Thanumalayan or Suchindram temple

The unique experience

This 17th-century temple is counted as the most eye-grabbing Kanyakumari temple because it boasts of an exquisite stone carved facade as well as the four pillars crafted out of stone which measure 5.5 meters in height. These are musical pillars that when pounded upon, release beautiful music. 

About Thanumalayan Temple

The temple is situated merely 11 kilometers from Kanyakumari and is thronged by a large chunk of devotees that believe in the Trinity Gods, namely Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. Known also as Sthanumalayan Perumal Temple, it boasts of majestic architecture and houses about thirty shrines. There is a 7 tiered Gopuram as well. The temple sees a large congregation of both Shaivaites as well as Vaishnavites. It is famed for its inscriptions tracing back to the 9th century. An interesting trivia associated with this temple is that it is maintained by Namboodiri Brahmin families. 

Legend

As per local legend, Lord Indra got riddance of a curse when he worshiped the Shiva lingam that is housed at this temple. Therefore, it is a local legend that the Lord comes here every day to offer his prayers to Shiva. The temple has another legendary story according to which a very ancient custom of Agnipariksha was followed here as a way to convict or acquit a suspect. This ritual was carried out in front of the presiding king. 

More about the place

The Hanuman statue at this temple stands at 22 feet. Legend has it that when Tipu Sultan attacked the temple in 1740, the temple authorities hid this statue below the ground. It was only in 1930 that it was found by M.K Neelankantha Iyer, the Board Commissioner of the temple. Therefore, when opting for tour packages in Kanyakumari, it is recommended to include a visit to this location.

Suchindram Temple musical pillars

The Suchindram or Thanumalayan Temple is a marvel of architecture. This Kanyakumari temple attracts its fair share of tourists that visit it especially to see its four pillars that reach a height of 18 feet. Can you guess what’s so special about these pillars? Well, they are musical! Sculpted out of a single block of granite, these pillars generate musical notes whenever struck. Adorning the Alankara Mandapam, these musical pillars a must to be seen. 

What else?

Every December the famous Margazhi Festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. Its a car festival celebrated for ten long days and is a huge drawer of pilgrims from all over the country. Other festivals that are equally loved by devotees are the Chithirai, Masi as well as Avani festivals. 

Suchindram Temple dress code

To enter this fascinating Kanyakumari temple, visitors need to follow a strict dress code. Men must cover their upper torso and women must wear decent and traditional clothes like suits and sarees. 

How to reach

Distance in kilometers from - Kanyakumari-11 kilometers and Nagarcoil-7 kilometers