From where India starts.... Review on Kanyakumari

I have read that Kanyakumari was once referred to the Alexandria of the east. I don’t know what was Alexandria but Kanyakumari is having special place in my heart. Kanyakumari is center for art, culture and pilgrimage. It has been described as the southern most end of Tamil Nadu, the land's end of India. But I will put it like it is a place from where India starts... (why should I tell India ends..? India can never end...its there in our heart and it will keep growing and growing - being patriotic)

It is also the point where 3 seas (Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean) are meeting each other.

Devine History

Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva.But he did not turn up and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Kanyakumari, the Virgin Goddess, is the protector of India's shores.

There is another story is there about the diamond on her nose ring. The reflection of the diamond was so bright that it was causing problems for some ships and ships were getting distracted and met with accident.Then the door on the side facing the sea had to be closed for ensuring the safety of the sailors.

The Kanyakumari temple is an ancient one and has been mentioned in the Ramayan and Mahabharat also. It is believed that the image of Kanyakumari was installed and worshipped by Parasuram.

It is also having many unique herbs and plants believed to have originated due to a small piece of the medical hill 'Sanjeevani' falling on this place as Lord Hanuman was carrying the hill to Sri Lanka.

Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets,especially on full moon day. It is at its best during Chitra Poornima when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand.

Other Places

Vivekananda Memorial is a breath taking place.It is about 500 meters away from mainland. This is the place where you can see the end of Indian Land. There are two rocks there. It was built in 1970 and dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the charismatic philosopher.Swamy Vivekananda meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today. A meditation hall is also attached with the memorial. There is anther rock besides Vivekanand Rock. It is call Sripada Parai, means the rock that has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the goddess.

There is another place - Guganathaswamy Temple. This is a 1000 year old temple and was built by Chola Raja.This is also nearby at Kanya Kumari.

Kanyakumari beach is also the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were thrown into the sea.There is a memorial to him there, the Gandhi Mandapam.