Suchindram is a small temple town located in the southern district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. On the bank of Parzhar River this is an important pilgrimage which is situated at a distance of 12 kms north-west of Kanyakumari and 7 km southeast of Nagercoil. Passing through the national highway 47 this is considered one of the most sacred places in India. Based on a number of legends this place consists of a number of temples, which are usually made in the Dravidian style. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma this is only one place that has the idols of all the three super powers together which is known as Trimurti.
Suchindram is popularly known for a number of legends. One such legend claim that once Lord Indra received a curse from sage Gautama and had to worship Lord Shiva to overcome his sin. This was done in this sacred place which gave the name of Suchindram which means Purification of Lord Indra. According to other legends three lords of heaven namely Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma came to the earth to try the chastity of Anusuya the wife of Sage Atri. Because of their mischief the lords were cursed. They had to take birth as the three sons of sage Atri in the name of Chandra, Dattatreya and Durvasa.
Suchindram has been one of the legendary places in Kanyakumari District, which attract a large number of tourists. The place bears the imprints of a number of Kingdoms, which is reflected in the art, and architecture of the temples located in the region. The most popular temple of Thanumalaya Swamy Temple is dedicated to the deity of Trimurti which is built in the typical style of Dravidian architecture. More or less these temples are constructed on the Dravidian style of architecture. With its exquisite curvatures, musical columns and 3m high tall image of Lord Hanuman this temple represents the architectural grandeurs, which attract the tourists from far off places.
Geography of Suchindram
Suchindram is located between 89 degree North and 77 degree and 29 minutes East and 8.15 degree North and 77.48 degree East. With an average of 19 metres or 62fts, this place is situated at the southern most part of Kanyakumari. Approximately the town of Suchindram is 11kms from Kanyakumari and 7 kms from Nagarcoil; 70 kms from the adjacent town of Tirunelvali and 85 kms from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. With its location the place enjoys one of the most splendid weather through out the year. This place has been an important citadel of Travancore till the place became a part of Tamil Nadu in 1956. The place is not far from Kolachel where the historic naval battle between the Dutch and Travancore was fought.
Demography of Suchindram
Suchindram includes a population of 138,546 approximately which follows Tamil as the mother tongue. As per the data of 2001 census this place includes 49% of male population and 51% of female population with an average literacy of 86%. This place covers an average of national literacy level which ranges upto 59.5% with an average of 89% of male literacy level and 84% of female literacy. In Suchindram only 9% is below 6 years of age.
Education of Suchindram
With high literacy level, this place has some popular schools namely S.M.S.M. Higher Secondary School, Government Primary School and Government Middle School, which educate the local children.
Tourism in Suchindram
Suchindram is mainly known for the number of ancient temples, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Based on the legend of Trimurti this place includes the temples like Thanumalayan Temple, Munuthithanankai Amman Temple, Dwaraka Krishnan Temple, Asramam Anusuya and Athri Munivar Homa Kundam, Asramam Sastha Temple, Karupasami Koil, Asramam arulmiku sree bhoothathan maadanthampuran eaaskiamman kovil and Thampuran Thampurati Temple Akkarai.