Kanyakumari Temple
Location: Kanyakumari
Chief Deity: Kanya Kumari/Devi
Best Time: Throughout the Year
Introduction Kanyakumari Temple
The southernmost tip of India is known as Kanyakumari after the virgin goddess who has a temple consecrated to her at this place. Kanyakumari Temple is dedicated to one of the avatars of Parvati, the virgin goddess. As the popular legend goes, goddess Parvati was due to be wedded to Lord Shiva, who failed to turn up for the marriage. The rice and cereals that were meant to be cooked were left uncooked. If you visit the place today, you can purchase stones that look exactly like the rice and cereals. The local people love to believe that they are the remnants of the marriage that was never solemnized.
The Kanyakumari Temple's main entrance is in the north but the deity faces the east. The eastern entrance remains closed for the major part of the year. The custom is broken only on special occasions when the deity is brought out for a bath. The sanctum sanctorum is encircled by three corridors. The outer corridor is deprived of special shrines but a walk round it will find you approaching the ‘Navarathiri Mandapam.' In the second corridor stands the flag mast or the ‘Kodisthambam'. You can have an unimpeded view of the goddess from this place.
The idol of the goddess at Kanyakumari Temples has a rosary in one hand and is said to have been installed by Parasurama. The shrines of Vinaygar and Thiagasundary are located in the inner corridor and most of the devotees visit these shrines after offering prayers to the goddess. Among the two most important festivals celebrated in this temple are the Vaikasi and the Navarathri festival. The temple is open to the public from 4.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 8.45 p.m.
How To Reach The Kanyakumari Temple
By Air
The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (80-km), well connected with national and International flights. Taxis and buses are available for Kanyakumari.
By Rail
Kanyakumari is well connected by train services with all the places in India. Express trains connect kanyakumari with northern cities like Jammu and Delhi and other cities of India.
By Road
Kanyakumari is connected by regular bus services with Chennai, Pondicherry, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Nagercoil, Mandapam (Rameshwaram) etc. Local bus services, tourist taxis and auto rickshaws are available.
