Overlooking the expansive oceans, Kumari Devi is the presiding deity of the temple. Devotees revere her with deep devotion, respect, and affection as an eternal virgin goddess. She is also worshipped by various names, including Bhagawati Amman, Kumari Devi, and Bhadrakali.
Over 3,000 years old, this ancient temple is located in Kanya Kumari, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the backbone of Sati Devi fell and is worshiped. This 3000-year-old temple has been present since the time of the
Mahabharata and Ramayana. The divine deity of Kanya Kumari was established by the greatest sage, Parashurama.
Diamond Nose Ring of Kanya Kumari Devi
She is revered for her dazzling diamond nose ring, believed to emit an intense radiance that once confused sailors into mistaking it for a lighthouse. According to legend, this extraordinary jewel was gifted by the Serpent King Sheshnag. The powerful rays said to shine from the goddess’ nose are believed to have caused several ships to crash against nearby rocks in ancient times. As a result of this belief, the temple’s eastern entrance remains sealed for most of the year and is ceremonially opened only on five sacred occasions annually.
Sthala Purana of Bhagawati Amman Temple
So, the demon Banasura asked for the boon that he would not be killed by anyone except by a Kanya, an unmarried woman. Thus, Brahma granted him a boon.
Due to the boon, he became very arrogant and started creating havoc in the world and captivated many Devatas.
The Devas, Devatas, and other gods approached Bhagawati Mata and narrated their plight.
To save the demigods, the goddess took birth as a daughter in the palace of King Bharat, who already had eight sons.
It was the time when the king wanted to divide his kingdom. He divided it equally among his children. The southern part of his kingdom was given to Kanya Kumari.
Since she was an avatar of Parvati Devi, she developed a natural tendency to marry Lord Shiva. So, she performed severe tapas. Lord Shiva was pleased with her devotion and agreed to marry her.
On the day of marriage, which was set at Brahma Muhurta, Lord Shiva started his departure from Kailash.
The devatas were terrified, thinking that if Devi Kanya Kumari marry Lord Shiva, the demon could not be killed. They devised a plan to cancel the marriage.
On the advice of Narada, the rooster crowed, signifying that Muhurta time had passed, and it was morning.
Thinking that the marriage muhurta had passed, Lord Shiva stopped his journey and returned to Kailash.
Seizing the opportunity, Banasura was enchanted by the beauty and the grace of Devi and approached her to marry him.
Angered by this, the goddess killed the demon and released all the captivated devas.
Due to this, Devi remained unmarried throughout her life and ruled her kingdom with justice.
Architecture of Bhagawati Amman Temple
Magnificent architecture is a visual feast to the eyes; it is worth a visit when you explore your spiritual journey to Kanya Kumari.
The deity of Kanya Kumari Devi is placed in the Garbha Griha of the temple, radiating a powerful aura and bringing a feeling of inner calmness.
Inside the temple complex, there are many other deities worshiped. Lord Vinayaka, Surya Bhagwan, Lord Ayyappa Swamy, Bala Sundar, Vijaya Sundari, and many others.
There is a well inside the temple complex known as Moola Ganga Tirtham. The water from the sacred tirtham is used for daily abhishekam and other rituals. There are 25 tirthas around the temple.
Located at Triveni Sangam, taking the sacred bath at this location washes away all the sins.
Festivals Celebrated at Bhagawati Amman Temple
Chitra Purnima: It is observed on the Purnima day during the month of Chaitra. It falls in July-August.
Navaratri: It is a nine-day festival celebrated in the worship of the goddess in nine different forms.
Kalabham Festival: During this festive season, the deity of Kanya Kumari is adorned with sandalwood paste.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting during the summer is generally not recommended, as the weather tends to be extremely hot.
Timings of Bhagawati Amman Temple
Morning: 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Nearby Places to Visit
Thanumalayan Temple: This temple is also known as Sthanumalayan Kovil and is dedicated to the worship of Trimurthis, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahadeva. This 17th-century temple is in Suchindram.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: It is also known as Sripai Padai. It is the place where the footprint of the goddess is still visible and worshiped.
Kanyakumari Wax Museum: It is a popular wax museum established in 2005 and is in the Baywatch amusement park in Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari Beach: It is a scenic splendid beach offering beautiful, majestic, and panoramic views. It offers you the sight of the confluence of three water bodies—the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea.
How to Reach Bhagawati Amman Temple
By Railway: The nearest railway station to reach the Kanyakumari Amman temple is Kanyakumari Railway Station, located 1 km away.
By Road: The city of Kanyakumari witnesses many buses that fly from different cities, like Nagercoil, Suchindram, Kovalam, Tiruchendur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Puducherry, and Chennai.
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