Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a famous monument in Kanyakumari, standing on one of two rocks about 500 meters off the mainland of Vavathurai, Tamil Nadu, India
The Vivekananda Memorial, as it stands today, is a memorial to Swamiji as to Shri Ekanthji Ranade whose devotion to the work he had undertaken was inspired not by mere faith but by intellectual conviction.
At Kanyakumari – a unique symbol of unity and purity – is the Memorial of Swami Vivekananda, another symbol of the united aspiration of Nation. In the Memorial, there is a happy and harmonious blend of all the architectural beauty of the country.
It is a symbol of unity because the whole nation wished, worked and contributed for it. Person from all states participated in its inauguration.
It is also a Memorial, conceived and laboured for mainly by RSS swayamsevaks, blessed by Ramakrishna Mission, designed by Paramacharya of Kachi Kamakoti Peetham, and for which Swami Chinmayananda of Chinmay Mission gave the first donation.
All the spiritual ,culture and national organisations supported it.It is also a Memorial for which all State Governments and Central Government contributed.
Thus, the memorial became a focal point just as Kanyakumari is a meeting point for three seas.
Inaugurating the Rock Memorial on September 2, 1970, the President of India Shri V.V. Giri called upon fellow Indians to rise to the call of the nation.
ALSO READ: ABOUT KANYAKUMARI TEMPLE
A Fusion of Styles: The Architecture of Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Standing tall on a rock off the coast of Kanyakumari, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a marvel of architectural design. Inaugurated in 1970, it continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of styles.
Conceived in 1962, the memorial comprises two main structures – the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. These are cleverly positioned so that the statue of Swami Vivekananda within the Vivekananda Mandapam is directly visible from the Shripada Mandapam.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The Vivekananda Mandapam itself is an architectural masterpiece. Its design echoes the structure of the Sri Ramakrishna Temple in Belur, West Bengal, while the entrances pay homage to the ancient cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora.
A Central Figure
One of the most captivating features of the memorial is the life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda, depicted in his iconic “Parivrajak” (wandering monk) posture.
Exploring the Mandapam
The Vivekananda Mandapam is a complex with various sections.
- Dhyana Mandapam: A meditation hall with six adjoining rooms, offering a serene atmosphere for quiet reflection.
- Sabha Mandapam: An assembly hall with two rooms, a corridor, and an open courtyard (prakaram).
- Pralima Mandapam: The dedicated area housing the statue of Swami Vivekananda.
- Mukha Mandapam: The entrance section with two additional rooms and a corridor.
This fusion of architectural styles creates a unique and visually stunning memorial, a fitting tribute to Swami Vivekananda’s legacy.
Quick Facts
- Address: Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fees of Vivekananda Rock Memorial
There are two main fees to consider for visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
- Entry Fee: This fee allows you to enter the memorial itself. The current entry fee is around ₹10 per person.
- Ferry Fee: Since the memorial is located on a rock offshore, you need to take a ferry to reach it. The ferry fee is separate from the entry fee and is currently around ₹34 per person (one way). There might be options for a return trip as well.
How to Reach Vivekananda Rock Memorial?
By Air
The nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
There are several cabs available to travel from the airport to the memorial.
By Train
The nearest Raiway Station is Kanyakumari junction.
You can take an auto to reach the temple.
By Road
By road it is 90 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 19 Kms from Nagercoil
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