Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu to commence his two-day-long meditation at Kanniyakumari's Vivekananda Rock. He will meditate from May 30 evening to June 1, much like his retreat to Kedarnath post 2019 elections.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, stands as a tribute to one of India's most revered spiritual leaders, Swami Vivekananda. This monument, surrounded by the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea, is not only a marvel of architecture but also a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and national pride.

Swami Vivekananda and his enlightenment

Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His inspiring speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893 is legendary, where he began with "Sisters and Brothers of America," capturing the hearts of people worldwide with his universal message of tolerance and acceptance.

Swami Vivekananda's visit to Kanyakumari in 1892 was a turning point in his spiritual journey. According to legend, he swam across the sea to reach the rock and meditated there for three days. During this period of intense meditation, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening and envisioned the future of India. He resolved to dedicate his life to the upliftment of his country, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, education, and unity among Indians. This moment of enlightenment on the rock solidified his resolve to spread the teachings of Vedanta and the message of selfless service across the world.

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was constructed in 1970 to honor the memory and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. The initiative to build the memorial was led by Eknath Ranade and supported by thousands of citizens through donations, showcasing the collective respect and admiration for Swami Vivekananda.

The memorial comprises two main structures

The Vivekananda Mandapam

This is the primary shrine dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. The architecture combines various styles from all over India, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the country. The Mandapam houses a life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in a meditative pose, inspiring visitors to reflect on his teachings and contributions.

The Shripada Mandapam

This smaller shrine marks the footprint of the Goddess Kanya Kumari, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the site. It represents the divine blessing of the goddess on Swami Vivekananda during his meditation.

Visitors to the memorial can experience a serene and contemplative atmosphere, enhanced by the panoramic views of the surrounding seas. The site also includes a meditation hall, where individuals can practice meditation and experience a sense of peace and reflection, much like Swami Vivekananda did.