Bhagavathy Amman Temple – Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari Amman Temple or Bhagavathy Amman Temple, located in Kanyakumari is considered to be one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas and is revered as one of the most sacred temples in the world. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by sage Parasurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The temple is located at the confluence of Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal in the southernmost tip of India.

The temple, dating back to more than 3000 years, has both religious and historical significance.

The Temple Structure

The 3000 year old temple, once a part of Travancore Kingdom is constructed in Kerala architectural style. The main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate. The eastern gate is opened only on special occasions. The temple houses many other shrines that include Lord Surya, Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa.

The Presiding Deity

Devi Kanya Kumari Amman is the presiding deity of the temple. She is goddess Parvati in the form of the virgin Goddess. The alluring idol of the deity is made of blue stone and there are many stories attached to her lustrous nose ring.

It is believed that Goddess Kanyakumari bestows peace of mind and a divine experience to her worshippers.

History of the Temple

The temple of Kanyakumari Amman has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and Yujurveda.

There are many legendary stories that relate to the story of Devi Kanya Kumari.

According to one of the legends, the temple is said to have formed where Goddess Sati’s back spine fell when Lord Shiva carried her corpse throughout Aryavatha (parts of land as described in Vedic period) in sorrow.

Another legend states that Goddess Parvati or Sati had incarnated as Goddess Kanyakumari to demolish the demon Banasura.

Temple Festivals

• Chithirai Pournami Festival – Full Moon day in the month of May
• Navarathri Festival – A nine day festival in the months of September-October
• Vaisakha Festival – A ten day festival in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June)
• Kalabham Festival – Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)

Temple Timings

The temple is open on all days from 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

The Pooja Details is as below:

How to reach

The temple located at a distance of 1 kilometre from Kanyakumari Bus Stop and 21 kilometres from Nagercoil is well connected by road. Kanyakumari Railway Station (1 kilometre away) and Nagercoil Railway Station (about 18 kilometre away) are the nearest rail heads. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 102 kilometres away) is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari.