Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day meditation break in Kanyakumari, arrived at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu on Thursday evening. PM Modi started mediation on May 30 at the Dhyan Mandapam where Swami Vivekanand meditated once. It will conclude on June 1.
Kanyakumari is a special destination in many different ways. It is the southernmost tip of the mainland of India. Three major water bodies – the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean – converge right here in Kanyakumari. Such a geographically blessed destination is rare and these features make Kanyakumari one of the most visited places in India annually.
The place gets its name from the Hindu goddess Devi Kanyakumari, who is considered to be the sister of Lord Krishna. When the Dutch East India Company conquered Portuguese Ceylon from the Portuguese East Indies, the name Kanyakumari was shortened to Comorin and during the British regime in India, the destination began to be called Cape Comorin. Later, the Government of India renamed it as Kanyakumari.
Of course being a coastal region Kanyakumari has great beaches that are perfect to spend vacations at. Then there are spectacular monuments that remind us about the rich cultural heritage that Kanyakumari has to offer. Then comes various temples, churches, waterfalls – all adding up to the stunning experiences that make Kanyakumari a must-explore destination. Kanyakumari is the only spot in India from where we can watch the spectacle of the sunset and the moonrise happening simultaneously on Full Moon days. It’s even grander during the day of ‘Chaitra Purnima’ when the Sun and the Moon will appear facing each other in the same horizon.
Two popular attractions of the region are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Statue of Thiruvalluvar located side by side in the sea.
Vivekananda Rock is the most visited and most crowded place of Kanyakumari. Vivekananda Rock memorial was built as a mark of respect to the legendary Swami Vivekananda and inaugurated by then the President of India Shri V.V.Giri on 02-Sep-1970.
Vivekananda Rock memorial is so natural and beautiful location of southern tip.
Interesting Facts about Vivekananda Rock:
1. Located at such a Unique location that to on small Island inside Ocean where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean converge.
2. This is the spot where the great Indian spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda meditated and attained enlightenment in 1892.
3. Vivekananda Rock memorial is built on the top of one rock which is adjacent to another rock on which Thiruvalluvar Statue is installed.
4. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial houses two main structures namely Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam.
5. Vivekananda attained enlightenment at this place while sitting on rock and meditating.
It is a very peaceful place. The sound of sea waves brings in calmness. The Meditation hall is the best place to be and the surrounding views are exceptional.
Another place to visit is Sthanumalayan temple which is located at a distance of about 7 – 8 KMS from Kanyakumari. This temple is one among the rare temples where ” Shiva , Vishnu And Brahma ” are worshipped in a single temple premises. Sthanu (Shiva), Mal ( Vishnu) Ayan ( Brahma) is said to be in the same linga form in the main linga of this temple. Hence the name “Sthanumalayan temple”.
The name of the place “Susindram” is because of the following explanation .
Suchi (in Sanskrit) – means Purify
Indram – the place where Indra (the head of all Devas) came to worship Lord Shiva and perform “Artha Jama Pooja” (at midnight) daily.
Padmanabhapuram, a small town in Kanyakumari District claims an important place in history, for it was once a thriving capital of the powerful Venad kingdom that ruled over the southern regions of the present Kerala state. Wooden structures with exceptional arcitectural style! Manimeda, Navarathri Mandapam, Uppirikka Malika, Homappura, oottupura, lakshmi Vilasam,Ayudhappura and Ambari Mukappu all are very impressive.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article to make community to visit the Kanyakumari and understand rich cultural heritage of India.