Suchindram Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the Upper Teeth of maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Upper Teeth, this temple was constructed. Suchindram Shakti Peeth is situated in southernmost district of KanyaKumari. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as ‘Maa Narayani’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Sanghar or Samhara’. Meaning of Narayani means wife of Narayan. This holy place in general is dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan, who is considered to be the form of three major gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
The art and architecture of this temple is unique and blends with the Tamil Nadu culture. From outside the whole temple looks white, as it is made of white stone. On the other hand, the top part is made of various sculptures that depict the various gods and the fine stone work done on it is highly commendable. You can see number of palm trees planted in front of the Suchindram temple. So much so is the religious importance of this place that every year people in million numbers flock to this part of the country.
History of Suchindram Shakti Peeth
History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Upper teeth of Maa Sati fell on this place. In order to embark the spiritual importance to this place of fall, a temple was constructed. Over the years there are several renovation being carried out on it.
Festivals in Suchindram temple
Navaratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion two times a year. On the other hand, Shivaratri is also a major festival being extolled with great joy and happiness. But two major festivals that account the major attraction are the ‘Suchindram maargali festival’ and the ‘Rath Yatra’. During these festival, some people keep fast (Not eating any food) as a respect and dedication towards god worship.
Where to stay
Over the decades and centuries, Kanyakumari has always been the most important religious place in Hindu Culture. Its history can be traced back from Ramayana times. So, because this place is catering pilgrims for so many years, arrangement of hotel, motel, guest houses is pretty good and is in ample quantity. There are several international hotel chains available here and you can also pre book your rooms. But during the peak festival season, the lack of accommodation spaces leads to jump in rooms prizes. So, keep an eye on that.
Shopping around Suchindram temple
- Shopping can be a fun as you will get flavor of both traditional and modern items just adjacent to the Kanyakumari.
- Silk Saree are among the star attraction of this place.
- Religious related stuff can be obtained from the nearby vicinity of the temple.
- Local or handicrafts shops are the one that caters maximum people, so try one of them.
- Bargaining during the shopping is a must and must thing.
- Finally try to buy those things that are available here only, because other things can be bought at your native or living place also.
Other places that can be visited nearby
As already told, the whole geographical location of this part of country is having sacred places, here are some of the other temple that you can visit. Thanumalayan temple is dedicated all three gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) in Hindu culture is the price attraction. A very famous pilgrimage place near to this temple is Muthithanankai amman temple. A very famous temple to Lord Krishna known as Dwarka Krishna temple is also the star attraction. Another temple named as Mutharamman temple can also be visited.
How to reach the Suchindram temple
- Kanyakumari connectivity to rest of the country is pretty good and train as far as from Jammu is available.
- Road, there are couple of buses that ply from major cities of India towards this sacred site. Personal vehicles are also used by people to reach here.
- Railway is the most common mode transportation to reach Kanyakumari. From Kanyakumari, local transportation needs to be taken to reach Suchindram temple.
- Air, Dedicated airport is there in Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu), and provision of both national and international flight is there in this airport.