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 bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda : statue height : 7'-4' Total pedestal height : 4'-8'.
The Statue was prepared by Shri N. L. Sonavadekar, Assistant Lecture of Sculpture, Sri J. J. School of Art, Bombay. The sculptor had been provided with a portrait of Swami Vivekananda for his general guidance in respect of the pose, drapery and the facial features of the statue, envisaged by the Committee. Shri S. M. Pandit, a renowened portrait - artist of Bombay prepared a portrait of the Committee conception.
The Shripada Mandapam, Vivekananda Mandapam and the statue have been so designed that the vision of Swamiji in the statue is seen directed towards the Shripadam which is situated at a little lower elevation and is at distance of 218 feet from the statue-point.