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."
Spripadam
SHRIPADAM
there is on the Rock a projection, similar in form to a human foot and a little brownish in complexion, which has traditionally been revered as a symbol of the Shripadam. According to the legend, stated earlier, it was on this Rock that Goddess Kanya did tapasya.
TEMPLE AND THE ROCK
It is also widely believed that the original Kumari Temple was on the Rock or somewhere near it and that the Rock itself was a part of the Mainland; but, sometime in the distant past, the sea encroached upon the Mainland and turned the Rock into an island, with the result that the old temple had to be rebuilt on its present site.
Whatever truth there may be in the above tradition, one thing is certain that the Rock has been venerated by Shakti-worshippers, through the ages, as a place of great spiritual efficacy for taking up Sadhana.