeswaram is another name for Tiruchendur, and the Muruga here is a close replica of the Lord there. It is also said that the Pandavas during their vana vasa visited Gnanaranya (Suchindrum) and worshipped the duties of Jayantheeswara Temples and hence they are also known as Pancha Pandava Temples. The image of Lord Krishna here is standing with a ball of butter in one hand and a peeled plantain in the other, reminding one of the Lord at Guruvayur.
 

Alangara Mandapam :
Then we enter the Alangara Mandapam where stand four pillars each carved out of a single stone. Two of them contain 33 smaller pillars and the other two 25 each. These are the famous Musical Pillars and one can here the most Melodious Musical Tunes emanate from them when tapped.

South of the Musical Pillars stand two monolithic statues of Venad Kings. These exquisite statues are so life-like that they eclipse even a perfect human figure. The excellent work of art here are of rare workmanship.
 

Dharmasmvarthani :
Now we come to the shrine dedicated to Devi, the goddess Dharmassamvarthani. The image is made of bronze. The story is that a thirteen year old Vellala girl used to visit the shrine of Sthanumalaya with her mother, and it happened that one day when they were in the act of praying the daughter suddenly disappeared. A divine voice consoled the grief-stricken mother that the girl had become one with the Lord through her ardent devotion.

The girls family installed the bronze image and from that day, in the month of Masi, the Thirukalyanam function is celebrated in the Temple. Hanuman Then we step out and are stunned to see the huge image of Hanuman the embodiment of devotion and humility, depicting his Viswarupa Dharsan given to Sita at the Asoka forest, as described in the Sundara Kanda of the Ramayana. The figure is 18ft high, remarkable for its grandeur and massiveness. As we approach the image we feel how insignificant we are and stand transfixed. Sri Anjaneya who is generous beyond expectation, is ever ready to give solace and consolation to the afflicted mind and it is no wonder he draws multitudes from all over India to him. This figure is placed diametrically opposite to the figures of Sri Rama and Sita. more....>>