Cape Of The Great Souls- Kanyakumari

Take a walk of 20 minutes from the railway station, on a road heading towards the South. And you are welcomed by the most invigorating view of the confluence of the sea with spirituality.  

My sagacity was lost with joy and salvaged in peace, such was the beauty of Kanyakumari. No wonder it was the favorite of all the saints. The seashore is flocked by people during the time of sunrise and sunset. The market is crammed with shoppers eagerly choosing among the artifacts and bargaining for discounts. A variety of attractive seashell paraphernalia can be seen in every shop. The best way to enjoy the sunset is to sit alone near a rock and feel the serenity of the three most turbulent seas uniting together in harmony. I call this place- Cape of The Great Souls.

Vivekanand Rock Memorial 

Vivekanand Rock & Statue Of Thiruvalluvar

The memorial can only be reached by regular ferries (INR 40/ person). The ferry service is closed by 1600 hrs as the sea becomes rough in the evening. In the same vicinity, there is a hall called- Dhyan Mandapam. It gives the numinous experience of meditation. It is a  dark room, echoing with the enchantment of the mystic word 'Ohm'. Tourists can sit here in silence and meditate. Opposite the  Vivekanand Rock, there is another rock where a statue of the great  Tamil poet  Thiruvalluvar is situated. It is said that it was built in a style, similar to that of the Statue of Liberty.

Gandhi Mandapam

 

A view from Gandhi Mandapam

Before the final submersion, the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were last kept here for public viewing. The memorial provides a spectacular view of the horizon that embraces the sun in the lap of colorful waters.

I found the following inscription posted on a tile -

-By Mahatma Gandhi

The Wandering Monk

It is a museum based on Swami Vivekanand's journey across India as a wandering monk. He believed that traveling can be a way of salvation as a traveler remains away from worldly emotions and negative Karmas.

About Nagercoil - The city is 20 km from Kanyakumari and derives its name from Nagraj temple. Built-in Chinese style, the temple exudes sculptures of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.