Kanyakumari Amman Temple

Kanyakumari Amman Temple on the shores of the Sea. Kanya Kumari means Virgin Goddess. Temple is located at the junction of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

Kanyakumari Amman Temple History

As per the Legends, Parasurama (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu) who raised a temple for Goddess Sakthi and worshipped here. The goddess is also called Bagavathi. From the records, it is known that Nanjil Nadu near Kanyakumari was ruled by the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Nayaks. One of the inscriptions says how Parantaka Pandya took steps to protect Kumairkottam from being destroyed by the sea.  There are many inscriptions which date to Kuluttunga Chola I and Butala Sri Veera Udaya Marthanda Varma.

There are many interesting stories attached with the Goddess Kumari remaining a Virgin Goddess here. One of the legends says that she longed to wed Lord Siva and when her wish was not fulfilled, she chose to remain here as a Kanya forever. Another story says that she will remain here for a period of twelve deluges doing penance here and marry Lord Siva at the end.

The sea itself is the Tirtha of the place and is called Alaivay Tirtha or Sangili Tirtha.

The Manimekalai, another epic, gives the story of Sali, wife of Apanjika a brahmin who lived at Varanasi (Kasi). She was relieved from the Sins of faithlessness to her husband after taking a holy dip at this Tirtha. Even it is held that the holy Abhisheka water poured on Sri Sthanumalaya Swamy at Suchindram flows under the Earth and falls into the sea here; the Sthanu Tirtha is said to indicate the holy place.

Swamy Vivekananda did penance here seated on a majestic rock in the sea near the shore.

Kanyakumari Amman Temple Timings

Morning Hours 4:30 am – 12:30 pm
Evening Hours 4:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Dress Code: Men must remove Vest and Shirt before entering the Darshan line.

Female devotees: Any decent outfit.

Seva Ticket cost
Kodi Archana Rs.20

Special Darshan Ticket: Rs.20 per person

General Darshan: Free entry for all devotees.

Darshan duration: 20 – 30 mins.

Pooja Name Ticket Cost
Abhishekam Rs.250
Aravanai Rs.150
Milk Payasam Rs.50
Pongal Rs.50
Sandal Paste Rs.100
Kanniya Bhojanam Rs.300
Jewels decoration full Rs.1000
Annadanam Rs.3750

Separate line available for Physically challenged Devotees.

How to reach Kanyakumari Amman Temple?

By Air

  1. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram which is 90 km

By Train

  1. The direct train is available from all parts of India to Kanyakumari.

By Bus

  1. Temple is easily reachable from Thiruvananthapuram and Tirunelveli.

Kanyakumari Amman Temple Images

Reference Link:  Temple History