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 rear view of the rectangular Shikharam over the Mukha Mandapam (Porch) and of the two minor Shikharams over the two side rooms at the Main Entrance of the Sabha Mandapam.
There are five Shikharams over the Pratima Mandapam and two smaller Shikharams over the two rooms near entrance of the Sabha Mandapam.
While the Central Shikharam is the tallest and rises to the height of 41'-6' from the roof-level, the four Shikharams on its four corners rise to the height of 20'-9' and the remaining two still smaller Shikharams to the height of 13'-0'.
The design of the seven Shikharams has been almost copied from that of teh Ramkrishna Temple Belur, near Calcutta. But a local touch has been given to these Shikharams by showing typical Gopuram-designed in bold relief on the four sides of all the Shikharams.
For Shikharams, red granite quarried from near Tuticorin has been used. These stones are dug out from an underground quarry. This type of granite is a costlier variety and requires more labour for dressing.