As the memorial structure was to be in stone, the stone-drssing work formed the most essential priliminary part of the construction work.
The stone-dressing work was inaugurated on 6th November 1964, with only six artisans. Several work-sheds were put-up for that purpose on a spacious plot of land on the Kanyakumari shore.

Another immediate work was to procure necessary skilled labour. The number fo skilled artisans capable of working on granite stone is very limited in our cournty adn all such artisans are from teh south.  Sthapati, Shri S. K. Achari, was of great help to the Committee in overcoming this difficulty.

PRELIMINARY LABORATORY TESTS
The memorial-site being situated in mid-sea, the memorial had to be in granite, and that too of requisite quality, to ensure its long durability.
To select proper varieties of stones, specimen-pieces of granite from quarries in the vicinity of Kanyakumari, were sent to laboratory for ascertaining their quality.

THE CHIEF ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER

PROMINENT STRUCTURES ON THE ROCK AND THEIR DIMENSIONS AT A GLANCE
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial consists of two main structures, namely, (i) the Vivekananda Mandapam and (ii) the Shripada Mandapam, besides other ancillary structures like water reservoir, power distribution centre, waiting hall, wireless communication centre, caretaker's office, stores, Pradakshina Patha (circular pathway) etc.

SWAMIJI AND THE ROCK
It was precisely because of its special significance and sancity that Swami Vivekananda, an ardent devotee of Kali and Durga, was prompted to sojourn there for meditation and Sadhana.

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.

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.