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
12 (of 22)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Brahma, Visnu, Deversis, Dikpalakas and the Dingnagas. If they were brought, all his sins would be absolved. Hearing the impossible thing demanded by him, Indra looked at Bá¹›haspati in sadness. Bá¹›haspati then requested Siva that he should be kind enough to Indra and remove his sorrow. Hearing this Siva asked Indra to go to kailasa and bring his mudra. On the orders of Sambhu, Indra went to kailasa and brought the mudra and handed over to Siva. Siva for the purification of Indra made immediately a beautiful mandapam by his power on the middle of trimurtilinga and Devadaru. In addition to Siva and Parvati, Visnu, Brahma and six hundred Devas were witnesses to Indra's purification (sucikarma). Gandarvas, sages and Sidhas appeared in the Sky. Brahama, in the form of earth gave vessel and Visṇu in the form of a cow gave Ajya. Siva himself filled the vessel with Ajya and then put in it his mudra. Fire inflamed because of the power of Siva. Mahesa on Vrsabha asked Indra to take the mudra plunged in the vessel boiling with ghee. Praising Siva, Indra did so. Witnessing this the sun stood at the middle of the sky. All stood with fixed eyes. By the blessing of Siva the sins of Indra melted away on the boiling ghee. He became more bright than before. Then Brahma, viṣṇu and MaheÅ›vara appeared there along with their wives. Then there was rain of flowers. Apsaras danced. Kinnaras sang. Purified Indra bowed at the feet of Siva and submitted sivamudra. Indra worshipped Siva praising his various forms: "Oh lord you are candracuda, madanÄntaka, dayÄnidhi, saṃkatanÄÅ›ana, Nilakaṇta, VirÅ«pÄká¹£a, Viá¹£ÄÅ›ana, KÄlakÄla and Kalikalmaá¹£anÄÅ›ana. And begged him to accept him as the servant of his feet. 60
