Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a small island off Kanyakumari. It has the picturesque Indian Ocean in its backdrop. It is situated on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises of the 'Shripada Mandapam' and the 'Vivekananda Mandapam'.Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located at about 500 meters east of the mainland of Vavathurai in Kanyakumari and can be accessed by regular ferries.

This statue was built in the year 1970 on the island situated in Vavathurai, built on the site where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. The Shripada Mandapam has a study hall and a museum, where you can explore Vivekananda's life and work in depth.

According to historical tales and legends, it is believed that Goddess Kumari performed austerity on this rock. There is a 'Dhyana Mandapam' located beside to memorial, which serves as the meditation hall for the visitors to meditate. The style of architecture followed here is distinctive and incorporates various temple styles from all over India. The Laccadive Sea surrounds these rocks.

History of Vivekananda Rock Memorial

In January 1962, it was deemed fit that a memorial dedicated to Swamiji must be constructed to commemorate his birth Centenary. Sri Veluyudhan, the president of Haindeva Seva Sangh, took the lead and a committee was formed for the same. A meeting was held which was headed by Sri Ram Krishna Mission and the memorial was affirmed by all. After overcoming a few initial glitches, the marvelous memorial statue was finally approved, and the rest is history.

Vivekananda's Rock also holds religious significance to the locals. It is believed that Goddess Devi Kumari blessed the rock while performing austerity. The construction of the memorial is a very sublime combination of various temple building styles from all over the country, which imparts a very serene aura to this place.

Architecture of Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The majestic architecture of the memorial is divided into two major sections, namely- the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The Vivekananda Mandapam has the following sections- Dhyana Mandapam (which is the meditation hall with six adjacent rooms), Sabha Mandapam (which is the assembly hall), Pralima Mandapam (statue section) two rooms, a corridor, and an open prakaram (outer courtyard) round the Sabha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam,

Namashtubhyam to the Son of Jagadamba. This Mandapam was erected in honor of Swamiji and is believed to be the place where he got the aim of his life.

The Shripada Mandapam is a square hall and has the following sections- Garbha Graham, inner prakaram, outer prakaram, and the outer platform. Shri Padaparai Mandapam is also present in the vicinity, which is a shrine that was erected to mark the footprint of the virgin goddess on the rock.