Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

LEGEND 1 - According to one of the popular story of the Suchindram Temple, one day the holy Trinity, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu arrived here at the ancient temple. Devi Anusaya, who is wife of saint Atri lived here. Trinity, decided to test Anusaya. Hence, in the absence of Sage Atri, They went to Anusaya, a chaste woman, in the guise of three sages and asked for food. However, when offered food and lams m, they refused stating that they have vowed to take offerings only from people who are not clothed. As it was considered as sin to refuse a help of offering to seeker, she decided to offer them food and fulfill their demand. She sprinkled holy water on all the three sages and turned into babies; Shiva as Durvasa, Vishnu as Dattatreya and Brahma as Chandra. It was then she fulfilled their demands and fed all the three babies. Seeing this, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Parvati and Goddess Lakshmi came down and asked to return their husband in their original form. All the three Gods were turned into their original form after this. While leaving for their holy abode, all Trimurthi, on the request of Anusaya, manifested as Swayambhu Lingas, under the Amaltas tree, known as Sthala Vriksham, which is now more than 2500 years old. A small shrine, has been constructed Konnaya in front of this holy tree.

LEGEND 2 - There is another legend that connects this temple and the town to the Devi Kanyakumari Temple. As per the legend, Lord Shiva has stayed in Suchindram when he had come to marry Devi Kanyakumari. He started from here for the wedding that was scheduled to be at an auspicious time in night. It was when he reached Vazhukkamparai, which is around 5 km away from Suchindram, Sage Narada guised as rooster has falsely crowed to indicate the onset of morning. Believing that the auspicious moment has passed, Lord Shiva has returned to Suchindram without marrying the Devi.

LEGEND 3 - Another story of Suchindram Temple is about the decade old ritual that was practiced at the temple. The practice of Agnipariksha was performed at the temple till 1860s until it was banned by the government. As per the ritual, any Brahmin or priest, when suspected of any unacceptable behavior, was required to go through a ritual. With the permission of the King, the suspected person was required to dip his hand in the boiling ghee that was kept in copper vessel and take out the silver ox which was kept inside. His hand was then covered in a cloth and bandaged. If the Brahmin’s hand comes out unscathed on the third day, he is proven innocent.