A Recreational Trip to Kanyakumari and Stay in Vivekananda Kendra.

Vivekananda Kendra, a spiritual centre established on 100 acres of land in Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu; the southern end of India. Many people go to Kanyakumari to see the southern end of India, where three seas, namely Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet each other.

There are two rocks in sea. some distance from the main land. Swami Vivekananda meditated on one of the rocks some time; presumably on 25th, 26th and 27th of December, 1892. A temple has been erected to the memory of Swamiji, which was envisioned by Mananiya Ekanathji Ranade, who was then a prominent worker in Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh; and in collaboration with the Belur Math in West Bengal. The temple was opened in 1970. It stands tall on the rock in the sea.

On the same rock, there is a temple that adores the foot of Kanyakumari; thought to be the place where Mata Parvati stood in one foot praying for the hand of Shiva, the God of Pralaya (The Destruction); called Paduka Mandapam.

By the side of this rock stands high is the statue of the eminent Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. He was instrumental in bringing reforms in the society through his poetry.

There is also a place on the main land, off the coast, where stands the temple of Shri Aadi Sankaracharya. Aaadi Sankarachaya was instrumental in wiping out the blind believes, dogmatic and unholy rituals propagated by the then Brahmins in Vedas; and to spread the Hinduism that was in its worst period from attacks from other religions. He travelled through out India and appointed four Sankaracharyas in four sides of India to as custodian Hinduism and to interpret Vedas.

Near the temple of Aadi Sankaracharya stands tall is the temple of Swamiji who also meditated on a stone there and seen the future of India to be bright.

There is also the temple of Mata Kanyakumari, which is in standing posture; very elegantly dressed with many jewellery, protecting Bharat from that side.

Vivekananda kendra is about 1.5 kms distance from the rock point, walkable distance from the Kanyakumari railway station. The railway station is well located and connected to many parts of the country. The main junction is Nagercoil, which is at a distance of 18 kilometers from kanyakumari connected with frequent bus services.

Vivekananda kendra offers spiritual pleasure, pleasant stay, good vegetarian food and highlights on many aspects of the Hinduism as a way of living rather than a religion. Exhibition on culture of India and evolution of the Kendra is on display.

Vivekananda kendra offers education and health in the campus; and spiritual retreat. It has a sprawling garden being nest to many peacocks and houses the Samadhi of Swami Vivekananda and Mananiya Ekanathji. Near the garden one can see the sunrise.

We enjoyed the stay there 8th and 9th August. Prior booking for accommodation can be ensured through phone call to 04652-246250 and details can be known through email rooms@vkendra.org. But, the phone call is more reliable.

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• 150 Years of Swami Vivekananda (mevidur.wordpress.com)