Vivekananda Rock

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 and hence serves as a peaceful and serene destination for visitors from all across the globe. 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'. The ferry ride up to these rock islands is a thrilling journey and hence attracts a lot of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

This statue depicts spectacular architecture and was built in the year 1970 and has been a major tourist attraction ever since. The island on which the statue is located is said to have been 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. This Mandapam adds to the spiritual significance and of the memorial along with emphasising on its purity. It is the perfect spot to meditate and introspect. With its serene surroundings and majestic construction, the Vivekananda Memorial is an unforgettable experience. The popular rock memorial is situated in Vavathurai and was built in honour of Swami Vivekananda.

Dispute Regarding Vivekanand Rock

When Ramakrishna Mission in Madras planned about this memorial, at the same time Kanyakumari Committee was formed by a group of people which put up a memorial on the rock along with a pedestrian bridge leading to the rock. This piece of information was not taken well by the local Catholic fishermen. To show their dissent, they planted a big Cross upon the rock. This led to a wave of restlessness among the Hindus, who considered the rock to be a holy place of the Hindus.

After a lot of chaos and protests, the Government realised that the rock had become a disputed area and thus compelled them to a pass an official order. The order was passed by the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. Bhaktavatsalam. It stated that although the rock was Vivekananda rock, there would be no memorial constructed on it. It was only allowed to put up a tablet on the rock that stated that it was associated with Swami Vivekananda. Thus, with official permission, the tablet was installed on the rock on 17 January 1963.

Architecture of Vivekananda Rock

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, Sabha Mandapam, Pralima Mandapam two rooms, a corridor and an open prakaram round the Sabha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, Namashtubhyam to the Son of jagadamba. This Mandapam was erected in honour of Swamiji and is believed to be the place where he got the aim of his life.

The Shripada Mandapam is the 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.