A visit to Kanyakumari without seeing the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is like forgetting to see the Taj Mahal in Agra. It was eight in the morning when we set out from the shores by steamer boats amid a steady drizzle and windy waves. Since it is just about 500 metres from the mainland, it hardly took any time but the journey was eventful with huge waves lashing our boat.
We had to sit in the top most portion of the boat as the base got flooded. Because of high tides and huge waves right at the centre of a confluence of oceans, the boat journey can be a little difficult.
Apart from this, the queue for the ferry service is also very long and one has to wait for one or two hours if the trip is later in the day. It is better to take the service in the morning as it gets crowded after 10 am. The service closes at 4 pm.
As one reaches this unique rock structure, one is wonder-struck at the huge rock facade in the middle of high waves and unbelievably powerful winds.
It was so windy that day and the boat so unsteady that it was difficult for us to get out of the boat and we managed the feat only with the help of guides.
In fact, the boatmen were literally lifting old men and women and children from the boat and safely guiding them onto the rocky landscape.
Looking at the structure, I wondered how Swami Vivekanand could meditate for two days in such a scenario and also swim all the way from the mainland.
The rock on which the memorial is built is structurally sound and supports a huge temple and meditation complex. The guide informed us that the memorial was built only in 1970 after a lot of controversies and opposition from some quarters.
Blending various architectural styles of India, the temple is a serene and peaceful place and one can relax anywhere especially in the Dhyan Mandir.
Make it a point to spend at least half an hour meditating in this calm and spiritual atmosphere with the waves making their presence felt with whooshing sounds now and then.
In fact, there are two different structures here : one is the Vivekananda Mandapam and the other is the Sripada Mandapam. Built on the lines of Belur Mutt, the former encompasses the Ajanta and Ellora style of architecture with a statue of Vivekananda while the latter is dedicated to the place where he meditated with an image of his foot.
Even from afar, the picturesque memorial gives you a feeling of tranquillity and one leaves this memorial thinking about Swami Vivekananda and his spiritual endeavors and pursuits that inspired the world.