Kanyakumari Temple in Kanyakumari
· Summer: March-May (20°C - 35°C)
· Winter: December-February (17°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: July-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 04:30 a.m.
Closing Time: 08:30 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday:
Entry Fees for Indians
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Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
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Devi Kanya Kumari (a form of Goddess Parvati) who inspires the name of mainland India’s southernmost city is worshipped at Kanyakumari Temple. The temple is located close to the grand confluence of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, the aspect which makes it religiously significant and worth a visit. Hindu pilgrims consider it auspicious to bathe in the holy waters at the confluence which they call Triveni Sangam. The temple is counted among the 51 shakti-peethas (abodes of Goddess Shakti or Parvati) and is of great reverence among the Hindus.
The temple, which portrays beautiful architecture, was originally established by Lord Parshurama. The mesmerizing idol of Kanya Kumari holds a garland and is well-known for the diamond nose ring. It is believed that the glitters of the ring would misguide ships which would ultimately suffer wreck. To avoid it, the eastern door of the temple remains closed and is opened only on few special occasions.
Another highlight of the temple is its ancient well, called Patal Ganga Teertha, that supplies water to worship the idol. Once can also visit the Sripadapaara Rock located offshore where the goddess performed tough penance.
Connectivites
Road:
While exploring the temple, you are at the southernmost tip of the mainland India. An excellent network of roads connects the temple with all major destinations of Tamil Nadu. Choose among the options like local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach the place.
Railway:
The railway station of Kanyakumari is just about a km. from the temple. You can access the temple from here on foot or hire an auto-rickshaw.
Airway:
The closest among all airports near the temple is at Trivandrum (about 91 km. away). You can easily hire a taxi from the airport for direct road trip to the temple.