Essay name: Sucindrasthala-mahatmya (critical edition and study)
Author:
Anand Dilip Raj
Affiliation: University of Kerala / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies in English the Sucindrasthala-mahatmya which represents a significant Sthalamahatmya from South India detailing the origins and development of the Trimurti temple at Suchindram in Tamil Nadu. The study reveals its legends, customs, and religious practices.
Chapter 3 - Suchindram temple and other places and rivers mentioned
18 (of 53)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Kalabhairavar shrine it is big. A facing portico of 6½ feet by 4 feet leads to the shrine. In the middle of it the idol of Nandi, the Sivavahana can be seen. The Idol of this shrine is made in bronze. It stands 3 feet high on sanapadastana. He vimana of the temple is a later construction. The story of the origin of the shrine is like this. A lady named Palliyara nichiyar of Vellala community belonging to terur came to worship at sucindram temple on 1 March 1444. Along with her there was her daughter with extra devotion. When the prayer was going on the girl disappeared. It is believed that she reached communion with god on account of her devotion and faith. In memory of that blessed girl the mother palliyar Nāchiyar constructed a shrine and donated some land to meet the expenses of the day to day puja. There is a reference to this income of the temple records of 1788.7 The girl is considered as one among Goddess of Sucindram temple. The Thirukkalyana or marriage on the makam star in the month of Masi (February-March) between the chief deity Stanunathaswamy and Aramvalattamman is symbolic in character. That is celebrated as a great festival. A portion of expenses of this festival is borne by the despondent of Palliyara Nachiyar's family. They came as the members of the bride bringing with them the necessary thing for the wedding such as new clothes, sandal wood etc. 89
