Guhanadheeswarar Kanyakumari

Saivite Temples, Kanyakumari District

God

Guhanadheeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Parvati, facing south

Other Deities

Kalabhairava, Navagraha. Sanctum Niches – Kanni Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswara

Guhanadheeswarar Kanyakumari is an old temple which was covered with wild growth till a railway employee from the station nearby took up the cause and brought it into regular worship. The Lingam here is said to be the tallest in the district at 5.5 feet. During the peak of summer an ablution of water from 1008 tender coconut is offered to the lord praying for relief and rains.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Guhanadheeswarar Kanyakumari goes back at least to 11th Century CE. A stone inscription found here mentions the lord’s name as ‘Rajaraja Pandinattu Uthamachozha Valanattu Purathayanattu Azhikudi Rajarajeswaramudayar’. Also mentioned are the contributions of later Cholas including Rajendra I and Rajathirajan. A large contribution from a trader from Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Achchaan Matrili, was made in front of the Temple Sabha and devotees as mentioned in this inscription. Names of other contributors are also mentioned.

Legend

Guha, another name for Lord Muruga, is believed to have worshiped his father Lord Shiva here at Guhanadheeswarar Kanyakumari.

Directions

Guhanadheeswarar Kanyakumari is close to and east of the Railway Station and can be accessed from the main road.

Stay and Food

Kanyakumari is a very busy tourist spot and has several hotels and restaurants serving a wide variety of Indian cuisine.

Saivite Temples

Guhanadheeswarar, Kanyakumari