Category Archives: Nagercoil Tourism

Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple

About the Temple

Suchindram is a small village community in the Kannyakumari district of Tamil Nadu state but is an important site of pilgrimage in the sense that it is the only place in India where the trinities of Indian mythology (Brahma, Vishnu and Ishvara) are worshipped together. Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple is one of such rare temples and even its name consists of three elements: “Sthanu” is a name of Shiva, “Mal” stands for Vishnu and “Ayan” is for Brahma.

Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal TempleHistory of Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple

Like any other Hindu temple in India, this one has got some famous legends related to its history. Each of the legends is unique and extremely interesting. The most interesting legend is about a sage called Atri and his wife Anasuya who was widely known to be extremely devoted to her husband. It was believed that she could perform miracles using the water she washed her husband’s feet (‘paatha theertham).

Goddesses Saraswati, Laxmi and Parvati through sage Narada found out about this unique power of Anasuya and decided to test her powers because they became a bit of jealous of Atri’s wife. Narada told them that Anasuya was the best example of a devoted wife in the world. So Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu were asked to test Anasuya by their wives. They appeared in Atri’s ashram in the form of old Bhramins to beg for alms. When the woman was ready to serve them food, they told her that they had taken a vow not to accept served food from any who is dressed! At first She was very embarrassed and confused, then she prayed and sprinkled water on them turning them into babies! She managed to feed them according to their vow. Three goddesses were worried because of a long absence of their husbands and came to Anasuya who used her power again and the babies turned back into Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Once they disappeared in that very place three Svayambulingas sprouted at the foot of a laurel tree. The most amazing this is that this laurel tree and the lingas are still there!

Speciality of the Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple

The main speciality of Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple is its art and sculptures. In one of the adjacent to a corridor there are several big pillars formed just from one stone! Two of these pillars form a group of small ones. And this small pillars are known to be so called musical pillars which are really famous. Unfortunately at the moment no one can tap on the pillar to hear the music – iron grills were placed around them to prevent vandalism. One more interesting things about this temple is that outside there is a huge figure of Hanuman. It reached up to 17 feet high!

Festivals of Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple

As per festivals celebrated in this temple, there are few of course, for example, in December/January there is one called Markazhi and in April/May there is one more named Chiththirai. During the first one the deities are taken out from the temple in a colourful procession around the streets.

Suchindram Thanumalayan Perumal Temple’s Visitation Time

The best time to visit Suchindram Temple is certainly during the festive seasons especially in December when the festival goes on for a number of days and the weather is not that hot. Of course anyone can visit the temple any day but keep in mind that there is a daily pooja schedule and daily worship timetable (4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8.30 PM).

Suchindram Temple Dress Code

Below general statement as per high court order [Men should wear a “dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts” to temples and women should wear “a sari or a half sari or churidhar with upper cloth.” Children could wear “any fully covered dress.”]

Requesting all the tourist to abide the dress code rules to avoid disappointment.

Suchindram Temple Phone Number

You can contact the temple using this number 04652 241 421

Suchindram Temple Address

Kanniyakumari District, Suchindram, Tamil Nadu 629704

Thiruvanparisaram Kuralappa Perumal Temple

About the Thiruvanparisaram Kuralappa Perumal Temple

This is a Lord Vishnu temple located in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu, India. The date of construction is not clearly known but the most recent renovation was done by the king Kulasekhara in the seventeenth century. This is also a fine example of Dravidian style of architecture built in an area of 2 Acres. Some of the oldest artifacts of the temple date back to 1139 AD.

Thiruvanparisaram Kuralappa Perumal TempleHistory of the Temple

There is a beautiful legend associated with this particular temple, which is located not more than 4 KM from Nagercoil. It is observed that Lord Vishnu is in sitting position inside the temple. The other three idols that are seen there are of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. There is a big tank inside the temple premise and that is believed to have miraculous power to heal from various diseases. This tank is known as Somateertha. Once upon a time the seven saints known as Saptarshis were meditating and they were given a visit by Lord Shiva, on whose advice they moved the North West, did a hard penance and obliged Lord Vishnu to appear in front of them. Once that happened, as part of a boon they requested Lord Vishnu not to leave that place and that is how the temple got into being.

According to another legend, Goddess Lakshmi was taken by surprise by seeing Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha which scared her away. Prahlada went searching for Lakshmi after the end of Hiranyakashipu, he found Godess Lakshmi at this particular place. She was very happy and obliged him by taking her rightful position at Lord Vishnu’s heart.

Speciality of Kuralappa Perumal Temple

The idol of the temple is made of mustard and jaggery paste and that is why the ritualistic bathing of this statue is never done here. Lord Vishnu has got Lakshmi in his chest, which is rarely seen in present day India. The deity is adorned with a crown of gold which also had lots of diamonds and other precious stones, but those were stolen. The deity is astounding 9 feet tall and is surrounded by the paintings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Festivals of Kuralappa Perumal Temple

There are many festivals which are celebrated in this temple and all of them are according to 08
the Vaishnava faith. Not only that, six daily rituals take place over there and a great deal of yearly festivals are held in this temple as well. The most famous of them is called the Chittarai Brahmotsavam in the month of April-May. During this festival these deities are taken out of the temple and become a part of a large procession on a chariot in the streets. This celebration goes on for ten long days. The next one is called Adi Swati in the month of September-October. The Vaikuntha Ekadasi is the celebrated with most fanfare. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals in the temple.

Kuralappa Perumal Temple’s Visitation Time

Since there are plenty of festivals and rituals going on through the year, visiting the temple anytime of the year is a real joy. Thiruvanparisaram Kuralappa Perumal Temple is opened for visitors every day at 4.30 am. – 12.30 pm. and 5.00 pm. – 8.00 pm.

Kuralappa Perumal Temple Dress Code

Below general statement as per high court order [Men should wear a “dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts” to temples and women should wear “a sari or a half sari or churidhar with upper cloth.” Children could wear “any fully covered dress.”]

Requesting all the tourist to abide the dress code rules to avoid disappointment.

Kuralappa Perumal Temple Phone Number

You can contact the temple using this number 09442427710

Kuralappa Perumal Temple Address

Thiruppathisaram, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629901

Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple in Kanyakumari

About the Temple

Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India. It is surrounded by three rivers called the Kothai, the Pahrali and the Thamirabarani. It is hard to give an exact date and year when this temple was founded but according to Tami hymns it can be dated from the 7th and 8th centuries C.E.

adikesava-perumal-temple-kanyakumariHistory of Adikesava Perumal Temple

The word “Adikesava” literally means “the foremost friend” and according to one of the legends Swami Adikesava defeated a demon called Kesi whose wife decided to pray to two rivers: the Ganges and the Thamirabarani. And this prayer created a huge destruction. The demon’s wife surrendered to the Lord in the end but the formation of the three rivers had already made a circle which is known under the name of Thiruvattaru.

Another legend depicts this story in a bit different way: It says that Kesi, who saw her brother defeated, wanted to avenge the defeat along with her friend Kothai, who took the form of a river and surrendered the river on all sides with an intention to submerge it but the mother earth named as Goddess hoomi upheld the temple, which is why the temple is found located at a height of about 55 feet from sea level.

The rivers were cursed by Perumal but since they repented for their action, Perumal forgave them and then took a dip at the place where the rivers meet the Arabian Ocean, which is still celebrated even today as the “Painguni Utsavam” where Perumal comes and enact this act of forgiveness for his curse.

Speciality of Adikesava Perumal Temple

Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple is an excellent specimen of artistry from the Kerala blend, it epitomizes the will power. The Udaya Marthanda hall which is found in front of the temple illustrates the very sophisticated marriage procession of Lord Ganesha, which is vividly described in various Puranas. The speciality of this temple is that the two idols of Adikeshava and Padmanabha faces each other. The Supreme Lord, who is actually Vishnu or Narayana and is one of the trinities of the Hinduism, is seen resting on his snake couch. Even Lord Shiva can be seen present at that place.

Festivals of Adikesava Perumal Temple

Though there are several festivals associated with this temple, the most famous ones are the ones which are called Perunthamirthu,Kalapa Poojai. This takes place in the month of Thai is celebrated for about 12 days. The other most famous festival is in the month of Punguni, the festival is widely known as Punguni festival and it is celebrated for about 10 days. Apart from all these big celebrations, there are some other smaller ones all through the year which sees a lot of visitors. Saturdays festival in the month of Puratassi. The festival of Thiruvonom in the month of Avani is worth mentioning. The most attractive of them all is the “Vaikutha Ekadasi” festival during which Milk Kheer and other such types of delicious dishes are made as part of the Prasadam. This festival is known as corkkavazhal and it usually takes place in the month of Markhazi.

Adikesava Perumal Temple Visitation Time

Since there are plenty of festivals and rituals going on through the year, visiting the temple anytime of the year is a real joy. Adikesava Perumal Temple is opened for visitors every day at 4.30 am. – 12.30 pm. and 5.00 pm. – 8.00 pm.

Adikesava Perumal Temple Dress Code

Below general statement as per high court order [Men should wear a “dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts” to temples and women should wear “a sari or a half sari or churidhar with upper cloth.” Children could wear “any fully covered dress.”]

Requesting all the tourist to abide the dress code rules to avoid disappointment.

Adikesava Perumal Temple Phone Number

You can contact the temple using this number 04652 241270

Adikesava Perumal Temple Address

Arulmigu Adikesava Perumal Temple,
Tiruvattaru,
Kalkulam(TK),
Kanniyakumari(dt)–629 171,
Tamilnadu.

Nagaraja Temple in Nagercoil

About Nagaraja Temple

The Nagaraja Temple is located in the town of Nagercoil on mountain Mahendragiri in Kanyakumari District in the state of Tamil Nadu. Nagercoil which is the name of the town was coined from the name of the temple, Nagaraja. Nagaraja (king of serpents – Vasuki) and Ananda Krishna are the temple’s main deities but there are other deities being worshipped in the temple. The temple has a huge pond.

Nagaraja Temple NagercoilDevotees pray in the temple and seek solace from the unfavorable aspects of serpent planets. They offer turmeric powder, offer milk and sanctify Naga idols in the temple as a part of their prayers. Subrahmanya Swami, Dwarapalaka, Shiva, Devi, and Ganesha are the upadevathas of the Nagaraja Temple. As an ancient custom, the priests are Namboothiri Brahmins are assigned by Pambumekkat mana in Thrissur, Kerala.

In the temple, there is a shrine for Mother Durga. The idol of Mother Durga was discovered in the sacred spring there. Devotees pray for the relief from unfavorable aspects of Rahu and/or Rahu-Kethu planets in the Mother Durga shrine.

History of the Nagaraja Temple

The precise age of the Nagaraja temple is very hard to ascertain but findings have shown that temple is in the range of 1000-2000 years old. The origin of the Nagaraja temple according to the traditional background tells a tale of a day when a woman was working in the field, cutting paddy crops, she noticed blood dripping from a bunch. She found out that her sickle had slit into a five-headed serpent. Stricken with fear, the woman ran to the nearest village and narrated her experience to the people. The people followed her to the place to witness the miracle. They were amazed at what they saw. They discovered that it was a Nagaraja idol. They cleared and built a small shrine around the Nagaraja to preserve it for worship. People from other places also visited and worshipped at the shrine on hearing the miraculous discovery.

King Marthanda Varma of Kerala was suffering from leprosy and went to the Nagaraja temple on Sunday to worship. He was cured of his disease miraculously. He then built a big temple in appreciation. Since then, numerous devotees visit the temple for worship every Sunday during Aavani.

The Specialty of the Temple

A temple is a perfect place of prayer for devotees who are seeking relief from unfavorable aspects of serpent planets. Devotees pray to Nagaraja by consecrating Naga idols, offering milk porridge, and turmeric powder in the temple.

The Temple Festival

There are different festivals celebrated in the Nagaraja temple. They are:

  • The Thai Brahmmotsayam festival celebrated between the months of January and February.
  • The Aavani Sundays, Aavani Aslesha star day also known as Aayilyam and Krishna Jayanthi festivals are all celebrated between the months of August and September.
  • The Tirukarthikai festival always celebrated between the months of November and December.

Visitation Time

The Nagajara temple is always open to worshippers and devotees from 4:00 am to 11:30 am and from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Nagaraja Temple Dress Code

Below general statement as per high court order [Men should wear a “dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts” to temples and women should wear “a sari or a half sari or churidhar with upper cloth.” Children could wear “any fully covered dress.”]

Requesting all the tourist to abide the dress code rules to avoid disappointment.

Nagaraja Temple Phone Number

You can contact the temple using these numbers +91- 4652- 232 420, 94439 92216

Nagaraja Temple Address

Mallancode – Nettankodu Rd, Tamil Nadu 629809

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kanyakumari (Nagercoil)

Nagercoil, literally means “the temple of Nagas”, is a peace city positioned in the southernmost tip of Indian peninsula locked with Western Ghats on all sides. Nagercoil and its surroundings was earlier known as Nanjilnadu which was ruled by Chera, Chola, and Pandian kingdoms known for its rich cultural heritage.

Must visit places in kanuakumari

The Ancient sangam literatures reveal that the Nanjilnadu was occupied and ruled by Naga tribes. These rulers left behind themtemples, forts, rock cut caves, palaces with paintings, inscriptions carvings and much more!

We have listed few of must-see places in Nagercoil which you can’t afford to miss at all!

1. Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace in Nagercoil Kanyakumari
wikimedia.org

Padmanabhapuram Palace, is one of the chief attractions of Tamil Nadu located in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari District about 15 km from Nagercoil. It was built by King Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal around 1601 A.Dwhich is best known for its antique and tricky woodworks. This Palace speaks history and stands as a hallmark of traditionalKerala style architecture. It spreads over an area of 6 acres which is around 24,000 m2.

The Padmanabhapuram place complex consists of Mantrasala (council chamber), Thai Kottaram (Queen Mother’s Palace), Nataksala (Performance Hall), Uppirikka Maliga (Central mansion), and Thekee kottaram (Southern Palace).

2. Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, IndiaVivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari built in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda and his teachings. Vivekananda is the spiritual teacher, prophet, and patriot-monk of modern India. This is a very spiritual and pleasant place to visit, located on the tiny rock island in Kanyakumari. You can reach there by boat or ship. It’s been said that Vivekananda stayed here before he start to Chicago. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is interpreted as a symbol of unity and sanctity.

3. Devi Kanya Kumari Temple

Devi Kanya Kumari temple in kanyakumari nagercoil
Image Credit – Wikimedia

Devi Kanya Kumari temple is one among the 108 Shakthi Peethas in the world was built by sage Parshurama around 3000 year ago and dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy Amman. It is located on the union of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.You can find the sayings about this temple in the books of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Sangam works Manimekalai and Puranaanooru. The Devi stands as a charming young girl with a rosary in right hand as weapon, and a sparkling nose jewel that sheds lustrous radiance.

4. Kanyakumari Beach

kanyakumari beach in Kanyakumari
Image Credit – Flickr

Kanyakumari beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in south India with multi-colored sand and rocky shoreline. Due to strong frequent waves that hit rocky shore, makes the sea bath or step into shallow watermore dangerous. Hence, people are warned to get closer to seashore and they are asked to stay within the prescribed man-made zone. However you can feel the nature’s power and wildness when you visit this gold sanded mighty beach. You can shop for beautiful shells and can enjoy the enchanting view of the sea from the top of lighthouse.

5. Nagaraja Temple

nagaraja temple in nagercoil
Image Credit – Wikimedia

Nagaraja Temple, a temple of serpent King, is located in the heart of the Nagercoil town. It is 2000 years old built by King Marthanda Varma and it is the only temple built exclusively for Nagaraja worship in Tamil Nadu. Some believe that Nagercoil derived its name from this temple, which means Naga – The serpent and Coil -The Temple. The two main deities of this temple are Lord Krishna and Nagaraja.This temple attracts thousands of believers from all over the world every year.

6. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Kanyakumari Nagercoil

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is located very near to Devi Kumari Amman Temple on the seashore. Here his ashes were kept for public view before immersion in the sea on February 12, 1948. It is built in Orissa Style of architecture and designed in such a way that on October 2, the rays of the sun falls exactly on the spot where his urn was kept.Its central shape is 79 feet high representing Mahatma’s age.

7. Kalikesam

Kalikesam in kanyakumari nagercoil

Kalikesam is part of Kanyakumari wild life sanctuary protected by the Government of Tamil Nadu. A Kali Temple is situated here which attracts many devotees across India each year. Kalikesam is a scenic picnic place which will never fail to delight your eyes with outstanding prettiness of Mother Nature.

8. Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue in kanyakumariThiruvalluvar statue is located on the tiny island in Kanyakumari and adjacent to Vivekananda Rock memorial. It was built in honor of Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil Poet and the philosopher,who wrote Thirukkural. Thiruvalluvar statue is 133 feet (40.6m)height representing the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural. The statue symbolically and artistically signifies that the theme of Porul (Prosperity) and Inbam (Happiness) are based on Aram (Good deeds). There is no wonder that you will get thrilled by the hugeness of this statue.

9. Chitharal

Chitharal_Jain_Temple_in_kanyakumari_nagercoilChitharal is a small village situated at a distance of 7 kms from Marthandam and 45 kms from Kanyakumari. It is famous for its rock cut temples and caves with rock cut sculptures. Age of this temples dates back to 9th Century A.D you can find Jain sculptures, Hindu deity sculptures which is been preserved by the Central Archeological Survey of India.

10. St Xavier Church

st Xavier Church kanyakumari nagercoil
Image Credit – Wikimedia.org

Although in the world stage India is known as the country of Hinduism and Islam, the fact remains true that India is also one of the holy land visited by popular saints of Christianity. They established churches and spread the belief all over India. St. Xavier Church in Nagarcoil is definitely one among them built by Saint Francis Xavier around 1600 A.D in Kottar of Nagercoil.

This is a clean and heavenly pilgrimage Centre open for people from all caste and religion.