Essay name: Sucindrasthala-mahatmya (critical edition and study)
Author:
Anand Dilip Raj
Affiliation: University of Kerala / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies in English the Sucindrasthala-mahatmya which represents a significant Sthalamahatmya from South India detailing the origins and development of the Trimurti temple at Suchindram in Tamil Nadu. The study reveals its legends, customs, and religious practices.
Chapter 2 - Summary of the Sucindrasthalamahatmya
11 (of 22)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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would be over. As Indra could not perform the sacrifice, he reached Brhaspati again. Brhaspati consoled Indra telling that there is no matter to be worried. "There is the pūrnajyotikṣetra at the jñānakanana on the earth. There the trimurtis live together. There is no place more holy than this. If you go there and pray the trimurtilinga all your desires will be fulfilled". Thus saying Bṛhaspati blessed Indra. Immediately Indra got on to his divyaratha and went to jñāanaraṇya. Indra was prevented by Nandikasa at the northern part of jñānaranya on the orders of Siva. Indra was unfit to perform penance at that holy place. So he went to gorakshadri to perform penance there; thus advised by Nandi. The place were Indra's radha was stopped, known as radhapuri. Indra performed penance at Gorakṣādri on the orders of Siva. Devas and Bṛhaspati came to Gorekṣādri to see Indra performing penance. On the orders of Indra Airavatam with his tusks dug a river originating from the peaks of malayadri and passing near sivalaya and through jñānaraṇya and near Gorkṣadri and reaching the sea. This was for taking bath by gods and Brhaspati. Gods gave this river the name Dantanadi. After performing penance for six months at Gorkṣadri Devendra came to jñānaranya along with the gods. On the instructions of Bṛhaspati, Devandra brought Devadaru tree there and worshipped the gods with its flowers. Thus Indra also lived there praying śucindranatha to get redeemed of his sins. Chapter XIII Offering flowers of kalpaka and pouring amrta, Indra performed pujas daily on śucindranatha. Siva pleased with the rituals of Indra appeared before him. Falling at the feet of Siva, Indra prayed that all his sins may be absolved. Hearing this siva asked Indra to bring there 59
