Introduction

Suchindram is one of the few places where the trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped together. It is the beautiful white gopuram (tower) of the temple that catches your eye first-up. About 13 kilometers (8.12 miles) northwest of Kanyakumari, Suchindram is an elegant structure with musical pillars and 22 feet, single-stone statue of Lord Hanuman in addition to a diverse collection of art from different periods. A bit more about the structure and its music-creating pillars; it is 134 foot (40 meters) high with a façade covered with sculptures of deities from the Hindu mythology. And, on tapping the pillars produce the music of veena, mridangam and other traditional instruments. Inside you will find the ‘lingam’ representing the three gods.

According to folklore, Lord Shiva stayed at this place when Devi Kanyakumari came for penance. Explore the long-pillared halls and you will see depiction of scenes from the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata on the walls. Appreciate the exquisite workmanship especially the sculptures caved out of a single granite block. There is an 18 feet (5.4 meters) idol of Anjancya other than a massive figure of Nandi, the holy cow. Made of chalk powder, the idol of Nandi is considered to be the biggest in India. Look up the sculptures of 1108 women holding oil lamps on the side of the long hall after the entrance. In a massive boulder halfway down the hall is inscribed the history of the temple in Tamil and Sanskrit. The shrine dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita is at the end of the adjoining hall.

The architectural grandeur of the structure comes to life during the two annual festivals in which the temple precincts are beautifully lit and adorned with garlands. One is the Markhazi festival in which the deities are taken out on a procession around the city, and the other being the 10-day-long Chithirai festival celebrated in April-May.

Though the time of construction of the temple is not officially known, it is believed to have been built in the 17th-18th centuries.

There is a regular bus service from Trivandrum and Kanyakumari to Suchindram temple. If you are taking the train, then Nagercoil is the nearest railway station, some 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the temple site.

Special Attributes

The temple has the largest Nandi idol in India.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress conservatively. Wear fully covered clothes.

Connectivity

There is a regular bus service from Trivandrum and Kanyakumari to Suchindram temple. If you are taking the train, then Nagercoil is the nearest railway station, some 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the temple site.

Enjoyed by

People who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

Camera and mobile phone is not allowed inside. You need to deposit these at the entrance.

Tip

Beware of the touts and beggars inside the temple who insist on showing you the shrine, telling you its history and getting a donation in return.

Type of site

Ancient Hindu Temple/Religious site