Vivekananda Rock Memorial

On the seaside is built a large, beautiful memorial dedicated to the Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have meditated here before setting out as one of India's most important religious crusaders. There is a Dhyana Mandapam for one to sit in a serene atmosphere and meditate. This memorial is on two rocky islands projecting from the sea about 400 m offshore. The Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda came here in 1892. The memorial has been built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great philosopher - guide Swami Vivekananda went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century.On this rock stands the "Vivekananda Rock Memorial" built in 1970 with a blend of all the architechtural styles of India. A statue of Swamy Vivekananda has been installed inside the memorial building.

Two rocks reach out of the ocean, southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. Both these rocks are fine places from where one gets a view of the land's end of India. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are seen. Swami Vivekananda sat in meditation on this rock before his journey to the West to spread Hinduism in 1892. There is a meditation hall and its polished floors reflect the huge metal statue of Vivekananda. The sacred 'OM' glows in green on the wall. Sri Padaparai (Padam-feet; Parai - rock) Mandapam is a shrine erected at the spot where the footprint of the Goddess is seen. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals. The merger of three seas- Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean can be seen from these rocks. While looking at the horizon, one gets a feeling of nature spraying various colors on water. A museum quite close to the temple, by name Wondering Monk gives more details on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation is operating frequent ferry service to this rock.