‘Kumari Amman Temple’ is dedicated to the Devi Kanya Kumari, of an adolescent girl child form of the goddess Parvati. The temple is also known as Devi Kanya Kumari Temple, Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple,kanyakumari.. The temple is located on the cape of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. It is believed that the back spine area of Sati’s corpse fell here creating the presence of Kundalini Sakti in the region. The deity is facing the east.
Legend and History of Kumari Amman Temple
Kumari Amman Temple is said to be over 3000 years old. According to the legend, demon king Banasura had captured all devas after obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could only be killed by a virgin girl. Then Devas prayers and plead Goddess Parvati to get them relieved from the harassment of the demon king. As an answer, Goddess Parvati appeared in the form of a young girl and performed a penance for Lord Shiva on the confluence of these three oceans to kill Banasura. Enchanted with the beauty of Kanya Kumari, Banasura tried to force her in marriage that resulted in a fierce battle ending in his death.
Relieved of the atrocities of Banasura, a temple was built here dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari by Lord Parshuram. The idol of the deity is believed to be the same that was installed by Parshuram. The nose ring adorned by the deity has another story associated; it is believed that the diamonds of the nose ring are so bright that in the past, few ships sailing in the sea mistook the brilliance of these diamond as light from a lighthouse resulting in their wreckage upon the nearby rocks. Since those accidents, the eastern door (sea facing) of the temple remains closed.
Temple Timings
The temple is opened for darshan in
Morning: 06.00 A.M. to 11.00 A.M.
Evening: 04.00 P.M. to 8.00 P.M.
Festival
Chitra Pournima Festival:
On the Full moon day in May
Navarathri Festival:
9 day festival in months of September– October. The music artists perform their artistic skill to the Devi at the Navarathri Mandapam. On the 10th day of the Navarathri, called as the Vijaya Dasami, the destruction of Banasura is celebrated.
Vaisakha Festival:
10-day festival celebrated in the Tamil Month of Vaikasi ( May–June). During this festival Devi will be taken in procession both in the morning and evening. During Aaraatu the eastern door is opened. On the ninth day, the Thoni Ezhunellathu takes place. Devi will be taken round the water on the western part in a boat.
Kalabham Festival:
This festival is in the Tamil month of Aadi (Karkkidakam) which comes in July – August. The idol is covered with Sandal paste on the last Friday of the Tamil month (Aadi).
How to reach the temple?
By Air
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located a distance of about 67 kilometers from Kanyakumari. Bus, Train and Private Cabs are available to reach Kanyakumari.
By Bus
Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari Road Transport CorporationBuss services are available from all major cities of South India. The temple is at a distance of 1 km away from Kanyakumari Bus Stop.
By Train
The temple is around 1 km away from Kanyakumari Railway Station. One can take auto or taxi to the temple.
