Vivekananda Rock Memorial- Excellent Place In Kanyakumari

The beautiful Vivekananda Rock Memorial is spotted on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari. It is situated next to the stunning Indian Ocean. On one of the two neighboring rocks protruding out of the Lakshadweep Sea, the ‘Shripada Mandapam‘ and the ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’ are placed. Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock Memorial is around 500 meters east of Vavatu Rai’s mainland.

Attraction

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial has religious significance since it is thought to bear the impression of Goddess Devi Kumari’s foot, making it holy. On the Rock monument, there are two sites to see: Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam. “Shripada Mandapam” and “Vivekananda Mandapam,” two nearby rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea, are home to the Memorial. Tourists take a boat voyage from the shore to the islands to see the unusual sights and spend time at the Memorial, which is calm and tranquil. Shripada Mandapam has a museum and a study hall where you may learn about Swami Vivekananda’s life and activities. Visitors can meditate and seek serenity and purity at the “Dhyana Mandapam” which is located next to the Memorial.

History

Beautiful view of vivekananda rock memorial, Kanyakumari, India.

Swami Vivekananda, India’s greatest philosopher, and leader were honored with the establishment of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It’s where he’s sat and meditated. Swami Vivekananda came to Kanyakumari in 1892 and spent two days meditating on this rock. This was just a few days before his departure for the World Religious Conference in Chicago. Goddess Parvati is claimed to have blessed Swami, an ardent follower of Goddess Durga, and begun his comprehension of India, its splendor, and the path of elevating it at this location. Eknath Ramkrishna Ranade, a devout disciple of Swami Vivekananda, was the driving force behind the memorial’s construction. The memorial was erected in six years with the help of 650 employees and opened to the public in 1970. On January 7, 1972, Ranade established the ‘Vivekananda Kendra’ in order to propagate Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. The Vivekananda Kendra was built next to the memorial to Swami Vivekananda.

Inside/Outside Views

Pilgrims_travellers moving barefoot inside the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. People from diverse cultures all across the nation visit the memorial.

The Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam are two aspects of the memorial’s exquisite architecture. The Vivekananda Mandapam is divided into sections: Dhyana Mandapam (meditation hall with six adjoining rooms), Sabha Mandapam (assembly hall), Pralima Mandapam (statue section) with two rooms, a corridor, and an open prakaram (outer courtyard) around the Sabha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, and Namashtubhyam to the Son of Jagadamba. This Mandapam was dedicated to Swamiji and is considered to be the site where he discovered his life’s mission. Garbha Graham, inner Prakaram, outer Prakaram, and outer platform are the four portions of Shripada Mandapam, a square hall. Visitors can meditate and seek serenity and purity at the “Dhyana Mandapam,” which is located next to the Memorial.

How to Reach

As it is well connected to the landscape, traveling to Vivekananda Rock Memorial is not difficult. Between the island and the mainland, there are various low-cost ferry routes. Ferry services are usually available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

By Air: The memorial is located at a distance of about 100 kilometers away from Trivandrum International Airport and 240 kilometers away from Madurai International Airport.

By Rail: The memorial is situated at a distance of about 1.5 kilometers away from Kanyakumari Railway Station. Buses, taxis, and Autos are available from the station to get to the destination.

By Road: Vivekananda rock memorial is situated at a distance of about 1.5 kilometers away from the Kanyakumari State Transport Corporation Bus Stand. Buses, taxis, and Autos are available to reach there. Then one should take the ferry with minimal charges to get there.

Tips for Travellers

Visit during the early hours of the day to avoid the hot heat and to fully appreciate the atmosphere of the location.
At times, there may be really long lines, making waiting for a little exhausting.
This destination’s steps, which are rather steep in a few places, should be approached with caution.