Kanyakumari Temple, also known as the Kumari Amman Temple, is situated at
Kanyakumari - the southernmost tip of Indian subcontinent.
Goddess Parvati is woshipped here as Kanyakumari Devi - the virgin goddess who did penance with the desire to marry
Lord Shiva’s at
Suchindram. The temple enshrines a life sized black stone idol of Kanyakumari Devi in a standing posture. Most noteworthy feature is that the deity has an exceptionally brilliant diamond nose ring, which is visible from a distance.
It is believed that the deity was installed and worshipped by
Lord Parashuram. There are also shrines dedicated to Vijayasundari and Balasundari, friends and playmates of the goddess in her youthful form, inside the temple complex.
Kanyakumari Temple has been found mentioned in
Ramayana,
Mahabharata and the
Sangam works - Manimekalai and Puranaanooru.
Vaisakha Festival,
Navratri and Kalabham (sandal) Festival are the major events celebrated here amid much pomp and splendor. During the Vaisakha Festival, an image of the goddess is taken around the town in procession.
Kanyakumari Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
