Introduction

The bustling beach town is named after this temple dedicated to Kumari Amman or Kanyakumari. Sprawled regally on the coast overlooking the sea is the 3000-year-old abode of Devi Kanyakumari, the virgin goddess, who according to legend guards the shore. An important pilgrimage point in South India, the Pandiyans commissioned the building of the shrine in honor of the goddess in the 8th century. There was subsequent revamping by the Chola and Nayak dynasties. Kumari Amman stands in the centre of the town adjacent to the beach; stroll along the town’s main street past colorful bazaars to get to the site. The legends and folklores surrounding the temple fascinate tourists on the one hand, while on the other evoke among locals immense devotion for the goddess. Soak up the stark aura of the temple. You will see devotees lighting earthen lamps and offering saris to the deity.

In the inner sanctum is the idol of Goddess Kumari Amman carved of blue stone and placed on a pedestal. The deity is beautifully adorned with gold jewelry, holding a rosary in her right hand and touching a garland with the left. Her crown is embedded with precious gems and diamonds. But it is her twinkling diamond nose-ring that leaves you enamored. The glistening quality of the diamond is such that in the days of yore ships drifted off course mistaking the light reflected from the nose-ring as that from a lighthouse. To bring an end to these mishaps the sea facing gate – eastern gate – of the temple was shut for good. The only exception is the five days in the year when the goddess is taken out for ceremonial bath.

Mythology has it that a demon king, Banasura tortured the Devas and imprisoned them. Unable to take any more pain, the Devas sought Lord Vishnu’s help. As an outcome it was pre-ordained that only a virgin could kill Banasura. So Goddess Parvathi in the incarnation of Kumari (meaning virgin) began a penance to attain power to kill the demon king. On the other hand, Lord Shiva – the Lord of Suchindram temple about 11 kilometers away – fell in love with this beautiful virgin and wanted to marry her. This made the Devas anxious as it would dampen their plan of getting rid of Banasura. Subsequently they requested sage Narada – the celestial trouble-shooter – to stop the wedding. When the appointed day arrived Lord Shiva left with his entourage for the place where the bride was residing. At this juncture, Narada turned himself into a cock and crowed signifying the break of dawn. On hearing the cock Lord thought that he missed the auspicious time of the marriage and returned to his abode. Goddess Kanyakumari was infuriated because the groom did not show up for the wedding and cursed all the articles, ornaments and food that had been prepared for the occasion. Consequently, all this turned into sand and seashells of different shape, color and form that you see scattered along the coast today. Later she is believed to have slain the demon king with a sword for attempting to take her by force.

There is a Navaratri Mandapam in the outer corridor, which further has a pathway leading to the second corridor that encircles the shrine. Continue around the well called Patal Ganga Teerth to reach the flag mast. From this point you can have a clear view of the Devi and her sparkling diamond nose-ring before you go into the sanctum sanctorum. The temple gears up for festivities two times in a year. First during the 10-day Navaratri festival usually celebrated in October, and second time again for a 10-day festival ‘Vaikasi Visakam’. Every cranny of this ancient temple comes alive with lights and colors, and the idol is taken out in a procession on the street in the morning and evening.

Special Attributes

The brilliance of the diamond nose-ring of the deity is such that in the olden days ships veered off course mistaking the light reflected from the nose-ring as that from a lighthouse!

Nuisance

Hawkers, Beggars, Temple Priest who pester you to take a tour of the temple by jumping queues for a donation.

Dressing restrictions

Men need to wear dhoti (loin cloth) and go shirtless inside the shrine. Dhotis can be borrowed from the temple entrance. Women are required to wear fully covered clothes and take a head scarf.

Connectivity

The temple is a walk away from the main town.

Enjoyed by

People who are religiously inclined and those fascinated by legends

Exposure

You will be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

you are very close to the beach bazaar.

Things Not Allowed

Camera or any form of photography is not allowed in the temple precincts.

Tip

Do not get lured by the temple priests, it is worth waiting for your turn patiently. Non-Hindus are barred from entering the temple. Your camera needs to be deposited at the entrance. A dip at the temple bathing ghat is believed to be auspicious.

Type of site

Hindu temple/religious shrine