About Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari
is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three
oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its
importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views
of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique
feature of the beach here.
On the sands of Kanyakumari.....footprints of divinity!
The presiding deity of the temple of Kanyakumari is Parasakthi as a virgin
Goddess in meditative mood. The life-like image of Devi with a smiling face
is a combination of innocence, purity and beauty. Smeared with sandal paste,
decked with different varieties of valuable ornaments and decorated with
beautiful garlands of flowers. She creates a sense of devotion and "peace
that passeth understanding" in the mind of every worshipper. There is
one version that Adi Sankara composed Soundaryalahari after seeing the
sunrise, sunset and moon rise on the full moon day of the Tamil month of
Chithrai at Kanya kumari praising the virgin Goddess. The beauty of Devi
Kanyakumari reflects in the opening lines of his divine work.
Kanyakumari : The epitome of attractions!
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Kanyakumari : The epitome of attractions!
Kanyakumari Temple: The temple overlooks the shoreline. It is dedicated to
Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand
of Lord Shiva. The deity, Devi Kanyakumari is' the protector of India's
shores' has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is
supposed to shine out to sea. The temple opens from 0430 to 1130 and from
1730 to 2030. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctuary.
» Gandhi Mandapam : Not far from the Kumari Amman Temple is the
Gandhi Mandapam, constructed at the spot where the urn containing the ashes
of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view before a portion of its contents
was immersed in the three seas. It resembles an Oriyan temple and was
designed so that on Gandhiji's birthday (2nd October), the sun's rays fall
on the place where his ashes were kept.
» Vivekananda Memorial : It is about 500 meters away from
mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70
meters. It was built in 1970. This memorial is dedicated to Swami
Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer. Swamy Vivekananda was supposed to
have medicated on the rock where the memorial stands today. A meditation
hall is also attached with the memorial. The design of the mandapa
incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It
houses a statue of Vivekananda. The divine foot print 'Pada Parai' of Devi
is also seen here. Ferry service is available to reach the memorial. It
opens from Wednesday to Monday. Tuesday is holiday. It opens from 0700 to
1100 and from 1400 to 1700.
» Suchindram Temple : Just 13 kms. from Kanniyakumari,
Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of
the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples
in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a
beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman,
apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.
» Padmanabhapuram Palace :
The Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari district, located about 15 km
from Nagercoil has the rare distinction of being one of the most ancient
monuments
in South India. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture,
the palace was the seat of power for the Travancore emperors till 1790, when
the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika Thirunal Maharaja,
popularly known as Dharma Raja. Its main attraction is its sheer aesthetic
beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings.
