Deviis Bhagavathy in the form of an adolescent girl child. Besides, Bhagavathi Amman Temple in Kanyakumari is called Shree Baala Bhadra or Shree Baala. Nevertheless, she is also seen as Shree Bhadrakali by some followers.
Standing upon the shores of Kanyakumari, the farthest tip of mainland India at the southern side, facing the sea, the Devi Kanyakumari Temple was created in honor of the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. The name Kanyakumari stands for the word Kanya meaning the Virgin, and Kumari meaning Girl.
According to the Hindu religion, Kanyakumari and its surroundings are considered an area of land that was created by Parasurama, an incarnation of lord Vishnu. Old stories of folktales and myths are associated with Kanyakumari.
Bhagavathi Amman Temple History:
In myths, however, there is a constant contest between the Devas and the Asuras and in the end, the Devas overcome the Asuras. It’s the victory of good over bad.
Banasura, descendant of Mahabahali and the demon King propitiated Lord Brahma. When Banasura asked for a boon of immortality, Brahma did not declare himself able to give such a wish but suggested he decide the mode of death. Bhanasur had prayed that may he be killed by a virgin if at all he had to die Brahma granted his boon.
Banasura thus blessed with strength, started to trouble the Devas and punish the saints and the seers. The suffering being too much for them to bear, they then appealed to Mother Earth for help, who went to Her spouse Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the Universe.
On the Lord’s order, the Devas had propitiated Goddess Parashakthi alone who was the savior of the demon Banasura. The Devas did the Yagna which was so powerful that the Goddess was extremely pleased. She vowed to destroy Banasura. Parasakthi after being ordained became Devi Kumari in her reincarnation and came down to the earth. It is a well-known mythological fact that she would do penance for joining her husband Lord Shiva through marriage whichever reincarnation she takes.
With this, Kumari tried to perform penance so that she would be married to Lord Shiva. Shiva was pleased, and happy, and agreed to marry her. She was told this by Kumari. Narada, who was entrusted with this task carefully selected a time for marriage just before dawn and made it clear that stopping by except this auspicious time was not permissible. Intricate arrangements were made at Kumari’s place to host the wedding.
Lord Shiva is staying at Suchindrum. The wedding party of the husband-to-be took off from Suchindrum in all splendor. Through the intervention of the Devas, Narada was convinced to work something out to stop the marriage as once the marriage was over; Kumari could not be a virgin and Banasura could not be killed as he could be killed only by a virgin.
Narada struck upon a plan, assuming the form of a cock, and waited at the place called Vazhukkamparai. On their way to Kanyakumari, the marriage procession reached the point where Narada announced. Listening to this, Lord Shiva and his party felt that it was dawn and the promised time had passed. Hence they returned to Suchindrum, very dejected.
However, Devi Kanyakumari who was dressed in bridal adornment was waiting for the arrival of Lord Shiva and his party of wedding. Because the bride’s party did not show up, the bride-to-be Bride Kumari vowed to preserve her virginity. She put the food items that were kept for the wedding like rice grains, sand, and pebbles. The multi-colored sand found on the Kanyakumari seashore is the result of this event.
Banasura, upon learning of Kumari’s beauty, desirous of marrying her without realizing the true identity of her person, wanted to marry her. Kumari tossed aside his offer. Banasura undertook to win her using strength. The battle at Mahadhanapuram (4 km away from Kanyakumari) was a fierce one and finally, the Goddess Kanyakumari used her Chakrayudha (Discus weapon) to annihilate Banasura.
All the Devas witnessed this and they derived immense pleasure and they praised Devi Kanyakumari in their songs. Thereupon Devi returned to her penance and stays a virgin and practices austerities till this day her only hope being in him to be with her.
Bhagavathi Amman Temple Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Evening hours are 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Bhagavathi Amman Temple Address: Sannathy Street, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629702, India.
Bhagavathi Amman Temple Contact number: – 04652 246 223·
How to reach Bhagavathi Amman Temple Location:
Major Indian cities are well-connected to Kanyakumari by road, rail, and air. The closest cities are Madurai (244 km), Chennai (660 km), Thiruvanathapuram, the capital of Kerala (85 km), and Nagarcoil (22 km).
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