Kanya Kumari Temple
Kanya Kumari, known as Kumari Amman (the virgin goddess)is one of the forms of Devi. She is popularly known as “Bhagavathy Amman”. Bhagavathy Amman Temple is located in Kanya Kumari (formerly Cape Comorin) on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.in Tamil Nadu. She is also known by several other names, including Kanya Devi and Devi Kumari.
Picture of Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari at Kanyakumari Devi Temple, Tamilnadu Kanya kumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple is known for its architectural beauty and stands facing the shoreline. Main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate and the deity faces east. A door to the east of the shrine is opened only five times a year. There are three corridors which encircle the sanctum. Though there are no special shrines in the outer corridor, there is a Navarathiri mandapam and a pathway that leads to the second corridor. Devotees can see the flag mast or Kodisthambam from where a clear view of the Kanyakumari
Goddess is seen. A symbol of a Hindu Nun, the Goddess is seen in a black stone image in the sanctum with a garland. The most significant feature of the deity is the glittering diamond nose ring that is visible from a distance. Other deities of the temple are Vijayasundari and Balasundari, friends of the Goddess. One can see 11 theerthams in the surrounding area. There are two rocks rising out of the ocean on the southeast of the Kanyakumari Amman Temple. Footprints of the goddess are seen on one of the rocks. Another one is the rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated and attained enlightenment.Legend of Kanyakumari Temple Legend has it that a demon named Baanaasuran caused damages to the Devas and the public. The helpless victims sought Mahavishnu for help. The Lord in turn directed them to pray Goddess Shakthi to destroy the demon. The Goddess answered their prayers and appeared as a young virgin girl at Kanyakumari. She started penance to marry Lord Shiva at Suchindram temple (about 11 km away). However the wedding did not happen. The rice and cereals remained uncooked and turned into sand and seashells. These are scattered along the seashore and the Devi became a virgin goddess.
Temple Festivals
A ten-day festival called Vaikasi Visakam is held during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) with a Boat Festival.Navarathri is also celebrated during September/October.