History Of Kanyakumari

This pilgrim center derives its name from the goddess Kanyakumari , to whom the temple is dedicated. According to a legend, goddess Parashakti, in one of her incarnations as Devi Kanya, did penance here to secure Shiva’s hand in marriage. As she could not achieve her ambition, she vowed to remain a Virgin (Kanya) ever after.
According to the legend, once upon a time, the Asuras got supremacy over the Devas, leading to Adharma, ignorance and injustice. Banasura, the king of demons, was playing havoc, driving away Devas from heaven and meting out cruel punishments to saints and rishis. Unable to stand the agony, Mother Earth sought the help of Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the Universe. The Lord advised that the Devas should propitiate Parashakti, who alone was capable of destroying Banasura. Accordingly, the Devas performed Yagna to propitiate the Goddess, who appeared before them and promised to annihilate the evil forces headed by Banasura. She came to Kanyakumari in the form of Virgin girl and began her penance. Meanwhile, Lord (of nearby Suchindram temple) fell in love with her, and arrangements were made for their marriage.
The divine sage Narad realized that this marriage would destroy the chances of annihilating Banasura, because it was pre-ordinated by Brahma that the demon king could be killed only be a Virgin. Narad decided to frustrate this marriage proposal. He met both Goddess Kanya and Lord Shiva and asked them to prepare for the marriage, which was to take place at an auspicious hour at midnight on a particular day. Overjoyed at the prospect of his cherished desire being fulfilled, Lord Shiva left Suchindram for kanyakumari, eager not to miss the auspicious time. But it was not to be. As the Lord reached Vazukkamparai, five kilometers south of Suchindram, Narada assumes the form of a cock and crowed, falsely heralding the break of dawn. Thinking that the auspicious hour for this marriage was past, the Lord returned to Suchindram, disappointed. The Goddess also decided to remain Virgin ever after. All the food items prepared for the divine wedding were turned into sands. Small pebbles, resembling rice, and the multi-coloured sands, found abundantly on the shore, are attributed to the above incident.
Bansura heard about the beauty of the Virgin Goddess and came to request her hand in marriage. When the Goddess spurned the idea, the demon king decided to win her by force. As she drew out his mighty sword, the Goddess too unsheathed her deadly sword. A fierce battle ensued, the Goddess killed the demon with her Chakrayudha. The relieved Devas expressed their gratitude to the Goddess and returned blessed. After this, Parashakti resumed her penance.

POSTED BY  :VIPUL KOUL
EDITED  BY  :ASHOK KOUL