Bhoothalingaswamy Temple

Bhoothalingaswamy Temple is at Boothapandi. Boothapandi is a village located in the Thovalai taluk of Kanyakumari District, India. . It serves as the headquarters of the Thovalai taluk and is situated 7 km (4.3 mi) northeast of Nagercoil. The village is positioned 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 Thadakai in the Ramayana, adding to its legendary importance.

The village is home to the famous Bhoothalingaswamy Temple, which holds historical and cultural significance. According to the Travancore Manual, Boothapandi is believed to be an ancient place founded by one of the pandya sovereigns. Vague traditions are preserved in the Keralopatti and Kerala Mahatmiyam, wherein the Pandiya invasion of Kerala is referred to in a mythical form.

The Mahatmiyam narrates a tale of the Pandyas invading Kerala with an army of Bhuthatans (spirits) but eventually being defeated by Parasurama, the warrior sage. As a result of this conflict, the boundary between Kerala and Pandya kingdoms was fixed at Boothapandi as a compromise. A later interpretation of the Parasurama legend suggests that it symbolically represents the advent of the Aryans into Kerala.

The Bhoothalingaswamy Temple is said to have been constructed by King Pasum Pon Pandyan, the son of Boothapandiyan, and it stands as a testament to the historical and religious heritage of the region.

The presiding deity of the temple is the Suyambu Lingam, also known as Salian Kanda Thirumani. In the 17th century, members of the Saliar caste lived in the town. According to a local legend, one of the community members discovered his cow being milked by an unknown person. To investigate, he followed the cow and found it discharging milk on a bush. In a fit of anger, he destroyed the bush, revealing a stone idol beneath it. Upon slashing the idol, it started to bleed, which astounded the man. As a result, the decision was made to construct a temple for the stone idol, now known as Lord Siva, hence earning the name Salian Kanda Thirumani for the deity. This legend has been passed down through generations and adds to the temple's cultural significance.