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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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