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
54 (of 74)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Dattatreya, Agastya, Vamadeva, Parvataka and Nārada. It is said that only those with the punya of numerous births can see Visnu in front of the eyes. The puranic story of Visnu being born from the mind of Atri as Dattatreya childish cry of Visnu who transformed into a small baby by Anasuya, are pictured beautifully in SSM. Visnuṭa s most celebrated puranic form is depicted SSM. He is described as Samkhcakragadapadmadhara and clad in yellow garments and seated in Garuda with his consort Laksmi. The complexion of Visnu is stated as having the beauty of blue lotus. The Kaustubha is said to be shines on his chest and he has the mark of Kasturi on his forehead. Visnu is glorified in SSM under several names and epithets including the names of some of his avatārās. A few may be cited here. He is known as Acuta; the imperishable. He is glorified in his famous names like padmanabha and Nārāyana. He is often said as Hrseekesa [Hrseeka-Isa] who controls the senses, and killer of the demon m ra. Names of famous Avatārās of Visnu like Rāmā, Krishan, Nrsimha are mentioned. The account of parasurāma is briefly discussed. The birth of Brahma, destruction of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha and prayer of Brahma to Lord Visnu are the main topics of narration in the 19th Chapter of SSM. Visnu advises Brahma to visit parakkai temple to worship him. Story of Garuda a close associate of Visnu is also connected with this temple. A local legend of Kalavathi who got sons by worshipping the Lord Visnu of Nattalam is also depicted. The famous story of Gajendramoksa, which glorifies the mercy of Lord Visnu is described in the 22 chapter of the work. 177
