Kanyakumari is a deity who takes the shape of a Kumari Kanya, which is an unmarried young woman. She stands resolutely in the southernmost point of India, where the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean occurs. Are you aware that this location offers a rare opportunity to witness the sunrise from the east, traverse the sky above, and then observe the sunset in the west, all while being surrounded by water?
Kanyakumari is referenced in all prominent Indian scriptures, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The narrative of Kanyakumari unfolds as follows. Once, there was a formidable Asura named Banasura who acquired immense power. He confiscated all the wealth of the Devas and began to harass the Rishis and saints who were engaged in their spiritual practices in the forests of India. Seeking his assistance, they all approached Vishnu, troubled. Vishnu informed them that Banasur possesses a divine blessing, rendering him invulnerable save to a young female. Therefore, he advised them to collectively beseech the Goddess.
They complied, and the Goddess materialized as a juvenile female in front of them. Everyone implored her to assassinate Banasur, however, the Goddess said that there is yet an opportunity to terminate him. She proceeded to the southernmost point of the Indian peninsula and commenced her meditation on Shiva. Shiva resided nearby at the Suchindram Temple. Shiva and Devi developed a deep affection for each other and made the decision to unite in marriage on a propitious day during Brahma Muhurta, which is the period one and a half hours before daybreak.
Now, Narada, every observer on the journey was monitoring this situation and he became concerned. If the Devi enters into matrimony, she will cease to be the individual capable of terminating Banasur’s life. Therefore, he commenced engaging in his gaming activities. Initially, he attempted to inform Devi that the individual attempting to marry her is not Shiva, but rather Banasur in the appearance of Shiva. He suggested that she put him to the test by requesting three unattainable items – a coconut lacking an eye, sugarcane devoid of its knot, and a betel leaf without any veins.
Due of Shiva’s inherent nature, he brought them, causing Narada’s scheme to fail. During Shiva’s journey from the Suchindram temple to marry Kanyakumari on their wedding day, Narada deceitfully imitated the sound of a rooster, falsely signaling that the sun had already risen and the propitious moment for the marriage had elapsed. Shiva returned. Meanwhile, Devi patiently awaited the completion of all the wedding arrangements.
Upon discovering Shiva’s impending return, she became enraged and impulsively discarded all the delicacies prepared for the wedding by throwing them into the sea. It is commonly believed that the vibrant pebbles discovered on the shoreline at Kanyakumari are actually rice that has been cooked for the wedding of Shiva and Devi.Banasu arrived with the intention of marrying Devi, but instead, a conflict arose between them which resulted in his demise. Devi resumed her meditation on Shiva at the same location. Devi is thought to have been patiently awaiting Shiva’s arrival on the rock in the sea, adorned in bridal attire. She continues to be revered as a virgin, eagerly awaiting Shiva while adorned in wedding attire. As the Devi never got married and acquired the name Kanyakumari.
The KanyaKumari Temple
Rishi Parashar is credited with constructing this temple dedicated to Kanyakumari and placing her idol. It is classified as one of the Shakti Peethas of Devi that are located throughout the Indian Sub-Continent. According to belief, the right shoulder of the Devi Sati landed at this location while Shiva was carrying her lifeless body and performing the Tandava.
The Murti is aesthetically pleasing, enhanced by the illumination of the oil lamps adorning the door frame. She is grasping an Akshamala, symbolizing her continuous state of meditation. The diamond embedded in her nose ring glistens with exquisite beauty. According to legend, a Naga bestowed it upon her. In the past, numerous seafarers erroneously identified it as a lighthouse, resulting in their ships being destroyed on the treacherous rocks of Kanyakumari. Subsequently, the eastern entrance of the temple has been exclusively accessible for exceptional events.
The Patal Ganga Theertham is a temple tank. The temple celebrates Navaratri as its grandest celebration.
Swami Vivekananda Rock
In 1892, Swami Vivekananda, a follower of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, visited this place to worship and get blessings from Kanyakumari. The rock in the water is currently identified by its given name. After performing religious rituals at Kanyakumari, he made the decision to become an active Sadhu. He contemplated on the rock situated in the midst of the ocean, where the indented marks of the feet of the Devi – Sripada were present.
The Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a prominent rock formation located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, surrounded by the sea. It is the foremost tourist attraction.
After a 10-minute boat voyage in the Indian Ocean, we arrive to the sacred rock where the three oceans converge and set foot on it. At this location, there is a temple where the footmark of goddess Kanyakumari is revered, and another temple where the visit of Swami Vivekananda is commemorated. The temples are little yet exquisite.
Kanyakumari is rich in mythology, tales, and historical significance. Nevertheless, it is the pure essence of nature that is particularly remarkable. It is one of just two locations on the planet where one may observe both sunrise and sunset. When the formidable waves crash against the rocks, it resembles the intense ardor of a desperate lover. Observing the convergence of the waters evokes a sense of experiencing boundlessness directly within your field of vision.
It offers the closest experience of standing at the edge of the earth. The panoramic vista from the Vivekananda rock justifies the effort required to visit. Upon observing the landmass, one can perceive the city’s skyline juxtaposed against the hills and clouds in the background, as seen from the sea. When observing the ocean, one attempts to locate the convergence and blending of two seas and one ocean at this location. Standing on the edge and feeling the earth behind you, water in front, and the sky all around is a truly remarkable sensation.
An orienteering compass placed on the granite surface provides directional information, allowing you to accurately locate Triveni. Another section of the rock features an intricately carved Sundial, which is visible from the highest level of the Vivekananda temple.