Marking the culmination of the campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meditate at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu.According to the sources, the only biggest star campaigner of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), PM Modi will arrive at the picturesque memorial off the coast of Kanyakumari on May 30 and may leave for Delhi on June 1, which is the last phase of the ongoing polls. The results for the polls will be announced on June 4.As per sources, PM Modi will meditate at the Dhyan Mandapam, the hall at the Memorial, which has spiritual significance since Swami Vivekananda, after roaming across the country, is believed to have meditated here for three days. PM Modi will mediate from the evening of May 30 to the evening of June 1.History of Vivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock Memorial is a famous monument located on a small island in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. It was built in honor of Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Hindu spiritual leader, and philosopher. It is believed that the idea for the memorial was conceptualized in 1924 by Eknath Ranade, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda. However, it took several decades for the construction to begin.The construction of Vivekananda Rock Memorial began in 1964 and was completed in 1970. It was designed by the renowned architect, Late V Ganapati Sthapati.Significance of Vivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock Memorial holds immense significance both culturally and spiritually. It stands as a symbol of the religious harmony and universal brotherhood that Swami Vivekananda preached throughout his life. The memorial commemorates the visit of Swami Vivekananda to the site in December 1892. It is said that Vivekananda swam across the sea and meditated on the rock for three days, gaining spiritual insight and enlightenment.ArchitectureThe memorial is a blend of various architectural styles, including traditional South Indian architecture. It consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam, interconnected by a bridge.Vivekananda Mandapam is the main structure of the memorial, housing a bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda. The design of the mandapam is inspired by the Sri Ramakrishna Temple in Belur Math, West Bengal.The other one is Shripada Mandapam, which is a smaller structure that enshrines a footprint of the Goddess Shripada, believed to be the place where the goddess stood when she appeared before Vivekananda during his meditation.Tourist AttractionVivekananda Rock Memorial attracts thousands of visitors every year, including devotees, tourists, and spiritual seekers. The serene ambiance and panoramic views of the surrounding ocean make it a popular destination for meditation and introspection. The memorial serves as a reminder of Swami Vivekanandas teachings and his message of tolerance, compassion, and selfless service. It continues to inspire people from all walks of life to strive for spiritual growth and social upliftment.Overall, Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands as a testament to Swami Vivekanandas enduring legacy and his profound impact on Indian spirituality and philosophy.
