Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, this temple and the nearby ghat attract pilgrims from all over India to worship and to bathe. According to legend, Devi did penance here to secure siva's hand in marriage. When she was unsuccessful, she vowed to remain a virgin (kanya). The temple is open daily from 4.30 to 11.45 am and from 5.30 to 8.30 pm, but non-Hindus are not allowed into the inner sanctrum. Men must remove their shirts, and everyone their shoes on entering the temple. The Temple
The main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate though the deity is facing east. The eastern entrance is kept closed except on special occasions when the deity is taken out for ceremonial bath.
Three corridors surround the sanctum. The outer corridor has no special shrines, but after a walk round it the devotees cross the 'Navarathiri mandapam' and a pathway leads to the second corridor encircling the shrine. There stands the flag mast or 'Kodisthambam'. From here you can have a clear view of the Goddess. A move further forward will take you in front of the sanctum.
Opening Times :
The main festivals are held in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) and the Navarathri festival in September/October.
The temple is open to the public from 4.30 AM to 11.45 AM and 5.30 PM to 8.45 PM. Male worshippers are required to remove their shirts before entering the temple.
Kanyakumari is a railway terminus and can be reached from any part of the country by rail via Trivandrum or Thirunelveli. There are buses from all cities in Tamilnadu and some places in Kerala state. The nearest airport is in Trivandrum about 86 Km away.
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