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
5 (of 53)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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MUDU GANAPATI OR BRAHMARUPA VINAYAKA The shrine of Mudu Ganapati is situated between the shrines of Siva and Visnu. It is a very small shrine. The Idol is very old. उà¤à¤°à¥à¤¯à¥‹à¤®à¤§à¥à¤¯à¤à¤¾à¤—ेपोसà¥à¤¥à¤¿à¤¤à¥‹à¤à¥‚तॠकशà¥à¤šà¤¿à¤¦à¥ˆà¤¨à¥à¤¦à¥à¤°à¤•े - [ [ubharyomadhyabhÄgeposthitobhÅ«t kaÅ›cidaindrake - [] Verse-32]. The reference is above this shrine. Trunk and legs of the idol is in a dilapidated condition. Mudu Ganapati or Brahmarupa Vinayakar is the name of the idol. The belief is that Brahma has assumed the form of Ganapati. Sucindram temple which is the abode of trimurtis has no Idol of Brahma. So this idol in between the Visnu and Siva shrine is appropriate. THEKKEDAM (TEMPLE OF SOUTH) The verse 31st refers to the Vishnu Shrine of Sucindram temple. This Vishnu is well known as Sthanvalayahari. There is a big hall between Virapandyan Manimandapa and garbhagrha of the Thekkadam. The size of this mandapa is of 80' x 29' which equates to the combined space occupied by Rsabhamandapa and Virapandyan Manimandapa. The idol of Visnu made in Katusarkara is kept at the garbhagrha of Thekkedam. This Idol is of 7½ high and is an exquisite number one artistic creation. In front of it on a small pedestal, there are the golden images of Visnu in the middle with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either sides. There is a hall 15 feet by 12. This is the Ardhamandapa (hall in front of the Shrine) of the Shrine, which leads to the Garbhagrha of the temple. 76
