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 4 - Sucindrasthalamahatmya: a critical study
45 (of 74)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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III. Ratholsava or Car festival of Sucindram. According to SSM the famous Ratholsava or Car festival of Sucindram temple is introduced by Indra in gratitude for his absolution from sin of seducing Ahalya. Ratholsava is celebrated on the ninth day of Mārkazi festival, the most important among the three festivals which are celebrated in Sucindram temple. Car festival which is locally known as Terottam considered as one of the prominent festivals of erstwhile Travancore. The king of Travancore does not break his fast in the morning on the day of this festival until the cars reach their original place. The Ratholsavam helps to remove the impurities in the soul leading to liberation. Indra, seated on a car (Ter) by his name Indran ter or Capra Ter and he took his place in the festival, which was introduced by himself. At about seven a.m. the car festival of Sucindram temple commences. All the four cars viz. Svamiter, Ammanter, PillayarTer and Indranter are decorated with festoons. A glittering gold plated Kumbha adorns the pinnacle of each of the cars. The svamiter about 60 feet high, is the highest of the cars in Sucindram, is formed of five layers or tiers. The Staṇunathaśvamy, flanked by uma on the left, is seated in this car. In the second car, ie, Ammanter, the goddess Parvati is separately placed. Lord Indra is placed in the smallest car ie, the Caprater. As the manager of Car festival he follows the procession. The procession circumambulates the entire temple complex through the main street and in brought back to their original position by about 11.a.m. 168
