Vivekananda Rock Memorial
| Vivekananda Rock Memorial | |
|---|---|
| Location | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Coordinates | 8°04′41.1″N 77°33′19.7″E / 8.078083°N 77.555472°E |
| Elevation | 16.764 metres (55.00 ft) |
| Built | 2 September 1970 |
| Architect | Eknath Ranade |
| Architectural style(s) | Indian rock-cut and Cathedral |
| Website | www |
Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a monument and popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, India's southernmost tip. 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.
According to legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari (Parvathi) performed tapas in devotion of lord Shiva. A meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea where the three oceans Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meets. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.