Kanyakumari!
This temple situated at the southernmost tip of India, at Kanyakumari (earlier Cape Camorin for the British) is a popular destination. It is dedicated to Kanyakumari - the manifestation of the Universal mother as a young maiden bride. The life-sized image of the deity in a standing posture with a garland is an exquisite piece of carving and the highlight of the idol is the twinkling nose ornament. The shrine is dedicated to the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti. The confluence of the seas, at the southern tip of our subcontinent has been held sacred for centuries.
Legends
The Kanyakumari temple is an ancient one and has been mentioned in the Puranas and Tamil Sangam works. It is believed that the image of Kanyakumari was installed and worshipped by Sage Parasurama, who is credited with reclaiming land of Kerala from the ocean, and building several shrines.
Legend has it that the demon Baanaasura tormented the inhabitants of this world, and the Gods and the humans prayed to the primeval energy ’’Paraasakthi’’ to vanquish the demon. Shakti, then appeared as a young virgin girl at Kanyakumari and commenced penance with the desire of marrying Shiva at Suchindram. The celestial Sage Narada, fixed the midnight hour as the auspicious time for the wedding. When Shiva’s procession reached a site by name Vazhukkumpaarai, a rooster crowed, heralding daybreak, and that Shiva assuming that the auspicious hour was past, returned to Suchindram. The disappointed Goddess decided to spend her life in Kanyakumari as a virgin. All the food prepared for the wedding was laid waste and the coloured sand seen on the southern shores of the subcontinent represents the wasted food!
The demon Banaasura upon hearing of this story proceeded to Kanyakumari to win her hand in marriage by force, and this led to a fierce battle in which he was slain. There are stories of how the light emanating from the Goddess’ nose ring misguided arriving ships and caused them to crash onto the rocky coast. There are other minor shrines dedicated to playmates of the Goddess in her youthful form.
Other interesting spots
Though Kanyakumari was a well known pilgrimage centre dedicated to the Shakti cult, the temple and the place attained popularity due to the brief spell spent by Swami Vivekananda before he embarked to US to attend the World Religions Congress. The Swami spent several days meditating on the rock off the coast and was blessed with an inspirational vision of his Guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The rock memorial constructed in memory of this event is another big draw, attracting to this day people from all parts of India. The rock memory is accessible by ferry.
There is also a recently built memorial to Tiruvalluvar, the author of the philosophical work Tirukkural - a treatise on the way of life held in great esteem by Tamilians.
Reaching there
Access if through trains from Chennai, Mumbai etc. The nearest airport is situated at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The best time to visit is during the Navaratri days (Oct-Nov) though the town becomes overcrowded to feel the devotees’ ardour. However, the weather could be at times bad due to spells of rain. Cleanliness is again a problem and if you are looking for good, unspoiled beach - then you are mistaken! I would prefer driving through Kerala to reach this place. The roads lined by the palm trees on either side and the mild breeze provides a refreshing change to the typical urban traveller.
Kanyakumari is a thus a unique place geographically, historically and even ’’mythologically’’. Include it in your holiday destinations!