KANYAKUMARI
Kanyakumari,
the southernmost tip of mainland India, is a region where history, legend, and
geography converge to create a tapestry of cultural richness and natural
beauty. Known for its unique geographical position where the Arabian Sea, Bay of
Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet, Kanyakumari has been a significant center
for art, culture, and religion for centuries. The town derives its name from
the Hindu goddess Devi Kanyakumari, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati,
who is said to have performed penance on these shores to marry Lord Shiva. This
legend imbues the town with a spiritual aura, attracting pilgrims and tourists
alike.
Historically,
Kanyakumari has been a hub for trade and commerce, with its strategic coastal
location facilitating interactions with various civilizations, including the
Romans and Greeks. The region's rich history is evident in its diverse
architectural styles, temples, and monuments that narrate tales of bygone eras.
Geographically, Kanyakumari's allure is enhanced by its pristine beaches,
rolling hills, and the mesmerizing spectacle of simultaneous sunrise and sunset
over the ocean's horizon, a phenomenon best observed during the full moon days.
This unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Kanyakumari a
microcosm of India's diverse landscape and traditions.
BHAGAVATHY
AMMAN TEMPLE AND DEVI KANYA KUMARI:
The Bhagavathy Amman
Temple, located at the southern tip of India in Kanyakumari, is one of the most
significant and ancient temples in the region. Dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari,
a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, the temple holds immense spiritual and
historical importance. The temple stands at the confluence of three major
bodies of water: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. This
unique location, where the waters of the three seas meet, adds to the sanctity
of the temple, making it a major pilgrimage site. The goddess, Devi Kanya
Kumari, is believed to be in a perpetual state of virginity, which forms the
central aspect of her legend. According to Hindu mythology, Devi Kanya Kumari
was destined to marry Lord Shiva, but her marriage was disrupted due to
celestial interventions, resulting in her eternal virginity. The broken
marriage is not viewed as a tragedy but rather as a symbol of the goddess’s
purity, devotion, and unwavering commitment to her divine mission. This
narrative of unfulfilled love and spiritual dedication adds a profound layer to
the temple's historical and cultural significance. Over the centuries, the temple
has been a focal point for religious rituals and practices, attracting devotees
from all over India and the world who seek blessings from the goddess for
various purposes, including spiritual growth, health, and prosperity.
The history of the
Bhagavathy Amman Temple dates back several centuries, with its origins
intertwined with both mythological and historical events. While the exact time
of its construction is unknown, it is believed that the temple was consecrated
by Sage Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, who is credited
with establishing many temples in the southern parts of India. The temple’s
architecture is a blend of the Dravidian and Kerala styles, with intricate
carvings and sculptures that depict various deities and stories from Hindu
mythology. The central deity of the temple is a stone idol of Devi Kanya
Kumari, enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum, which attracts thousands of
pilgrims every year. The temple has undergone several renovations over the
years, particularly after it was damaged during the colonial period. The most
notable renovation occurred in the 20th century when efforts were made to
restore the temple to its original grandeur. These renovations have preserved
the sanctity of the temple while also incorporating elements of modern
architecture, allowing it to remain a prominent place of worship. The
Bhagavathy Amman Temple stands as a symbol of resilience and divine protection,
maintaining its historical significance while continuing to serve as a
spiritual haven for those who visit it.
The legend of Devi Kanya
Kumari, as embodied in the Bhagavathy Amman Temple, is deeply intertwined with
the cultural and religious identity of Kanyakumari. Devi Kanya Kumari is
revered as a virgin goddess who embodies purity and spiritual detachment from
worldly desires. The most well-known story surrounding her is the tale of her
unfulfilled marriage to Lord Shiva. According to popular myth, preparations for
the wedding were underway, and all the celestial beings were in attendance. However,
on the day of the wedding, a series of divine interventions delayed the
marriage, resulting in the goddess remaining unmarried. Some legends suggest
that the demon Mahishasura was involved in the disruption of the marriage,
while others claim that the gods themselves interfered. Regardless of the
reason, the unconsummated marriage became a symbol of spiritual purity and
dedication to a higher divine purpose. Devi Kanya Kumari’s virginity is not
merely a symbol of chastity but represents her divine commitment to protecting
the world from evil forces and guiding humanity toward enlightenment. This
aspect of her legend is vital to understanding her role as a warrior goddess
who stands as a defender of dharma, righteousness, and cosmic balance. Additionally,
her myth is tied to the story of her victory over the demon Banasura, who had
received a boon making him invincible to all beings except a virgin maiden.
Devi Kanya Kumari, in her virgin form, fought and defeated the demon, further
cementing her role as a divine protector. This myth reinforces the idea that
purity, when coupled with divine strength, can triumph over the forces of evil,
aligning with the goddess’s role as a symbol of both spiritual and physical
strength. The Bhagavathy Amman Temple remains a revered site where the story of
Devi Kanya Kumari continues to inspire devotion and awe among the millions who
visit it each year.
KUMARI AMMAN TEMPLE
TIMINGS/NO ENTRY FEE:
DAY TIMING
MONDAY 4:30 am – 12:30 pm
4:00
pm – 8:00 pm
TUESDAY 4:30
am – 12:30 pm
4:00
pm – 8:00 pm
WEDNESDAY 4:30 am – 12:30 pm
4:00
pm – 8:00 pm
THURSDAY 4:30
am – 12:30 pm
4:00
pm – 8:00 pm
FRIDAY 4:30
am – 12:30 pm
4:00
pm – 8:00 pm
SATURDAY 4:30
am – 12:30 pm
4:00
pm – 8:00 pm
SUNDAY 4:30
am – 12:30 pm
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
FESTIVALS:
DEVI NAVARATHRI FESTIVAL.
CHITRA POURNIMA FESTIVAL IN MAY.
VAISHAKHA FESTIVAL.
KALABHAM FESTIVAL.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Cameras are not allowed inside the temple.
TEMPLE DRESS
CODE:
FEMALE: Saree,
Half Saree, Chudidar.
MALE: Dhooti
and Shirt.
HOW TO REACH DEVI
KANYA KUMARI TEMPLE:
BY AIR: The nearest airport to Devi Kanya Kumari
Temple is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located about 67 kilometers
away. Regular taxis and buses are available from the airport to Kanyakumari,
offering a scenic drive of approximately two hours to reach the temple.
BY TRAIN: Kanyakumari
Railway Station is just 1 kilometer from the temple, making it the most
convenient option for many travelers. The station is well-connected to major
Indian cities, and visitors can reach the temple easily by foot, auto-rickshaw,
or a short taxi ride.
BY BUS: Kanyakumari Bus Station, also about 1
kilometer from the temple, is well-served by state and private buses from
cities like Nagercoil, Madurai, and Thiruvananthapuram. From the bus stand,
travelers can walk or take a quick auto-rickshaw ride to the temple.
ADDRESS:
Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari
Sannathy Street, Kanyakumari,
Tamil Nadu, 629702, India
PHONE: +91 4652 246 223
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