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
63 (of 74)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Asvatha tree. Jains also consider the same tree as their sacred Chaitya tree, related to the fourteenth tirthamkara Anantaitha. Tree worship in SSM As a work evolved from Indian tradition many parts of SSM refer the tree worship. According to the work hermitage Atri is a forest and is called Jnanarnya. The holy tree of SSM is Asvatha. The auther expresses the vedic concept that the Asvatha is in the form of all gods. SSM sacrifices the concept of tribals that the tip of asvatha represents Brahma, middle represents Siva. This reminds Asvatha Pradaksinamantra. The Asvatha is said to be the tree of life. This conept is common in the folklore of many ancient cultures all over the world. It is also said to be ever green; ever blooming and great. Importance of the Worship of Asvatha The trimurties says that the person who prays the Asvatha tree, which is in their form, will get liberation. The author upholds the supremacy of Asvatha worship. One who worship Sivalinga without worshipping the Asvatha tree, will not get the results. It is just like offering oblation to the ashes instead of holy fire. They will get the fruits same to those who do not feed their parents. And their fate will be just like the Brahmins those do not study Vedas. The auther proclaims that no other form of worship is equal to the worship of holy Asvatha. The Lord of Sucindram is said to be the lord of Asvatha. Transformation of Asvatha 186
