Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Peer Mohammed Appa Dargah, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari

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.