Vaikunda Malai, Athalavilai, Kanyakumari

Vaikunda Malai, Athalavilai, Kanyakumari

Vaikunda Malai is a hill which is part of the Mahendragiri Hills situated near Athalavilai of Kanyakumari district in the Western Ghats of India. This hill has religious importance in the Ayyavazhi religion during the festival of Ayya Vaikunda Avatharam, the day of incarnation of Ayya Vaikundar. During the celebration, two processions, one from Thiruvananthapuram and other from Tiruchendur, reach Athalavilai and circle the hill. A Jyothi (flame) is lit at the top of this hill to symbolize the birth of Vaikundar.

Unlike other Ayyavazhi holy places, Vaikunda Malai is not mentioned in the Ayyavazhi scriptures. Athalavilai is located at about 12 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 6 Kms from Thovalai, 12 Kms from Boothapandi and 82 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.