Temples in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari takes its name from its main temple. The Kumari Amman Temple, also called the Bhagavathy Amman Temple, is dedicated to the goddess Kanya Kumari and stands right beside the sea at the tip of India. Pilgrims often bathe at the shore and then walk up to the temple for darshan.
The temple has strict rules on dress and phones, so read them before you go. The town also has churches along the coast, and one of the best-known temples in the region, at Suchindram, is a short drive away.
Famous Temples in Kanyakumari
Kumari Amman Temple is the heart of the town. It is dedicated to the goddess as a young girl, and the story goes that her diamond nose ring shines so brightly it can be seen from the sea. The temple is built of dark stone, with narrow corridors and lamp-lit shrines, and it is busiest in the early morning and evening.
Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, about 12 km away, is a large temple known for its tall gopuram, carved pillars and a big Hanuman statue. It is easy to combine with a trip to Nagercoil.
Our Lady of Ransom Church, near the shore, is a white Gothic-style church and a reminder of the large Christian community along this coast.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Kanyakumari
- Men must remove their shirts and vests at the Kumari Amman Temple, and shorts are not allowed.
- Women should wear a saree, a salwar kameez or other modest traditional clothing.
- Leave your phone and camera behind or at the counter, as they are not allowed inside.
- Wear sandals you can remove easily, and visit early before the stone floors heat up.
- Go at opening time or late morning to avoid the longest queues.
- Expect big crowds during Navaratri, the Vaikasi festival and the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
- Respect people bathing and praying at the shore, and ask before taking photos.
Questions
Kanyakumari — FAQ
Can I take my phone into the Kumari Amman Temple?
No. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside. Leave them in your room or at the counter near the entrance, and take your photos from outside.
Why do men remove their shirts at the Kumari Amman Temple?
It is a long-standing tradition at the temple, common in this part of South India. Men enter bare-chested and wear trousers, a dhoti or a mundu.
Which temples can I visit near Kanyakumari?
The Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, about 12 km away, is the best-known temple near Kanyakumari. It is easy to visit on the way to or from Nagercoil.
When is the Kumari Amman Temple most crowded?
The temple is busiest in the early morning, during Navaratri in September–October, during the Vaikasi festival in May–June and in the Sabarimala season from November to January.