Swamay Vivekananda came to kanyakumari on 24.2.1892 before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893. He sat on meditation on this rock for two days and became a powerful spiritual leader and philosopher.  Vivekananda Rock Memorial has been built in 1970 and is a blend of various architectural styles of India.  The memorial was constructed in 2081 working days with an average of about 650 men working under the supervision of Sri. S.K.Achari.  The memorial consists of tow main structures. 

Vivekananda Mandapam

        The entire memorial mandapam is similar to that of Sri Ramakrishna Temple at Belur and the entrance is designed on the style of Ajanta and Ellora cave temples.

          There is a belief that the original Devi temple was built on this rock or somewhere near this and the rock itself was part of the mainland.  The sea might have eroded the main land and turned the rock into an island, resulting in the shifting of the old temple to the present site.  This rock is approachable only by boat which provides a pleasure cruise into the sea.

           In the main hall there is a life-size bronze statue of  Swamiji in his standing ‘parivarajak’ posture.  Adjoining the main hall is the dhyana mandapam where devotees can sit and mediated in a serene atmosphere.

Sri Pada Mandapam

          On this rock there is a small projection resembling human foot which has been revered as Sripaadam.  According to legends it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari did her penance.  This special significance and sanctity attached to this rock might have prompted Swamy Vivekananda, an ardent devotee of Kali, to venture across the sea for his long meditation.