KANYAKUMARI DIARIES

 KANYAKUMARI DIARIES

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Overlooking the gently lapping waves of the blue sea, the temple in Kanyakumari is renowned for its mystical aura and intriguing history. Famous as Devi Kumari Mandir, Kumari Amman Temple, and Bhagavathy Amman Temple, the glorious architecture of this temple was shaped by the Pandayas and renovated by the Nayaks. Commemorating the passionate love and tragic faith of Goddess Parvati, the temple worships the reincarnation of the goddess as Kanya Kumari.

They say one will also find a light shining in the middle of the sea. And though it may appear to be a lighthouse, it is said to be the shining diamond of the goddess’ nose ring. This light has been told to misguide many ships over the years, causing lost ships to mistake the rocky cliffs for the shore and crash into them. Thus, the east-facing door of the Kanyakumari temple is kept closed throughout the year, opening only on infrequent occasions.

Amma looks gorgeous and divine with turmeric paste applied all over her body, decorated with a red vermillion tilak on the forehead and two large diamond nose pins shining bright in the light of the diyas.

It was a blessing to get her darshan.

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Vivekananda rock memorial is a tribute to Swamiji and the legacy he left for us.

As a child, I used to stare at a life-size portrait of Swamy Ji in my father's office and wonder who this man with saffron robes and a turban was.

My mama was a disciple of Swamiji, and his friends worked for the mission in the 80s. He was a significant influence on young minds: their idol and hero.

When we moved to Siliguri, en route, I had the opportunity to visit dakshineshwar, Belur math, and kali bari, which opened my eyes to the world Of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Vivekananda.

My husband gifted me their biographies in the temple complex itself.

Ever since, I have been reading, learning and discussing their greatness with many intellectuals in my surroundings in Siliguri.

Visiting the rock memorial brought glimpses of Swamiji's time on the rock.

A fellow traveller Madhuri from Pune, is a Deeksha student of Thakur Ji, and she all along narrated the turning points in swami jis life.

The meditation room allowed us to do silent Satsang, soaking in the aura of fellow devotees.

This trip became all the more beautiful because of my companions Suchitra, Madhuri and Rajini from Bangalore, Pune and Delhi, respectively.

Each brought their learning and knowledge to the table, sharing many anecdotes about each place of worship.

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The sunset point at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian sea and the Indian ocean are sights one should not miss. It left me speechless and spellbound. The roaring ocean, cool breeze shining sand, and enthusiastic travellers make a fantastic movie set.

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The stay at Kanyakumari was for 8 hours; we had to leave early to reach Trivandrum before midnight.

I would want to go back there again to meditate at the rock memorial, watch amma and enjoy both the sunset and sunrise and the lands end of our beautiful