SUCHINDRAM

When his hopeless passion touched the nadir, he contrived a device to gratify his sensual urge. So, one dark mid-night he assumed the form of cock and crowed, heralding the approach of Brahmamuhurtha, the time, when sages go for bath in rivers nearby. Sage Goutama waking up at the cock's crow, left for ablutions.  That was the right time for Devendra to fulfill his desire and also the ripe moment for moral degradation.  He entered the asram disguised as Goutama,and did what he desired. Unsuspecting Ahalya thus fell from grace.  

In the meanwhile Goutama returned realizing that it was not proper time for bath, and the cock's crow was rather feigned.  His sudden return exposed the deceit of Devendra by revealing his identity.  Gautama cursed them both - Ahalya to became a stone and Devendra lose all lusture and turn ugly.  

When asked for forgiveness he was advised to do penance in the Jnanaranya and worship, Sthanumalayapperumal at Suchindram.  For expiation of sin, he had to pass through boiling ghee. He did this first, and when meditated later, he got his original form and as the belief goes he is doing Ardhajama puja even now. Thus this kshetra acquired the name for purification.  As Indra secured purification and redemption here, it was called Suchindram then.  It is reverentially called Sodhana Kshetra as it holds scales even always.  In all cases too.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]