Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Context: PM will meditate at Tamil Nadu’s Vivekananda rock memorial to mark the end of the Lok Sabha campaign.
About Vivekananda Rock Memorial:
- Located on a small island off Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 500 meters from Vavathurai.
- Surrounded by the Laccadive Sea where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea meet.
- Built in 1970 to honour Swami Vivekananda, who attained enlightenment on the rock.
- Includes the ‘Shripada Mandapam’ and ‘Vivekananda Mandapam’.
- Features a life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda.
- Funded by both State and Central Governments.
Who was Swami Vivekananda?
Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), born Narendranath Datta, was a Hindu monk and a celebrated spiritual leader. A disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, he was known for his teachings on Vedanta, the four yogas, and the harmony of religions. He emphasized combining Indian spirituality with Western progress and believed in self-purification through helping others. He represented Hinduism at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago and founded the Ramakrishna Order in 1897.
Source: TH
