Boothapandi is a Panchayat town located in the Kanyakumari District in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The town spans an area of around 5 sqkm with Thittuvilai, Thuvarancaud, Arasankuzhi, Andithoppu, Mannadi and Saattupudoor as its sub-villages. The places situated in the vicinity of the town include Azhakiyapadiapuram to the northwest, Santhimangalam to the southwest, and Thalakudi to the southeast and Aralvaimozhi to the east. It is the headquarters of Thovalai taluk, which is one among the 4 taluks of Kanyakumari district. The village sits on the western bank of the River Pazhaiyar, at the foot of the hill known as Thadakaimalai which is considered to be the abode of Thataka in the Ramayana. It forms a place of legendary importance.
The town is at a distance of 13 km from Nagercoil. Some of the important institutions of the town are the Boothapandi branch of the State Bank of India, the Government Hospital and the Government Higher Secondary School. Closest tourist spots include Kanyakumari, Vattakottai, Thovalai and Suchindram. Boothapandi is a green and fertile area and commands a picturesque view of the Western Ghats. The village is only 25 minutes from Nagercoil and the beautiful mountains attract many tourists and photographs.
Etymology of Boothapandi
Boothapandi has been named after the presence of Boothalingaswamy Temple, which is famous for its sculptures and architecture. It is surrounded by greeneries.
History of Boothapandi
Boothapandi was a part of Kerala before the independence of India. The Boothapandi Panchayat was formed in the year 1936.
Demography of Boothapandi
Boothapandi has a perfect demographical balance with half the population being male and half female. The total population is 14,721 as per census conducted in 2001. There are 84% literate males and 79% literate females. The mean literacy rate of the town becomes 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Children below 6 years of age constitute 9% of the population.
Boothalingaswamy Temple at Boothapandi
Boothalingaswamy Temple at Boothapandi is a famous Lord Shiva temple located 7 km north-east of Nagercoil. The temple was built by the son of Boothapandiyan, King Pasum Pon Pandyan. Boothapandi village is located at the foot of the hill known as Thadakaimalai, on the banks of Pazhaiyar River. Thadakaimalai is regarded as the adobe of Thataka, the Yaksha princess-turned-demoness in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The presiding deity of the temple is known as Boothalingaswamy, locally known as Salian Kanda Thirumani.
Car Festival at Boothapandi
Yearly in the month of Thai of Tamil calendar, all members in Boothapandi and its surrounding members celebrate a car festival. It runs for 10 days. Daily at night there is Orchestra, dance competition for kids etc. There are Kolam competitions for all women and girls around streets. The 9th day is Therotam where 3 cars are decorated by garlands and the lord Boothalingaswamy is kept in the big car, Ganapathy and Amman are in the small car.
Transportation of Boothapandi
The town of Boothapandi is connected to Nagercoil by road. The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International airport while the closest railway station is the Nagercoil Junction Railway Station.
