Vivekananda
Rock Memorial is built on the legendary Vivekanad Rock that juts out of
the convergence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of
Bengal. About 400 mts offshore the two rocky islands became the seat of
enlightenment for Swami Vivekanand, an Indian philosopher and social
reformer. It is believed that in the year 1892, Swami Vivekanand swam
across the sea and meditated on this isolated rock island, imparting the
spiritual charisma to him.Kanyakumari is famous all across the world for Vivekanand rock that houses a memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekanand. The memorial has two structures in its precincts - Vivekananda Mandapam and Sripada Mandapam on two rocks facing each other. The smaller rock called 'Sripada Parai' is revered as a sacred spot where Goddess Kanya Kumari did meditation. The rock has an impression of a human footprint, which is revered to be that of Goddess Kanya Kumari.
Vivekananda Mandapam is thronged by tourists from across the world and all those who seek mystical enlightenment come to meditate here. It has a Meditation Hall called Dhyan Mandapam where one can meditate in peace. In the Assembly Hall or Sabha Mandapam there is a statue of Swami Vivekanand. The design of mandapam has different styles of temple architectures of India, instilling a complete Indian essence within itself.
How to Reach Vivekanand Rock Memorial
Reaching Vivekanand Rock Memorial is quite easy. There are regular ferry services connecting the rock island to the mainland. You can reach Kanyakumari by air, rail and road, whichever mode of communication suits you. The nearest airport is at Trivandrum about 86kms from Kanyakumari. If trains are your choice then its good to know that Kanyakumari railway station on a broad gauge line that is situated about 1km from the port and connected to Trivandrum. An extensive road network and public, private transport operators ensure an easy travel connecting you to Kanyakumari from almost all the major cities of the South.
