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."
Upper portions of the Vivekananda Mandapam as vied from the rear.
Jointing or Assembling
The process of jointing or assembling, according to traditional method, is quite interesting. It is not merely arranging one stone above the another, in plumb and in level, but it is something more. A special method adopted in this process is technically called 'tracing'.
In this, the first layer is laid strictly in level and in plumb. The second layer is placed above the first, perfectly in plumb and then the contours of the top of the first layer are traced with a 'timber tracer' on the bottom of the second layer, exactly copying the top of the first layer with all its undulations. After the tracing is done, by this way, the bottom face of the top layer is accurately dressed according to the line formed. Now the second layer is precisely adjusted on the first layer, vertically down, and thus perfect joint is effected. In order to get perfect precision, necessary extra margin is left on the undressed stone. This is also necessary for the application of the crowbars at the bottom, while moving or lifting the heavy stones. Otherwise the edges of the stones would get damaged. This is for horizontal joints.
As regards vertical joints, the same method of 'tracing' is adopted in respect of the vertical face of the adjoining stone. This ensures a very perfect joint and it is claimed that even a thin paper can not pass in between them.