The Sarvani Shaktipeeth Shri Kanya Kumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple, which dates back over 3000 years, is not just spiritually significant but also historically noteworthy. Because of its location by the side of a large expanse of ocean, Kanyakumari’s old temple also has mesmerizing visual beauty. According to the tradition surrounding the Kanyakumari Temple, the demon Banasura kidnaps all of the gods and held them captive. He could only be slain by a virgin female, according to the curse. As a result of the devas’ petitions and pleadings, Goddess Parasakthi assumed the shape of Kumari, a virgin girl, and slew the demon. Lord Shiva eventually fell in love with Kumari and started preparations for their heavenly wedding. Sage Narada, realizing that the demon Banasura can only be slain if the Goddess stays unmarried, attempted to call off the wedding in a variety of ways. He created a ruse when he couldn’t succeed and the marriage time was set for midnight. Sage Narada assumed the appearance of a cock on the day Lord Shiva began his wedding journey from Suchindram in Valukkuparai to Kanyakumari. He yelled, ostensibly signaling the start of the day. Hearing the cock, Lord Shiva returned, believing that the auspicious hour for the wedding had gone and that the Goddess had been left waiting for him. Goddess afterward opted to remain single. When the demon Banasura, entranced by the Goddess’s beauty, attempted to marry her forcefully, she obliterated him with her Chakra Gadha, liberating the devas from his enslavement. Banasura afterward pleaded to the Goddess for mercy and forgiveness for his transgressions. Goddess pardoned him and blessed the sacred confluence’s water. It is stated that anyone who bathes in these waters gets cleansed of their sins. According to mythology, Saint Narada and Lord Parasurama asked the goddess to remain on Earth until the Kaliyuga ended. Later, Lord Parasuram built a temple near the ocean, where he erected an idol of Goddess Kanya Kumari. Around 25 Cheetham may be seen on the temple’s shoreline. Sripada Parai, popularly known as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, is another sacred site near the temple. The rock has the imprints of the Goddess’s feet.
