Peer Mohammed Appa Dargah, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari
Peer
Mohammed Appa Dargah is one of the most renowned Sufi pilgrim centers
in Kanyakumari, the southernmost district of Tamil
Nadu. It is located in Thuckalay and was dedicated to a Sufi saint Peer
Mohammed Sahib who was also a Tamil poet. The vow of sleeping in the
Dargah premises is considered sacred.
History
Peer
Mohamed Oliyullah Dargha is named after the great philosopher Peer Mohamed
Appa, who was born in Tenkasi of Tirunelveli District. After spending some time
in Peermedu of Kerala State he came to Thuckalay and stayed permanently. He is
a great Tamil poet. He also wrote many books on philosophy. He had very close
relationship with the Kings of Chera dynasty. It is believed that he laid the
foundation stone for the famous Padmanabhapuram Granite Fort.
Festivals
The
Anniversary of this great philosopher and poet is celebrated every year in the
Arabic month of Rajab. People from Kerala and Tamil Nadu participate in the
celebrations irrespective of their religion. The festival day is declared as
local holiday by the state government for the whole district of Kanyakumari.
Connectivity
The
Dargah is located at about 700 meters from Thuckalay Bus Stand, 1 Km from Thuckalay,
1.5 Kms from Padmanabhapuram Palace, 3 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 3 Kms from Thiruvithamcode,
5 Kms from Eraniel, 13 Kms from Colachel, 15 Kms from Nagercoil, 36 Kms from
Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is
located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
