Presence of Kanyakumari :
Kanyakumari is also pronounced as Kanniyakumari in the surrounding by Tirunelveli district in north and Kerala in northeast and lies at the convergence of Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea in the south and west.
An introduction to Kanyakumari :
Kanyakumari is a very important pilgrim centre. It is surrounded by many temples. People here deeply believes in God and that is clearly visible through the rituals and poojas made in this region.
The story behind Kanyakumari :
Kannyakumari Amman is a very well known deity of this area. This place is named after this holy goddess. It is strongly believed that this goddess is an incarnation of Devi Parvati who had dared to get hold of the hand of Lord Shiva on this rock.
Know More about Kanyakumari :
Situated in the south western region of Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari district is also popular as “The Granary of Travancore”. Later it got merged with Tamil Nadu under the state Linguistic Reorganization Act in the period of 1956.
Rites performed :
Matru and Pitru Tirtha are performed here along with the bathing. These two rocks are honoured by a Hindu religious leader was constructed I the year 1970.
Major Temples in Kanyakumari :
Kumari Amman Temple :
This temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati well known as Devi Kanya, who had done a penance to obtain Lord Shiva’s hand.
Temple of Goddess Bhagwati :
It’s the beautiful temple located at the convergence of the Indian Ocean, The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal giving the most amazing image to the pilgrimages. It is believed to be built by the first Pandyas. Also, was later expanded by Nayaks. Three prakars are there of this temple. The goddess image has been displayed in the beautiful world of beneficence and serenity. There lies a necklace in her hand. However, the eastern gate which is facing to the Bay of Bengal is open for only five times in a year that too on special occasion.
The Temple in Suchindram :
Suchindram is located at a distance of 13 kilometers away from Kanyakumari and also there is a traditional connection between Suchindram and Kanyakumari. It has a large fane, very finely constructed and has a beautiful tank. This temple is counted amongst those temples where the trinity of Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Isvara are worshipped. Sthanumalaya, the Linga is divided into three parts. The upper most part represent Lord Shiva, the centre portion represents Lord Vishnu and base part as Lord Brahma. Well, along with the representation, the linga has been names after the three gods. Shiva is also known as Sthanu, Vishny by Mal and Brahma for Ayan.
Excursions :
Nagaraja Temple :
Nagaraja temple is situated at Nagarcoil at the distance of 19 kilometers away from Kanyakumari. The sanctum is present in the form of a plain thatched shed which is constructed with the help of mud walls. This temple represents the king of Serpents. It is believed that the King of Kalakkad was blessed to get cure of the leprosy when he performed in the temple. After this, the king decided to construct the temple in Kerala style. He was Bhuthalavira Sri Vira Udaya Marthandavarma, who was ruling this region of Kalakkad from the period of 1516 to 1535. It is also believed that the snake bite within the reach of a kilometer from the temple is not poisonous. The shrine also has some Jain sculptures.
Tirunelveli :
The temples of Shree Kanthimathi Ambal and Swami Nelliappar are situated at a distance of 83 kilometers away from Kanyakumari. These temples are constructed in the seventh century. There are some musical pillars in the mandapa of this temple. However, it is said that there were two temples situated adjacent to each other dedicated to Lord Nelliappar and Goddess Kanthimathi. They are connected by Mandapa which was constructed in 1647.
Sankaranainarkoli :
Sankaranainarkoli has three holy places located and are dedicated to Lord Goddess Gomathi Amma, to Lord Sankaralinga and to Lord Sankaranainarkoli who is combination of Vishnu and Shiva. The temple was constructed in the 11th century and was later expanded for its betterment. The Gopura is erected of nine storeys and is around 38 m high. The people here are highly spiritual and have deep faith in Sankaranainarkoli. It is well known for miracles performed by the Goddess specially in curing many disorders and illness.
Subryamanya :
This temple is located in the Tiruchendur dedicated to Lord Subramanya. There lies one more temple in Tiruchendur well known as ‘Arupadai Veedus’ situated near the sea. It is erected in the memory of Lord’s triumph over Surapadma who was very bad demon. The Gopura is amongst the nine storey’s is around 42m high and was built in the seventieth century and was rebuilt again in 1983.
Alvar Tirunagari :
Vishnavaite temples have one of the temples in the Kanyakkumari District situated in Alvar Tirunagari which is amongst the nine sung by Namalvar. There lies in tree under which the saint used to attain the enlightment and still mark its presence in the temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. The temple is decorated with the Nadaswaram musical instrument which is made up of stone and is played during the festivals.
Kumarakovil :
Kumarakovali is situated at a distance of 34 kilometer away from the Kanyakumari located at the base of Velimalai hills in Kalkulam Taluk. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Muruga Temple is constructed on the hills about 200 feet height in the green vegetation that includes paddy, coconut trees and plantain. The temple is very famous for architectural beauty. Goddess Valli and her spouse Lord Subramanyam are worshipped in this temple. The big lake beside this temple is now used for boating.
Stay :
You can get accommodation in the hotels, lodges, pilgrim cottages known as Devasthanam, available for the tourists visiting Kanyakumari. |