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."
The image of Goddess Kanya enshrined in the temple.
Kanyakumari is a veritable symbol of sanctity as well. As the legend goes, it was here that Goddess Parvati in one of her incarnations as Devi Kanya, did Tapasya to obtain the hand of God Shiva, the Lord of Kailash, in the Himalayas in the distant north. As a reminder of that event, there at the land's tapering end stands, from ancient times, a magnificent temple enshrining the Image of Goddess Kanyakumari. In fact, the Kanyakumari village has been known by that name only because of its association with this temple.