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South Indian temples are known for their architecture and rich historical background. However, there is something different about the temples in Kanyakumari. A state in Tamil Nadu, where the earth, water, and sky meet, it is also known as the the southernmost tip of mainland India. Temples in Kanyakumari have some of the most impressive and uniqueness that everybody should visit at least once in their lifetime.
10 Best Temples In Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari temples are revered for their exceptional attributes and attract visitors and pilgrims worldwide. Here is the list of temples in Kanyakumari:
1. Bhagavathy Amman Temple
Photo: Gangadharan Pillai / Wikimedia Commons
Bhagavathy Amman Temple is one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas and thus makes its place among the most essential and holy temples in Kanyakumari. Substantial stone walls hold the structure and have an ancient history of over 3000 years. The temple also hosts other shrines devoted to Surya Deva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Bala Sundari, and Goddess Vijaya Sundari. You can find the origin of this temple in various Hindu scriptures and legends that describe the tale of the demon Banasura and Goddess Kanyakumari.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2. Bhoothalingaswamy Temple
Photo: Wikilover90 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Bhoothalingaswamy Temple is located in Boothapandi, Kanyakumari. It was built by King Pasum Pon Pandyan, the son of Boothapandiyan. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple and the linga here is a crude cell cut out from a large rock. This temple is considered to be the legendary home of Thadakai from the Ramayana. However, the temple has other deities as well, which are Nataraja, Nandi, Sivakami Ambal, Subramanian, Adithyan, and Sandikeswarar. Additionally, there is a lovely shrine dedicated to the temple’s main deity, Sivakami Ambal’s mother.
Timings: 4 AM – 11 AM – 4 PM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple
Photo: Glavo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple is a popular temple in Kanyakumari. It was previously known as Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple. Constructed in traditional Kerala architectural style, it is near the shoreline. The temple’s main highlight is its presiding deity, a 15-foot-tall ant hill with five heads. According to locals, Sri Shankaracharya conducted his Srichakra puja here and later attained samadhi at the same place.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Kumari Amman Temple
Photo: mobinovyc / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kumari Amman or Devi Kanyakumari Temple is considered one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and the biggest temple in Kanyakumari. The ancient temple is believed to be built about 3000 years ago. But what is the most striking fact about this temple? It houses an alluring idol of Devi Kanya Kumari, which wears a diamond nose ring with a striking shine obtained from King Cobra. The legend says the shine is so bright that a sailor mistook it as a lighthouse and hit his ship on the rocks.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Guganathaswamy Temple
Photo: balajisrinivasan / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Guganathaswamy Temple is a 1000-year-old Lord Shiva temple in Kanyakumari. King Rajaraj Chola of the Chola dynasty built it. The ancient temple reflects an 11th-century architectural style with 16 stone inscriptions. A small Shivling sits in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The site holds great historical and religious importance, making it a popular stop for history enthusiasts and pilgrims visiting Kanyakumari. Also, the temple’s location is very convenient, which is one of the reasons it has so many visitors every year.
Timings: 6 AM – 11:30 AM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
6. Alappancode Eswarakala Bhoothathan Temple
Photo: Pradheepnair / Wikimedia Commons
The Alappancode Eswarakala Bhoothathan Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Kala Bhoothathan. It celebrates a unique and vibrant festival on the last Saturday of the solar year in December, where numerous elephants are ornate with embellishments for an annual procession that includes traditional rituals and cultural performances. It covers over 7kms, starting from the Kariyathara Temple, Anducode and ending at Alappancode. Consider yourself lucky if you can experience it as it attracts a massive population worldwide.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Thirunandikkara Cave Temple
Photo: Paramjeet / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Thirunandikkara Cave Temple is a Hindu cave temple in Kanyakumari dating back to the 8th or 9th century. It is also referred to as the Thirunanthikarai rock-cut Shiva temple. Early archaeological surveys linked it to the history of Ay king Vikramaditya Varaguna. Still, recently, it was claimed to be associated with the Pandavas. The temple has ancient murals of Lord Ganesha, the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, etc., and inscriptions in Tamil.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. Lord Subramanya Temple
Photo: ChanhNguyen / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
As the name suggests, the Lord Subramanya Temple worships Lord Murugan, also called Subramanya. It is popularly known as Kumara Koil and is a sacred Hindu shrine in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. As soon as you come across the entry, you’ll be awestruck by the gopuram or the gateway tower that welcomes you inside. The temple complex entails a meditation and prayer compound with a sacred pond. It is famous for celebrating the Skanda Sashti and Thaipusam festivals, which naturally draws devotees from near and far.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Adikesava Perumal Temple
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
The Adikesava Perumal Temple is one of the most important temples in Kanyakumari. Surrounded by Kothai, Pahrali and Thamirabarani rivers on three sides, the temple houses Lord Vishnu in his Lord Adikesava avatar, resting inside in a reclining posture. As per the legend, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnava movement, rediscovered the Brahma Samhita here. The main festival celebrated here is Vaikunta Ekadasi.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
10. Thanumalayan Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Thanumalayan Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kanyakumari. It is situated in the Suchindram district, 13 km from Kanyakumari, which is why it is also called Suchindram Temple. It was originally built in the 9th century and is dedicated to the trinity of Lords Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Hence, it is held in great regard by the Hindus. The most striking feature of this temple is its distinct architecture, which includes both Keralian and Tamilian touches.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Temples in Kanyakumari are a must-visit for every tourist and pilgrim travelling to South India. It is both a beautiful and cultural territory. The temples here are not just religious sites but living proof of the ancient culture and history of the region. If you are planning a trip that will please and satisfy your soul, then Kanyakumari is the destination for you! Create your personalised tour using TripXL with minimal effort, and get ready for a new adventure.
Cover Photo: Melwinaf / Pixabay
