Devi Narayani at Suchindram Temple, Kanyakumari. The word ‘Suchi’ in Suchindram is believed to be derived from Sanskrit, which means ‘pure.’ Suchindram temple (Shakti Peeth) is also called Thanumalayan or Stanumalaya Temple. It is believed that the Goddess is still meditating at this holy shrine. Moreover, the Suchindram region is also known as the Guantanamo region.
The upper teeth of Sati fell at this place.
Goddess Sati is revered here as Shakti Narayani, while Lord Shiva is Sangharor Samhara.
Located in Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu, Suchindram temple (Shakti Peeth in India) is quite famous and is listed among the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati. The temple has a grand and impressive statue of Narayani. Taking a bath in Kanyakumari eradicates all the sins of the devotees, and they become pure.
The white Gopuram of this seven-storeyed temple is visible from a distance. Constructed in the 17th century, the Suchindram temple is filled with beautiful carvings on its doors, and the complex has about 30 temples of various deities. The entrance of the temple is 24 feet high, and a massive statue of Hanumana is situated at the eastern end of the northern corridor.
There is a mythological legend that Bhasmasur, after doing severe penance, asked Shiva for a boon of immortality. Shiva said that he would be invincible to all except Kanyakumari. On getting the boon from Shiva, he becomes violent and defeats the gods too. Due to this, all gods went to Vishnu and performed a Mahayajna on his advice from which Bhagwati Durga appeared, who later slaughtered Bhasmasur.
According to the historical legends, Lord Indra, the king of all deities, was liberated from the curse given by Maharishi Gautama at this place.
How to visit
- Railways
Kanyakumari railway station is the nearest one to reach the Suchindram temple, which is around 3.2 km away from Narayani Shakti Peeth. - Airways
Trivandrum International Airport is 90.6 km away from the temple. Buses and taxes are readily available to reach the temple. - Roadways
Buses and taxis are also available from the major cities of the country.
