Vivekananda Memorial

Vivekananda Memorial or the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is the temple compound on one of the huge rock islands, lying some 500 meters off the tip of the Indian peninsula. On these rocks, which were considered sacred since ancient times, Swami Vivekananda had attained enlightenment after a prolonged meditation in the year 1892. He had reached the place by swimming through the harsh waters of the adjoining sea. His had stayed for three days from 24th of December to 26th of December. This is the best place to watch the confluence of the three major water bodies that surround India: the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

The Vivekananda Memorial comprises the temple premise and the mediation hall. The Shripada Parai or the Shripada Mandapam is located nearby. It is believed that the brown pigmented area, somewhat resembling a human feet, is the footprint of Devi Parai, who attained austerity in this very place.