Vivekananda Rock Memorial(Kanyakumari,India)

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a monument and popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, India's southernmost tip.[1] The memorial stands on one of the two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai, Tamil Nadu. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
Amid the soothing sea breeze and dancing waves is a rock, so enigmatic and elegant. It’s a tribute to India’s greatest monk who took this land’s spiritual brilliance to the world. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is as timeless as the sage himself.
“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart”, said Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest spiritual leaders who ever lived. When you reach Kanyakumari, you can’t help but follow your heart and brain alike as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial will invite you with its stunning majesty. One of the most visited tourism attractions in India, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a rock in the sea, about 500 metres from the mainland.
A 19th century philosopher and author, Swami Vivekananda took India’s spiritual fame to the world at the Parliament of World’s Religions held in Chicago in 1893. It was in honour of the great monk that the memorial was erected in 1970. The rock on which the memorial is built is said to be where Vivekananda attained enlightenment. Legends also say that it was on this rock that goddess Kanyakumari prayed to lord Shiva, thus attaining an important place in India’s religious premises. There is a specially preserved portion in the rock which is believed to be the imprint of the goddess’s feet. The memorial showcases an elegant blend of different architectural genres. The Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam are two structures to be explored in the memorial. There is also a life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in the premises.
The rock is surrounded by the Laccadive sea where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea form a confluence. The location is absolutely picturesque and will leave you wondered.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another place in Kanniyakumari which attracts large number of tourists. As its name implies, it is essentially a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment.
From very ancient times, the rock has been regarded as sacred place. In Puranic tradition, it has been known as “Sripada Parai: meaning the rock, that has been blessed by the touch of Shripada feet of the Goddess.On the rock, is a projection similar in form to a human fort and a little brownish in complexion, which has traditionally, been revered as a symbol of Shripadam. According to legend, it was on this rock that Goddess Kanniyakumari did Tapas.
The memorial consists of two main structures, viz (i) Vivekananda Mandapam and (ii) Shripada Mandapam.
Vivekananda Mandapam:- This 180’-11 ‘ X 56’ Mandapam consists of
Dhyana Mandapam, i.e., Meditation Hall with six adjacent rooms
Sabha Mandapam or the Assembly Hall including Pralima Mandapam (statue section) two rooms, a corridor and an open Prakaram round the Sabha Mandapam (30 Mukha Mandapam (Portion)
the Front Entrance steps with two rooms and a corridor below the steps.
Shripada Mandapam:- This square hall consists of
Garbha Graham i.e., (Sanctum Sanctorum)
the Inner Prakaram
the Outer Prakaram and
the Outer Platform all around
Both the Mandapams are so designed that the vision of Swamiji in the statue would be seen direct towards the Shripadam. Visting Hours -8 AM To 4 PM. Entrance Fee - Rs 20 . Ferry Fee Rs 34 for adult .and Rs 17 for students.