Thiruvalluvar Statue

4.6

Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India.

Visiting time: 2-3 hours.

The massive monument of Saint Thiruvalluvar, which stands on a 38-foot plinth, is another popular item on a Kanyakumari trip. The Tamil Nadu government erected this statue in commemoration of Saint Thiruvalluvar, unquestionably one of the finest Tamil poets and thinkers.

Attraction

The massive monument of Saint Thiruvalluvar is a prominent Kanyakumari tourist attraction. Thiruvalluvar’s 95-foot statue depicts the chapters of “wealth” and “pleasure” in the Thirukural, and is placed on a 38-foot pedestal that represents the 38 chapters of “virtue.” This statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar is both historically significant and emblematic of Saint Thiruvalluvar’s profound teachings. This sky-touching statue, set amid a great expanse of water and a spiritual environment, represents wealth and pleasures that may be achieved and experienced when a solid foundation of virtue is in place.

History

Thiruvalluvar Statue`s, monument to the famous Indian poet Valluvar.

Morarji Desai, the then-Prime Minister of India, laid the cornerstone for the Thiruvalluvar monument in 1979. The installation and sculpture, on the other hand, began in 1990. In 1999, the construction was completed. On January 1st, 2000, it was opened by Dr. M. Karunanidhi, the then-chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

Around 500 sculptors were hired to create this magnificent statue, which was the vision of Dr. Ganapati Sthapati. The statue’s stone came from the hills of Pattumala Kuppam, Sirudhamoor, and Ambasamudram. This stone sculpture was created to survive natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Inside/Outside Views

Thiruvalluvar Statue`s, monument to the famous Indian poet Valluvar.

This statue, including the pedestal it sits on, rises at a towering 133 feet tall. The Atharapeedam, which comprises the Alankara Mandapa, is a three-level platform here. This mandapa is adorned with elephant figurines, giving it a majestic feel. The Thiruvalluvar statue’s head reaches a height of 200 meters above sea level. The statue is hollow from head to toe and is built in the traditional Indian architectural style. The platform is 38 feet long, while the remainder of the monument is 95 feet long. Its mass is estimated to be over 14 million pounds. The Thiruvalluvar monument is also notable for the fact that every feature on the face, from the eyes to the lips, was sculpted by hand. Each is made up of individual stones that are held together with ironwood and Palmyra stubs. 18000 ironwood poles were connected firmly to two truckloads of strong ropes to reach the pinnacle of Saint-poet Thiruvalluvar’s monument during construction.

Opening Hours

All days of the week from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee but the ferry services from the shore to the statue are Rs 20 per person.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), located 86 kilometers away, has regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai.

By Rail: Kanyakumari railway station on a broad gauge line is situated at a distance of 1km from the port and is connected to Trivandrum. Tirunelveli (83 km) is the other nearest railway junction.

By Road: The monument is located 400 meters from Kanyakumari’s coastline and can be reached via boat. It’s close to Vivekananda Puram, where the boat departs from. On its journey to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the boat stops at the Thiruvalluvar Statue. Kanyakumari is connected by road to Rameshwaram (300 km), Chennai (679 km), and Cochin (309 km). Buses, cars, and public transport are available to the coastline.

Tips for Travellers

Dress comfortably and wear comfy shoes. You don’t want to enjoy yourself less because you’re worried. To reach the holy feet of the statue, you may have to climb roughly 140 stairs (not required).
Carry some water and some light snacks, such as biscuits. Dehydration is not a good idea, and it is preferable to have supplies on hand in case of an emergency.
If you have sensitive skin, use sunscreen. The sun is frequently scorching all year.
Do not lean or push someone during the ferry voyage. This might be the source of unneeded stress.