Located on the southern tip of mainland India, at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, the Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari. The temple is considered symbolic of sanctity and unity and is one of the 51 shaktipeethams (one of the places where the severed body parts of Goddess Shakti fell).

According to legend, in one of her incarnations as Devi Kanya or Shree Bhagavathy, Goddess Parvati did penance in this temple to marry Lord Shiva.

The nose ring of the idol, studded with rubies, glitters so much that it resembles a beacon. Devi is also known as Shree Baala Bhadra and Shree Baala. It is widely believed that sage Parashurama performed the consecration of the temple and the goddess in the temple removes rigidity from the mind. Devi Kanyakumari also finds mention in epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.