Kanyakumari Temple | Bhagavathi Amman Temple

The pujas in the Devi Kanyakumari Temple are carried out according to the Tanthrasamuchayam like the temples in Kerala. Even though the temple is situated in Tamil Nadu, the Kanyakumari Temple is considered as a Kerala temple since it was once part of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Like most of the Bhagavathy temples in Kerala the shrine is opened in the Western door. The priests are still chosen from Kerala Brahmin families and they still adhere to the Kerala type of five pujas per day.

The mantra for worship is :

“Amme Narayanaa! Devi Narayanaa! Lakshmi Narayanaa! Bhadre Narayanaa!”

‘अम्मे नारायणा! देवी नारायणा! लक्ष्मी नारायणा! भद्रऎ नारायणा!’

The devotees offer New Red Sarees, and Ghee wick lamps to the Goddess. Reciting Lalita Sahasranama while approaching and circumambulating the temple is considered auspicious. The location Kanyakumari, i.e. southern tip of India has been held sacred by Hindus’ as it is the confluence of three seas. Pitr Tarpan and taking bath in the sea is done in the Kanyanumari beach as it the convergence of many important theerthas. There are a total of 11 theerthams associated with the temple in the ocean surrounding Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Temple Timings

The temple is opened for Darshan –

Morning: 6.00 A.M. to 11.00 A.M.
Evening: 4.00 P.M. to 8.00 P.M.

Festivals at the Kanyakumari Temple

Chitra Pournima Festival

Full moon day in May

Navaratri

A 9 day festival in the month of September–October. The music artists perform their artistic skill to the Devi at the Navarathri Mandapam. An image of the deity is worshipped at the Navarathri Mandapam throughout the duration of Navarathri. Processions are carried on each of the nine Navarathri nights. On the 10th day of the Navarathri, called as the Vijaya Dasami, the destruction of Banasura is celebrated. An image of the deity mount on a silver horse is taken in procession to Mahadhanapuram, the place where Banasura was slain.

Vaisakha festival

10 day festival celebrated in the Tamil Month of Vaikasi (May–June). During this festival, the image of Devi is taken around the town in procession, both in the morning and evening. During Aaraatu, the eastern door is opened. On the ninth day, the Thoni Ezhunellathu takes place, in which Devi will be taken round the water on the western part in a boat.

Kalabham festival

This festival is in the Tamil month of Aadi (Karkkidakam) which comes in July – August. The idol is covered with Sandal paste on the last Friday of the Tamil month (Aadi).