Kanyakumari Devi Temple

As per the Legends, Parasurama (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu) who raised a temple for Goddess Sakthi and worshiped here. The goddess is also called Bagavathi. From the records, it is known that Nanjil Nadu near Kanyakumari was ruled by the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Nayaks. One of the inscriptions says how Parantaka Pandya took steps to protect Kumairkottam from being destroyed by the sea.  There are many inscriptions which date to Kuluttunga Chola I and Butala Sri Veera Udaya Marthanda Varma.

There are many interesting stories attached with the Goddess Kumari remaining a Virgin Goddess here. One of the legends says that she longed to wed Lord Siva and when her wish was not fulfilled, she chose to remain here as a Kanya forever. Another story says that she will remain here for a period of twelve deluges doing penance here and marry Lord Siva at the end.

The sea itself is the Tirtha of the place and is called Alaivay Tirtha or Sangili Tirtha.