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A Forwarded email by a member of the group. 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. History History of Kanyakumari Kanniyakumari district, once known as "The Granary of Travancore" lies at the southwestern part of Indian peninsula. It was in Travancore for a long time and then merged with Tamil Nadu in 1956 under the State Linguistic Reorganisation Act. By its very location, Kanyakumari occupies a unique place among the tourist centres of India. It is one of the important pilgrim centres of India.This is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening.A fine beach

landscape with sands of different colours is another interesting aspect of Kanyakumari.Palm leaf articles of Kanyakumari are very famous. Kanyakumari was once referred to as the "ALEXANDRIA OF THE EAST".This place has been a great centre for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage for years.It was also a famous centre for commerce and trade. During the early part of the 8th century A.D,Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and Missionaries.Through St.Thomas,one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in 52 A.D. Islam,Christianity and Jainism religions have greatly contributed to the Architectural wealth and literal heritage of this place.Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas,the Cheras,the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were the great rulers of South India.The architectural beauty of the temples are the beautiful work of these rulers. The shore temple in

this famous Pilgrim centre is dedicated to the virgin goddess Devi Kanyakumari, who eternally protects the country.The temple is a symbol of unity and sanctity.One can also see "SRI PADAPARAI", the footprints of the virgin goddess.From the light house one can see the panoramic view of the landscape of Kanyakumari.The Guganathaswamy temple is a 1000 year old temple which was built by Raja Raja Cholan.

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