Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a 45-hour meditation session at the historic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, June 1.

Following a vigorous two-month campaign across the nation, Prime Minister Modi sought solace through meditation just before the commencement of the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. He began his meditation at this renowned landmark on Thursday, soon after wrapping up his electioneering efforts.

Dhyana Mandapam

The Dhyana Mandapam, where PM Modi meditated, is a significant site within the memorial. This location is revered as the place where Swami Vivekananda achieved divine enlightenment, marking its spiritual importance.

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is not just a popular tourist destination but also a site of deep cultural and spiritual significance in India. According to local legend, the goddess Kanyakumari performed penance on this rock, enhancing its sacred status among Hindu devotees.

One notable feature of the memorial is the preserved footprint of goddess Kanyakumari on the granite rock. Architecturally, the memorial is a blend of diverse styles, with the Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam as key structures. Visitors can also see a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda.

Geographically, the memorial is uniquely situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea, bordered by the Laccadive Sea.

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was established to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a revered 19th-century philosopher and spiritual leader. Vivekananda is celebrated for his influential role in introducing India’s spiritual heritage to the global stage, particularly at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, United States.