Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The colossal and imposing ‘Vivekananda Rock Memorial’ is located offshore around 500 m east of mainland of Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, in the southernmost tip of India. It is seated on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises of two important structures, the ‘Shripada Mandapam’ and the ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’. This awe-inspiring memorial was constructed in honour of the great spiritual leader and Hindu monk of India, Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment here after meditating for two days prior to his famous Chicago trip. 

This rock is also considered sacred as local legends say Goddess Devi Kumari blessed the rock while performing austerity. The memorial today stands as an architectural chef d'oeuvre illustrating various architectures styles of India and attracts thousands of visitors round the year. A boat cruise to the place, the only way of transport, makes the trip more enjoyable to visitors.

  Establishment of ‘Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Swami Vivekananda visited Kanyakumari on December 24, 1892, prior to his Chicago trip to take part in the 1893 ‘World Religious Conference’. It is said that he meditated on the rock for two days and attained enlightenment. He was one of the eminent disciples of Ramakrishna, an Indian mystic and yogi of the 19th century, and later played an instrumental role in introducing Indian philosophies of Yoga and Vedanta to the Western countries.

 In January 1962, marking the birth centenary of Swamiji, the ‘Kanyakumari Committee’ was set up by a group of people who aimed at establishing a memorial of Swamiji on the rock as also a bridge for people to visit the rock. The ‘Ramakrishna Mission’ in Madras also conceived of such a memorial during that time.

However the concept met with certain hurdles with the local Catholic fishermen displaying aversion and putting up a big Cross on the rock and on the other hand the Hindus were protesting such move of the Catholic populace. 

As matters became worse, the rock was marked as a prohibited place and armed guards were stationed to patrol it. On January 17, 1963 as permitted by the government, a tablet was put up at the rock that mentioned its association with Swami Vivekananda.

A Visit to the ‘Vivekananda Rock Memorial'

This sacred memorial symbolising purity and unity preached by Swami Vivekananda has over years emerged as one of the most revered memorials of India and one of the must visit destinations of Kanyakumari. The rock also offers a striking view of the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.