Lost in history, found in the sacred vibes of Suchindram.

An early morning plan to visit the local temple allow me to discover, timeless masterpiece of Dravidian art and architecture. I never heard of this temple before and it was an unexplored temple for many Indians. People often like to make a trip at popular pilgrimiage destination. And in process they leave behind many ancient heritage sites. But today I went stepping back in time at the magnificent Suchindram Temple.

Like other temple in India, I found this temple quite different. Entering the temple require male person to remove their upper cloth. I am not sure what is the reason behind this but many temple in south have similar style. Worshipping the diet woth cloth. Anyway, I was not aware of the temple, as it is not so a popular temple, yet it occupy a special place for the local. This is one of the oldest temple in the vicnity. So I left at an early hours, hired an auto and headed towards the temple. The auto driver took me through open fields and thrpugh the mountains. It was not crowded space and does look fabulous.

The fresh morning air and lively narure route madre my trip very refreshing. It took me over 30 min to reach to the temple area. Till that time the sun started shining. There was a huge pond near to the temple. The set up appeared to be fabulous. Though I didnt saw anyone using the water, but the building structure around the pond gives an old vibes. There was a temple like tomb in middle of the pond. There might be some history associated with it, But I dont have anyone to tell me. But I was enjoying the cool and peaceful atmosphere.

The temple which is known as Suchindram Thanumalayan Swamy Temple is popular among the local people. When I reached there there were very few people. It is one of the very few temples in India where the presiding deity represents the Hindu Trinity — Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. The three lord combined into a single. It is one of the rare temple of the trinity in India.

As I was entering the main complex, the local priest asked me to remove my shirt. Male devotee are not allowed to enter with cloth. This was an unsual experience for me. Yet I followed the instruction. The priest also advised not to take temple pictures. Mobile phones and camera is not allowed inside the temple. According to local belief,

Lord Indra was cleansed of his curse after worshipping the deity here, and devotees believe Indra still visits the shrine every night to perform rituals.

Even after the priest warning I manage to click some interrior temple picture.

On entering the temple complex, I started getting the ancient temple vibes. There were old pillars in rravadian architecture style. The temple is built originally in the 9th century by the Chola dynasty and later expanded by the Nayaks and Travancore rulers. There are few notable things about the temple. As I said before not many people are aware of the temple existence in south. Yet those who are aware have a strong beliefs on the temple diety.

• The temple complex features famous four musical pillars carved out of a single stone. When tapped gently, they produce distinct melodious musical notes, showcasing extraordinary ancient craftsmanship. the sound was nice and rhythmic to the ears.

• The temple houses a massive, awe-inspiring 22 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman (Anjaneyar) in a praying posture, carved out of a single granite block. It is a major center of devotion inside the temple. Devotees visiting the temple offers big flower garlands to the statue

• The main trinity idol of the temple is called Thanumalayan. Here, Thanu stands for Shiva, Mal stands for Vishnu, and Ayan stands for Brahma. This unique unity holds immense religious importance for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

Seeking the blessings of Thanumalayan Swamy was a surprise elements during my south trip. I never ever thought of witnessing the grandeur of the complex. Even though photography is prohibited near the main diety. There were many CCTV camera installed to keep an eye on anyone not following the instruction. But I manage to click some of the picture from the backside of the temple. The presence of the old rocks and temple architecture showcase the beauty of the place. Sometimes beauty cannot be described in words. This is what perfectly suited for this temple complex. After roaming around shirtless within tye complex. I came out in open and put on my cloth. There was an old structure right in front the temple entrance. There were some shops for snacks and tea.

There were two glass houses on either side of the temple entrance gate that houses giant chariot. Might be they were used careying out some possession during th festivals. The chariot were huge and can be visible from outside. It was meant to be pulled manyally.

It was an interesting morning surprise for me. To discover the hidden ancient beauty standing string in some remote location. Finding and visiting such tenple is not on everybody book. But thanks to my local co racts, I able to figure an exceptional architectural beauty from nowhere. Be it the musical pillars or the trinity diety or the giant hanuman statue or the beautiful carving on the temple pillars. It was magnificient and a memorable visit in all aspect.

In good faith - Peace!!