Amazing architecture, Intricate architecture in stones.
On my yogic tour to Kanyakumari 2019, I made my visit to this historical temple in Tamil Nadu, south India. This place is a splendid example of architectural miracles, built in the 17th century, known for attracting various pilgrims from across the neighboring states. The legends of Anasuya and Ahalya are attached to the temple. (To read more : https://anukusumkadri.9sh.org/2020/06/30/legendary-stories-associated-with-ahalya-and-anusuya/)
The Thanumalayan Temple is popularly called as the Sthanumalayan Temple. Also known as the Suchindram Anjaneyar temple, or Sri Dattatreya temple, is an important Hindu temple located in the city of Suchindram in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. this temple is of importance to both Shaivaite and Vaishnavite sects of Hinduism.
Temple entrance 
The name Stanumalaya denotes Trimurthis. “Stanu” means Shiva; “Mal” means Vishnu; and “Ayan” means Brahma.
There are two temples within the premises. The smaller temple is from the 9th century AD and the second temple was built later by the rulers of this region, including the Kerala King Marthanda Varman. The temple’s art and architecture is of the Dravidian style.
The Huge temple complex covers around two acres and has two gateway towers known as gopurams. The taller of two is the eastern tower, with eleven stories and a height of forty four metres (144 ft).
The temple has a huge Gopura which rises to a height of 134 feet and has a number of small deities. Many huge pillars made of single stone are additional attractions. There are pillars with musical notations too.
At the beginning you can see Dakshina moorthy, then proceed to see other temples . The three deities Bramha, Vishnu and Maheshwara is carved on a single stone and worshipped here. There is a 200 year old tree behind this ‘thrimoorthy’ idol. The trunk has been plated to preserve it from decaying. There are Nandi, Shiva, Nataraja, Navagraha and Vishnu temples too.
There is a temple of Lady Ganapathi known as Ganeshwari, which is not seen elsewhere.
There is an Anjaneya(Hanuman) statue which stands at twenty two feet (6.7 m) and is carved of a single granite block. It is one of the tallest statues of its type in India (62 ft).
Opposite to this statue there is Rama and Sita temple, Sendai melam pillar, and a statue with hollow ears where a straw can be passed through them.
You can see the temple of Ganesha and take a walk around the pillared halls to enjoy one of the most amazing creations of anciet architecture.
The special features of the temple include the four famous musical pillars, each formed by a group of smaller pillars, all carved from a single stone. Two of these large pillars have thirty three smaller pillars and the other two have twenty five each. Each of these smaller pillars produce different musical notes of Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, when tapped. Unfortunately these pillars are surrounded by iron grills to prevent vandalism.
Photo courtesy: Google search
The place got the name of Suchindrum from the Sthala Purana. A Hindu mythological legend has it that king of the devas, Indra, got relieved of a curse at the exact place of the main linga in the temple. The term “Suchi” in Suchindrum is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit meaning that stands for “purify”. Accordingly, Lord Indra is supposed to visit the temple for performing “Ardhajama Pooja”, or worship, at midnight every day.
There are many priests who come forward to guide tourists. You can hire any one of them to enlighten you as this temple has plentiful history which is worth knowing. The one who guided us explained in kannada, telugu and hindi. Overall, it was a really good experience..
Entry to the temple is free to all. Special ‘Darshan’ costs an amount of Rs 250 per person. Required dress code: males must remove their shirts and enter the temple bare chested. Females may wear saree/half saree/churidhar with upper cloth. Prasadam is served to all.
Photography is not allowed. The cameras can be handed to the security for a fee of ten rupees(at your own risk) before entering the temple.
The pond is so huge, and peaceful.
This is definitely a place that has to be on your list if you are visiting Nagercoil/Kanyakumari.
It is about 13 km distantce from Kanyakumari. You surely won’t regret a tour of this beautiful establishment. There are memories worth making.
https://anukusumkadri.9sh.org/2020/06/30/legendary-stories-associated-with-ahalya-and-anusuya/
Additional information has been taken from Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanumalayan_Temple
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