Mandaikadu
| Mandaikadu | |
|---|---|
| city | |
  Mandaikadu | |
| Coordinates: 8°13′59″N 77°19′33″E / 8.23306°N 77.32583°ECoordinates: 8°13′59″N 77°19′33″E / 8.23306°N 77.32583°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Kanniyakumari |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 12,349 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
Mandaikadu is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[1] Mandaikadu(www.mandaikadu.in) had a population of 12,349. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Mandaikadu has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 75%. In Mandaikadu, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Sri Bhagavathi Amman Temple
Sri Bhagavathi Amman Temple is an important temple situated near to Nagercoil – colachel State highway in Mandaikadu .This Temple was built in kerala tradition in very simple style. Holy trees for this temple are Bo Tree and Neem . Pujas is performed four times daily. Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple is known as a Sabarimala for Women. The 15 feet tall anthill is the Bhagavathi amman. Women visit the temple with the Irumudi (a bundle containing puja items for the Goddess) as men go to Sabarimala.
History
His Holiness Sri Sankaracharya was performing Srichakra Puja with his Kerala disciples here. One day the Chakra did not turn back after the puja was over as usual. The Acharya stayed here itself and attained Samadhi. It is on this spot where the Srichakra existed, the anthill began to grow. Children playing this side and hitting the anthill were injured. Marthanda Varma, the king of Kerala came to know of these developments and built a temple and performed pujas regularly. Gradually, the temple assumed significance among the devotees. Today is a famous temple blessing the devotees.
General information
Mandaikadu is 75 km from Thiruvananthapuram, 95 from Tirunelveli and 18 km from Nagercoil. Nagercoil is the capital town of Kanyakumari District. There is facility in the temple for staying. Charge Rs. 25 and Rs. 50. Lodges are available in Nagercoil also, charges ranging from Rs. 150 to Rs. 400. Bus facilities are available to Nagercoil from almost all parts of Tamil Nadu. Devotes can reach Mandaikadu by road. Daily Trains from Chennai and some parts of Tamil Nadu and weekly trains from all over India also available to reach Nagercoil. Nearest railway stations are Iranial and Nagercoil. Nearest airports are Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.
Festivals
10 day Masi festival (March–April) draws a huge crowd numbering 10 lakh. 10th day of festival is maintained on the last Tuesday of Tamil month Masi of every year. Accordingly the festival starting flag will be raised on Sunday morning. We can feel that every day is amman festival day. The crowd would be huge during the Tuesdays and Fridays of every week and On Poornima day too.
References
- ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.