At Kanyakumari - a unique symbol of unity and purity - is the Memorial of Swami Vivekananda, another symbol of the united aspiration of Nation. In the Memorial, there is a happy and harmonious blend of all the architectural beauty of the country. It is a symbol of unity because the whole nation wished, worked and contributed for it. Person from all states participated in its inauguration.
"An aggregate or a congregation of men does not make a nation, nor do the geographical area and duration of time qualify a society to be known as a nation. A government formed on such a basis can be called a state, but not a nation. It is common goal or mission that makes a nation. All the constituents strive collectively for something noble. Service with spiritual orientation results in man-making which invariably and inseparably connected with nation building." It is the core of all the thoughts behind Vivekananda Kendra.
Second Phase of Vivekananda Rock Memorial was parallel when Rock Memorial was taking shape. As Eknathji used to say "To put up a Cement and Concrete structure is not the work for which I am born, I am to erect a living and dynamic monument which will be worthy of Swami Vivekananda and which will be capable of bringing into fruition his grand vision of future India."
A view of the pilared outer Prakaram (corridor) of the Shripada Mandapamon its north-east.
Selection of Stones
The Shilpa Shastrs give detailed instructions regarding the selection fo proper stones for the purpose of construction as well as for artistic work. The quality of a stone is ascetained by examining its lines or fibres, colour, grains as also blemishes in the form of any innate colour spots or patches, found in it. The quality is also determined by analysing the sound it emits on being tapped.
The Shastras also classify stones as belonging to 3 categories, the masculine, the feminine and the neuter. They prescribe stones of both female and male varieties for ornamental work as well as for preparing columns, beams, wall-stones and other such members that have to take direct weight on them. Stones of the neuter variety are prescribed generally for foundation work, flooring and for artistic carvings.
In Vivekananda Rock Memorial, all the stones used are either of the male or female category except for the stones used for flooring which are of the neuter variety.