SUCHINDRAM - SUCHINDRAM PRATYAYAM

But hark the visit becomes incomplete and purpose unfulfilled, if the significance and procedure of Suchindram Pratyayam is not properly understood. 

The ordeal is conducted with an elaborate procedure and that too in full public gaze. The accused to prove his innocence has to, obtain a letter of authorization from the highest authority for undergoing the ordexal at Suchindram. The yogakkar - the official in charge, on receiving it fixes, the time and intimates it to the concerned patties. There are certain ceremonies to be observed before commencement. The accused along with associates have to observe fast on that day. The parties and spectators assemble at the Udaya Marthanda Mandapam. After several rituals to God, ghee is boiled to such a high degree that the bark and leaf of the Konnayadi tree makes cracking sound when thrown into the boiling ghee vessel. The accused is made to dip his hand in the boiling ghee and take out the seal kept in it. If on the third day, there are no wounds or blisters on hand, the accused is acquitted, else he is branded guilty and becomes social outcast.

This Satyasodhana though was in practice for some centuries, it is not confined to Suchindram only. There are few more places where the dishonest are made to bite the dust in the public.

Location: The temple lies in the Kanya Kumari town, accessible by four wheelers from Nagar Koil, Tamil Nadu.

[ Back ] [ Up ]