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Source- This post on Vivekananda Rock Memorial has been created based on the article “PM Modi to meditate at Tamil Nadu’s Vivekananda Rock Memorial to mark culmination of Lok Sabha campaign” published in “The Hindu” on 30 May 2024.
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari for meditation.
About Vivekananda Rock Memorial
1. Location- The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is situated on a small island near Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. It is positioned about 500 meters away from the Vavathurai mainland. The memorial stands atop one of two rocks in the midst of the Laccadive Sea. This location is notably where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea converge.
2. Historical Significance- The memorial marks the site where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have achieved enlightenment. It was constructed in 1970 as a tribute to his profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality.
3. Architectural Features- The memorial features two main structures – the ‘Shripada Mandapam’ and the ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’. It also houses a life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda, enhancing its spiritual and cultural significance.
About swami Vivekananda
1. Swami Vivekananda was originally named Narendranath Datta. He was a major advocate for Vedanta, which is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy.
2. He was born in 1863. He became a disciple of the mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa.
3. Vivekananda’s teachings focused on combining the spiritual richness of Indian traditions with the progress-driven approach of the Western world.
4. He is well-known for introducing Hinduism to the Western world at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, making a profound impact with his speeches. Upon returning to India, he founded the Ramakrishna Order, a religious and philanthropic organization, to continue his mission of service and spiritual development.
5. Swami Vivekananda emphasized the importance of meditation and taught that true understanding comes from realizing the divine nature within each person.
Read more: Teaching of swami Vivekananda
UPSC Syllabus: Personalities in News, art and culture
