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Kanniyakumari, Kerala |
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Set at the very tip of Indian peninsula, Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin, is an important pilgrimage site with breathtaking views of the sun, sea and sands. It is a popular tourist spot, in the state of Tamil Nadu, celebrating the confluence of three great seas the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Here one can enjoy some of the best views of the sun and the moon during full moon day. This spectacular landscape is also the place where the great saint Swamy Vevekananda took to meditation and eventually turned into a charismatic spiritual leader.
The name Kanniyakumari comes from the virgin goddess Devi-Kanya, who did penance to obtained Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. It is said that Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Christ visited the area in the 52 AD. Kanniyakumari's rich heritage has the influences of many dynasties in the past like the Chola, Chera, Pandya and the Nayaks. Christianity, Islam and Jainism had also played a significant role in enriching the architectural wealth of the area.
Overlooking the shores of Kanniyakumari, the legendary temple Kumariamman is one of the favorite attractions of the place. The temple is dedicated to goddess Knniyakumari, who vowed to remain a virgin forever. There is a fascinating story revolves around the diamond nose ring of this deity in the temple. So intense is the reflection from the sparkling ring worn by the goddess that it became the cause for the downfall of many ships in the past. As a result the door facing the seaside had to be closed for the safety of many unsuspecting ships.
Vivekananda Memorial is another highlight of the area that attracts a lot of tourists. Set on one of the twin rocks 200 mt. offshore, this unique memorial is a blend of various architectural styles prevailed in India. Beside the Thiruvalluvar Statue - the statue of a sagacious saint before the time of the Christ, the Guganathaswamy Temple, Suchindram's Thanumalayan Temple, and the Gandhi Memorial are some the important sites of attraction worth visiting.
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