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
70 (of 74)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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The story of sucindram, which is dealt in Keralamāhātmya is entirely different from SSM one. The work changes the popular purānic story of trinmūrti's birth as the sons of Atri and Anasūya. The following changes are seen in the story of Keralamāhātmyam from that of SSM. 1. In Keralamāhātmya, the sucindram is hermitage of sandilya. 2. Indra is purified by the toch holy water drops from the bodies of trimūrtis 3. According to Keralamāhātmya, the Trimurtis are cursed by sandilya. 4. The trimurtis regain their origin form by taking bath in the near by tirtha. 5. According to Keralamāhātmya Parasurama introduced the festivals of śucindram. he also introduced the Namboothiri priest in the temple. As both the works are written almost same period, the reason for these changes are unknown. From the study it may be concluded that SSM is a work which is evolved form the legendary tradition of South India. 193
