Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on May 30 ahead of the results of India’s Lok Sabha elections to be announced on June 4. The Prime Minister is expected to stay for two days and meditate at the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. According to reports, PM Modi will arrive in Kanyakumari on May 30 and head to the memorial on May 31 for a full day of meditation. He had previously meditated at places like Kedarnath before the counting of votes for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda meditated at this rock before delivering his historic speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893, hence the place is named after him.
What’s so special about this spot?
Designed by renowned architect Eknath Ranade, Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands on an island rock at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is a popular spot for tourists to enjoy the magnificent sunrises and sunsets. The memorial comprises the Vivekananda Mandapam, which houses a bronze statue of Vivekananda, and the Shripada Mandapam, which houses a footprint believed to be that of Goddess Kanyakumari. Many spiritually inclined people visit the place for solace and meditation. The area also has a lighthouse which is often visited by tourists.
How do I get to the island?
Visitors can reach the memorial via a short boat ride operated by local authorities, which are available from early morning until late in the evening; interestingly, the boat ticket also includes admission to the memorial and nearby attractions.
