Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple, Kanyakumari - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 21 km from Nagercoil, and 34 km from Kanyakumari, Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple is Hindu temple situated near Colachel in the Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. Previously known as Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple, it is one of the most famous religious places to visit as part of Kanyakumari packages.

Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple is dedicated to Devi Parvathi and holds significant importance as one of the foremost Hindu temples in the Kanyakumari district. It serves as a prominent pilgrimage destination for devotees from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This temple is known as the Women's Sabarimala because many Kerala women carry 'Irumudi' on their heads as in Sabarimala in just as men fast for 41 days for Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple and worship, every year on the occasion of the Maasi Festival that takes place in February or March.

Situated near the seashore, the temple is constructed in Kerala traditional temple architectural style, and it has very similar architecture like Sabarimala Temple. Here anthill is worshipped as the Goddess, about 15 feet tall, and has 5 heads. People believe that the anthill is growing daily. The face of the Goddess exists at the upper end of the structure. It is said to be the site where Adi Shankaracharya once performed puja to a Sri Chakra. Additionally, there exists a sanctum sanctorum dedicated to the Sri Chakra.

The ten-day Kodai festival, known as Maasi Kodai, held at Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple during the month of Maasi (March), is a significant celebration in the area. The tenth day of the festival is particularly noteworthy, with a local holiday declared throughout the district. On the seventh day, a ritual called 'Valiya Padukka' takes place, featuring an exhibition of abundant fruits, food, and flowers before the Amman. The ninth day includes the 'Periya Chakkara Theevetti,' a procession involving a ring of fire in front of the Utsava Murthi Amman, who is carried from the sanctum sanctorum on a Silver Cart (Velli Pallakku) around the temple. At midnight on the tenth day, a distinctive pooja known as 'Odukku Pooja' is conducted.

Timings: 5.30 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 8.30 PM

Entry: Free