Have you ever wondered what it would be like to witness the divine Trinity of God - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - in one place? If yes, then you must visit the Thanumalayan Temple in Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. This temple is one of the few temples in the world where you can see the three supreme deities of Hinduism in one form, called Sthanumalayan.
In this article, you will learn about the history, architecture, and rituals of this temple, as well as how to reach it and what else to see and do in Kanyakumari. Read on to discover the secrets and wonders of this temple that will leave you spellbound.
History of Thanumalayan Temple
The name Thanumalayan is derived from the Sanskrit words Thanu (Shiva), Mal (Vishnu), and Ayan (Brahma), meaning the one who is the combination of the three. The temple is also known as Suchindram Temple, after the sage Suchi who is said to have worshipped here. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old, and has been mentioned in various ancient scriptures and inscriptions. The temple was also visited by many famous saints and kings, such as Adi Shankara, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Marthanda Varma. The temple is currently administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, a trust that manages several temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Architecture of Thanumalayan Temple
The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with a blend of Chera, Chola, and Pandya styles. The temple covers an area of about 6 acres, and has four entrances with towering gopurams (gateway towers) that are adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The main attraction of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Sthanumalayan is installed. The idol is made of saligramam, a rare black stone that is considered sacred by Hindus. The idol is about 18 feet tall, and has three sections representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to various deities, such as Ganesha, Durga, Hanuman, and Nagaraja. One of the most remarkable features of the temple is the musical pillars, which produce different musical notes when tapped. The temple also has a dance hall with 1035 pillars, each with a unique carving. The temple also boasts of a 6.5 feet tall statue of Hanuman, which is said to be the largest in India. The statue is made of a single block of granite, and has a secret tunnel behind it that leads to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Festivals and Rituals of Thanumalayan Temple
The temple is a hub of religious and cultural activities, and celebrates many festivals and rituals throughout the year. Some of the major festivals are:
Chithirai festival: This is the most important festival of the temple, which is celebrated in the month of April-May. The festival commemorates the marriage of Sthanumalayan with Goddess Gowri. The festival lasts for 12 days, and involves various processions, ceremonies, and cultural programs. The highlight of the festival is the car festival, where the idols of the deities are taken around the town in huge and decorated chariots.
Avani festival: This is another important festival of the temple, which is celebrated in the month of August-September. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, who is an incarnation of Vishnu. The festival lasts for 10 days, and involves various rituals, such as Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, and Uriyadi. The festival also features various cultural events, such as drama, music, and dance.
Margazhi festival: This is a festival of music and devotion, which is celebrated in the month of December-January. The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is said to have performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction at this temple. The festival lasts for 30 days, and involves various musical concerts, recitals, and discourses by eminent artists and scholars. The festival also coincides with the Arunachala Deepam, where a huge lamp is lit on the top of the nearby Arunachala Hill.
The temple also performs daily rituals, such as puja, abhishekam, aarti, and prasad. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The entry fee for the temple is Rs. 5 per person, and the camera fee is Rs. 50 per camera.
How to Reach Thanumalayan Temple
The temple is located in the town of Suchindram, which is about 11 km from Kanyakumari and 7 km from Nagercoil. The temple is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as:
By air: The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 90 km from the temple. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
By train: The nearest railway station is the Suchindram Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the temple. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By road: The temple is well-connected by road with Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, Thiruvananthapuram, and other nearby cities. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a private vehicle to reach the temple.
Conclusion
Thanumalayan Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the divine Trinity of God in one place. The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of art, culture, and history. The temple offers a glimpse into the rich and glorious heritage of India, and inspires awe and reverence in the hearts of the visitors.
If you are planning to visit Kanyakumari, do not miss the opportunity to visit this temple and witness the wonders of this temple for yourself.
