Margazhi Car Festival, Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindrum, Kanyakumari

1 Margazhi Car Festival, Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindrum, Kanyakumari Suchindram Temple, also called Thanumalayan Temple, is located in Kanyakumari's Suchindram district, approximately 11 kilometres from Kanyakumari. This temple is renowned for being devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. As a result, it holds great religious significance for devotees of both the Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Since "Sthanu" refers to Lord Shiva, "Mala" refers to Lord Vishnu, and "Ayan" alludes to Brahma, the temple is known as Sthanumalayan. The portrayal of the three principal gods of Hinduism in a single lingam makes it unique in India.  The present masonry building was constructed in the 17th century; however, inions found on temple walls and pillars date back to the Chola dynasty's 9th century. The Thanumalayan temple celebrates the “ Margazhi Car Festival" for 10 days in the month of Margazhi. The festival involves early morning bhajans along with Carnatic music chants by the devotees. On the 9th day of the festival, the intrinsically carved wooden temple car is decorated with silk clothing, aromatic flowers, and plantain trees, making it look magnificent. The devotees drag the enormous chariot carrying the deity by chanting holy slogans. This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from all around the state.