Devi Kanyakumari (Bhagavathy Amman) Temple - Kanyakumari
The reason behind the name origin of this place and Kanyakumari, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Devi Kanya, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is located on the shoreside in the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The history of this temple can be traced back in many ancient scriptures including Mahabharata and Ramayana. The legend goes in a way that there was a demon named ‘Banasura’, who did severe penances and got a boon from lord Shiva that he should not get death by any means, exceptionally to virgins. Since there were no rulers to oppose his power, he had got pride on his might against the people.
Unable to withstand his atrocities, people, including divine souls prayed towards lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. But, they were directed to lord Shiva for the solution, the person who gave him that boon. Lord Shiva asked goddess Parvati to be born as a child and take the virginity. At one time, while she was doing penance in this rock, Banasura accidentally came to her and lost himself in her charm. Forcing her to marry him, the battle erupted which eventually ended against his way. Banasura accepted his arrogance and asked her for mercy. The demon was asked to take a dip of the ocean confluences here to get out of the sin. From that time, it is believed that those who bathe in the water confluence along with the visit to this temple, will be relieved from all sins.
The architecture of this temple is a mix of Dravidian and Kerala style, as this part was once under the rule of Travancore Kingdom. It is considered as the first Shakthi temple built by lord Parasurama. It should be noted that the revered saint Vivekananda worshipped here before his famous Chicago speech, because of the reason that the lord here is a Kanya. Another famous thing in this temple is the quality of the ruby nose ring of the shrine. It faces towards the sea with utmost brightness leading the ships to misconceive it as a lighthouse. So, the eastern door of the temple, through which the shrine faces the sea is always closed. Though geographically located in Tamil Nadu, the poojas here are carried out like in Kerala temples. The priests are chosen from Kerala Brahmin family only.