Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Kanyakumari Temple
The Temple of Virgin Goddess
Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of India and the merging point of three
seas; the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It is named after
the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari whose temple is situated here on its shore.
Kanyakumari TempleThis temple is devoted to a manifestation of Parvati, the
virgin goddess who performed penance to acquire Lord Shiva's hand in marriage.
The temple is a major tourist attraction with neighboring ghat, beautifully
placed overlooking the shore. It is an eminent belief that the diamond nose-ring
of the deity is so shiny that it is visible even from the sea.
There are two rocks emerging out of the ocean, located southeast of the
Kumari Amman temple. One among these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of
the virgin goddess are believed to be imprinted on this rock. It is said that
Swami Vivekananda sat in deep meditation here and therefore the Vivekananda Rock
Memorial was built in 1970. Along with this there also a dhyana mandapam, which
provides a tranquil atmosphere to meditate.
Legend Related To The Temple
Legends say that the wedding of Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati and
Lord Shiva was to be held here. But he did not arrived at the auspicious time
and the wedding never took place. The food that was to be cooked was left
uncooked. Here the stones resemble rice and cereals which can also be bought.
According to the people residing here these stones are the leftovers of the
legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi,
she became a virgin goddess, blessing everyone who visits this temple.
The Features of The Temple
The temple is entered mainly through the northern gate, inspite of the fact
that the deity is facing east. The eastern entrance remains closed except for
special occasions when the deity is taken out for ceremonial bath.
There are all together three corridors that skirt the sanctum. The outer
corridor is deprived of special shrines, but after a walk round it the devotees
cross the 'Navarathiri mandapam'. A pathway leads to the second corridor
surrounding the shrine. There stands the flag mast or 'Kodisthambam'. The
Goddess can be clearly viewed from here. Moving further you will reach the front
of the sanctum.
The Idol of the Goddess stands with rosary in one hand as if in prayer. It is
said to be installed by Parasurama and is made of blue stone. In the inner
corridor, the shrines of Vinayagar and Thiagasundary are present, which is
visited by devotees after worshiping the Goddess.
