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 Dhyan Mandapam nearing completion.
As has been mentioned already, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is to comprise two main structions, namely, (1) the Vivekananda Mandapam housing the statue of Swami Vivekananda and (2) the Shripada Mandapam around the 'Shripadam'. These two structures will the at a distance of about 60 feet from each other and on different elevations of the Rock, though on a single central line, running south-east to north-west, approximately.
As the Mukha Mandapam and the Sabha Mandapam cover almost the entire top table-land of the Rock, the Dhyan Mandapam is constructed on a lower elevation, over fifteen feet below the top level, at the rear of the Pratima Mandapam.
To enable the vistors to get into the Dhyana Mandapam directly from the Sabha Mandapam, a sstaircase has been provided in the corridor at the rear of the statue-section. A separate entrance to the hall, from the outer platform below, is provided at the eastern corner of the hall.
While it is planned to display important incidents in Swamiji's life, depicted in high relief, on bronze panels to be fixed on the inside-walls on three sides of the Dhyana Mandapam, at the centre of the remaining side, is to be installed a highly decorated pedestal with a symbol 'aum' mounted on it (Pranava Peetham).