The temple's architectural design follows the Trimurti concept.
Many regions that were once part of the historical Thiruvithamkoor are now into the state of Tamil Nadu. Among these regions is a notable temple, Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal, located along the Nagercoil-Kanyakumari route, which boasts a significant historical legacy. This temple, with its ancient origins, is renowned for its unique feature: it allows the simultaneous worship of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This distinctive aspect highlights the temple’s dedication to Trimurti, the Hindu trinity of gods. The temple’s architectural design follows the Trimurti concept, with its construction extending across seven tiers. Before becoming part of Tamil Nadu, this temple was an integral part of the old Thiruvithamkoor region, adding to its historical and cultural value. The Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple is especially revered and recognised for its historical and spiritual importance.
The temple’s principal deities are conceptualised in the Trimurti arrangement, which includes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Despite the presence of all three deities, Shiva holds a central place of prominence in this temple. The temple houses around thirty idols of various deities, further emphasising its importance in the Hindu religious tradition.
In the Trimurti arrangement within the temple, Shiva is positioned at the highest tier, Vishnu is placed in the middle, and Brahma is at the lower tier. This arrangement symbolises the hierarchical structure and the distinct roles each deity plays in the cosmic order. Shiva, in particular, is given the most significant emphasis in this temple, underscoring his pivotal role in the temple’s worship practices.
Another noteworthy feature of the Suchindram Temple is its massive Hanuman idol, which stands over 20 feet tall. The Suchindram Temple is considered one of the most ancient temples in the Kanyakumari district. Situated on the Nagercoil-Kanyakumari road, it has a history that spans thousands of years. The temple’s architecture includes notable features such as a towering structure that rises 134 feet high and a large bird statue, which are significant elements of its design.
A belief exists that visiting the Suchindram Temple has a purifying effect on the five senses, contributing to its revered status among devotees. The temple is also known as the Sthanumalayan Temple. The name Sthanumalayan is derived from Sthanu, another name for Lord Shiva, combined with Mala, which represents Lord Vishnu, and Ayanu, an alternate name for Lord Brahma.
