In the midst of heat of Indian General Elections, an interesting news Came that PM Narendra Modi will go for 48- hour meditation at Vivekanand Rock Memorial situated at the southern most end of India, Kanyakumari. On the May 30th, when campaining for the Loksabha elections ended Prime Minister reached Kanyakumari.
Why PM Modi choosed Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Although it is a big news, the whole world’s eyes are on the ongoing elections in India, but the interesting thing to ponder over is that why Prime Minister chooses Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari for meditation. What inspired him to go to Rock Memorial is a story every Indian must know, for it is perennial source of inspiration.
Relevance of Vivekananda Rock Memortal at Kanyakumari
Swami Vivekananda, a great Yogi and son of Bharat Mata after covering the length and breath of India barefoot reached Kanyakumari on December 25, 1892. Throughout his wandering in all over India, Swami Vivekananda saw the misery, suffering and cause of degradation of sunken and downtrodden masses of India. On reaching to Kanyakumari on December 25th 1892, Swami ji saw a rock from the shore in the midst of the sea. And in heavy storm and high waves, Swami ji crossed the sea and reached the rock where it is known as Goddess Kanyakumari also did Sadhana for Lord Shiva.
Swami Vivekananda meditated for three days and nights from 25th to 27th December, 1892. Although every Sanyasi perform meditation but Swami ji’s Sadhana was altogether different because he did not meditated for himself but for the humanity. Swami Vivekananda meditated on the past, present and future of India. Later, Swami Vivekananda in a letter said, “Sitting on the last bit of Indian rock, I hit upon a plan.” And that plan was so much gigantic that for the next ten years, he did so much of massive work that the whole world takes inspiration from him after around 150 years.
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Vivekananda Rock Memorial: An pernial source of inspiration
In the year of 1962, when Swanmi ji Vivekananda’s 100th birth anniversary was approaching, a discussion took place in the local people of Kanyakumari that something should be done on the rock where Swami ji meditated in 1893. The small talks took shape of a good level of social discussion when a committee was formed in Kanyakumari. As the things went forward, a section of Catholics protested that the rock belongs to St. Xaviar who came here 200 years ago and a cross was installed there. Overnight the cross was removed from there and a big agitation started between the two sections.
Catholics being a good vote bank for the political parties, State Goverment was also not supportive to do something on the rock for Swami Vivekananda. At that time, the local formed committee contacted, Sri Guru Golwalkar, the then Sar- Sanghchalk of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sagth. This mighty work was handed over by Guruji to Eknath Ranade, who was 7th Sarkaryvah of RSS. After looking into the situation and with a great vision, Eknathji took the task and a Vivekanada Rock Memorial Committee was formed. With opposition from the CM of Tamilnadu and Cultural Minister of India, Ekanathji collected the signatures from 323 MPs and handed over it to Jawaharlal Nehru.
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It was possible because of selfless ‘samparaka’, greatness of character and visionary actions of Eknath ji. Eknath ji converted obstackles into opportunity and turned adament opponents into stalwart for his work. For arranging funds, Eknath ji collected Rs 1 Lakh from each State governments. To make the rock memorial, a national monument Eknath ji visioned to collect fund from every individual through One rupees folder and at that time 30 Lakh people which was one, percent of adult population contributed Rs. 80 Lakh for national cause.
Crossing the lines of ideology and parties Eknath ji at that time, contacted all leaders whether it was Communist leader Jyoti Basu, Ram Manhar Lohia, Haryana CM Sheikh Devilal, Kashmir’s leader Sheikh Abdullah and others. All parties and States contributed for the national cause and on September 2nd 1970, Vivekananda Rock Memorial was dedicated to India. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is the only national monument which was made through contribution of India not by any political party or religious organization
Vivekananda Rock Memorial was possible through the incessant hard work, unflinching determination and the sadhana of Eknath ji. Thus, the rock memorial is perennial source of inspiration for every one. Today PM Modi, who had in his childhood had the honour to work with Eknath ji, is doing 48 hours long meditation on Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is itself result of great sadhana.Today, every Indian, apart from politics and elections must read and Know the story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari.
