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."
Cylindrical surfaces of dressed pillars being polished by hand.
The polishing of a stone-column or a beam or any other member of the contemplated stone-struccture is take up only after the completion of its dressing.
The polishing is effected only by hard and continous rubbing of steel-poweragainst the surfaces or portiions to be polished, and not by applying any colouring material at any stage. A tempered steel is crushed into sand-like particles and the portions to be polished are rubbed with that power mixed with water.
In all, five grades of increasingly finer steel-powders are used, one after another, in stages, to ensure high quality of the polish. The instrument used for rubbing is, generally, a flat and smooth steel rod.
Finally, a fine granite-dust and shell-lac is spread over the surface and the rubbing done again as previously, but by means of a highly smooth and polishsed steel-rod. The rubbing is continued till the desired mirror-like shine is effected.