Kanya kumari is one of the few places in the world which leave indelible impressions on the memory of a visitor. A part from the fact that is an entrancingly beautiful place in India,it is also one of the holiest piligrim centers of the country. It is the Land’s End of India, where one may stand on the shore and watch sun rise fron the Bay of Bengal and set in the Arabian Sea. Hundred’s of tourists and pilgrims of every creed and conviction, visit the place to bathe in the holy waters of the ocean and to offer worshio at the sacred shrine or to enjoy the superb scenic beauty of the place.

Kanya Kumari is celebrated for its shrine dedicated to Devi Parasakthi. The temple overlooks the confluence of three seas.the deity stands in the sanctum as a young girl absorbed in her penance with a rosary in her right hand. It is said that the deity was installed by Parasurama.

The sea surrounding the Temple contains many holy theertha ghats like Savitri,Gayathri,Saraswathy,Kanya,Sthanu,Mathru,Pithru,etc.,The theertha ghat on the southern side is held sacred and a dip In the waters is said purify one’s soul.

The Gandhi Smarak Mandir on the beach at Kanya kumari was erected as a memorial to the Father of the Nation. A special feature of the memorial is that it is so constructed that the rays of the sun at noon on Gandhiji’s birthday will fall on the pedestal, through a hole on theroof just above it.

The magnificent mamorial to Swami Vivekananda is built on one of the twin rocks at rhe confluence of the three seas The entire memorial is of granite .the main dome, 60 ft. high, is similar to that of Sri Ramakrishna Temple at Belur. Below the dome, in the main hall, is installed the standing parivrajak posture. It is 81/2 ft, high moutained on a 41/2 ft high prestal.

Adjoining the main hall is the Dhyana Mandapam where devoteas can sit and meditate in a calm and serene atmosphere.

A separate shrine,Shripada Mandapam, is also constructed over the foot print of the Goddess. Swamiji’s statue is facing thes mandapam.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Gandhi Mandapam: Not far from the Kumari Amman Temple is the Gandhi Mandapam, constructed at the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view before a portion of its contents was immersed in the three seas. It resembles an Oriyan temple and was designed so that on Gandhiji's birthday (2nd October), the sun's rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept.

Vivekananda Memorial: It is about 500 meters away from mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. It was built in 1970. This memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer. Swamy Vivekananda was supposed to have medicated on the rock where the memorial stands today. A meditation hall is also attached with the memorial. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The divine foot print 'Pada Parai' of Devi is also seen here. Ferry service is available to reach the memorial. It opens from Wednesday to Monday. Tuesday is holiday. It opens from 0700 to 1100 and from 1400 to 1700.

Suchindram Temple: Just 13 kms. from Kanniyakumari, Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.