Marunthuvazh Malai


The Marundhuvazh Malai also known as the Marundhu Vazhum Malai/Maruthwamalai, forms the part and the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats of Agasteeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district. In adjacent lying Southern Kerala people refer to it as Maruthuva Mala.
According to tradition, the Maruthuva Malai is a fragment of the Sanjeevi Mountain, a piece of which fell down here, and it was carried by Hanuman from Mahendragiri to Lanka for healing the fatal wounds of Lakshmana, the brother of Rama, the epic hero. It stretches for more than a km, reaching a height of 800 feet at the highest point. From the highest point of the hill, one can see the 'V'section of the Indian subcontinent. The three Sea with different shades of blue and coconut trees with different shades of green are visible from this hill. It is about 1 km from pothaiyadi, a place along NH44 and NH66, 10km from kanyakumari entire to Nagercoil.
This hill is also believed to be noted in Ayyaavazhi mythology as Parvatha Ucchi Malai. Apart from the Mythology, this hill is historically related to the life of Vaikundar. So a few theologians consider this hill as sacred and consider it one among the Ayyaavazhi holy sites. Backing some quotes from Arul Nool and Akilam some even argue that Marundhuvaazh Malai is one among the Vaikundapathi's. Narayana Guru attained enlightenment while undergoing penance at this hill.
There is a mention about this Marundhu Vaazh Malai in Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Charithaamrutham written during thirteenth century in Sanskrit, which is a biography of Lord Sri Paada Sri Vallabha. This place is mentioned as Maruthuva Malai and the legend about this mountain is captured. It is also said in the holy book that this is a Holy land and Siddhas and saints live in this Mountain