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 Sripada parai or the Vivekananda Rock
VIVEKANANDA ROCK
Of the twin rocks, the minor or the smaller one is nearer the shore, but has no good flat surface upon it. The major and the father rock, however, measure about 534'x426' at the water level and has a spacious level top at an altitude of 55 feet.
The spacious rock was chosen by Swami Vivekananda for meditation. The rock, in paticular, therefore, is known as the Vivekananda Rock.
Being of considerable size and elevation and situated at a distance of aobut 450 yards from the tapering end of teh Mainland, the Rock provides an ideal and unique vantage point to visitors desiring to have a 'Darshan' of our sacred land spread up to the Himalayas.
SHIRIPAD PARAI
From very ancient times, the Rock has been regarded as a sacred place. In puranic tradition, it has been known as 'Shripada Parai', meaning the Parai (Which is the Tamil word for rock) that has been blessed by the touch of Shripada (which stands for the feet of the Goddess, in Sanskrit).