The temples of Kanyakumari District are the majestic constructions of south India, bearing the historical grandeur. Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu is the southernmost land area and district of mainland India. Archaeological survey of India maintains most of the temples of Kanyakumari District.
The temples of Kanyakumari District are major tourist attractions with much historic and religious significance that are centuries old and also endowed with great natural beauty. Located all across the district, the temples of Kanyakumari District are often seen with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Chidaraal Temple lies 45 kms away from the urban areas of the district. This Jain Temple is exactly on the hill rock and the sculptures in it that are of the Jain Thirtankaras. Guganathaswamy Temple is one of the oldest temples of Kanyakumari District, dating back to almost 1000 years. This temple was constructed by the Great Chola King Raja Raja cholan, thus the architectures and inscriptions are purely of Chola Style.
Keralapuram Temple is one of the most revered temples of Kanyakumari District, dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. This temple is located near Thukalay. The uniqueness of this particular temple of Kanyakumari District is that it changes its colour. It is found to be black for the first six months and then changes its colour to white for the next six months. Kumari Amman Temple, located near the seashore is another frequenly-visited spot in this district. Mythology says that Goddess Devi performed prayers to get Lord Shiva`s hand for marriage. The idol of the goddess Parvati in this temple has a nose ring studded with diamond, which is visible even from the sea.
Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is the capital city of the Kanyakumari district. The pillars in this temple are inscribed with the famous figures of the Jain Theerthangaras, Mahavira and Parsavanathar. The entrance to this temple of Kanyakumari District is exactly the imitation of the Chinese architecture of a Buddhist Vihar. Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple in the Kanyakumari district is a treasure of arts. The gorgeous 18 feet statue of Hanuman depicts the artistic skills of the era. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. Thiruvattar Temple lies 70 km away from the city headquarters and boasts the finest specimen of temple art, architecture and crafts.
Vallimalai Temple, one of the famous temples of Kanyakumari District, is constructed on a rock cut hill, which is 300 steps atop from the plains. The temple is located inside a cave and the cave is built in 3 successive levels. The elevation increases level after level. The temple is dedicated to the shrines of Vinayakar and Kasi Viswanathar and the construction of this temple is attributed to the Pallava and Nayak rulers. Erayoor Irul Neekeeswarar Temple is another prominent temple of Kanyakumari District with the idol of Lord Shiva. The temple consists of five holy tanks. The five tanks are associated with different forms of name of Lord Shiva. The holy tree of this temple is Kadamela. The temples of Kanyakumari District are some of the marvellous creations of the various ruling dynasties and empires in south India.
