Vivekananda kendra
"Everything looks propitious and Indian thought, philosophical and spiritual, must once more go over and conquer the world."
First phase of Celebration Vivekananda Birth Century is Vivekananda Rock Memorial.Second phase - Vivekananda Kendra , a living memorial of swamiji and Third phase is Vivekananda Kendra International which is launched in 1982 and officially inaugurated in 2003.
An initiative for inter-civilisational harmony through dialogue and understanding for building international understanding through Indian wisdom, thereby promoting the Indian cause at the international level. Vivekananda Kendra International is a humble, but determined beginning of a great national mission for global understanding.
As a great historian said "Western begins must have an Indian end". The western begins had heralded centuries of clashes and conflicts, the Indian mission at a global level is the only alternative.This is the goal of the Vivekananda Kendra International", its vision and mission.
As first part of the third phase, Vivekananda International Foundation which is the main highlight of Vivekananda Kendra International has been inaugurated on 1st December 2009.
Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) is a think tank set up with the collaborative efforts of India's leading security experts, diplomats, industrialists and philanthropists. The VIF’s objective is to become a centre of excellence to kick start innovative ideas and thoughts that can lead to a stronger, secure and prosperous India playing its destined role in global affairs.
Vivekananda Kendra International is global in perspective and in scale of operations, supported by an extensive infrastructure manned by a dedicated workforce of proven intellectual competence and integrity. the constitution and work of Vivekananda Kendra International will allow India to promote the greatness of its culture and wisdom, and endeavour to overcome the challenges that we face at a global scale. Drawing from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Vivekananda Kendra International will provide a new international platform to the Indian voice, by creating awareness about Indian philosophy and ancient wisdom towards propagating global peace and harmony and preventing the predicted clashes among civilizations.
Perspective : Vivekananda International Foundation,
Plot No.-3, San Martin Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021
Phone : +91-11-241-21764/06698
Email : info@vifindia.org
Web : http://www.vifindia.org
PLACES OF INTEREST
Vivekananda Rock Memorial : The Legendary National Monument to the Cyclonic Patriotic Hindu Monk, Swami Vivekananda.
Wandering Monk : A terracotta exhibition on Swami Vivekananda's soul stirring experiences during his Parivrajaka period.
Arise! Awake!! : A unique pictorial exhibition depicting the contribution of Swami Vivekananda to India and his clarion call to serve the Motherland.
Gangotri : A Pictorial presentation of the wonderful story of adamantinewill, Bhagirath-efforts and great vision for Nation-building as seen through the life and message of Mananeeya Sri Eknathji Ranade - the Founder of Vivekananda Kendra.
Bharat Gramodaya Darshan Park : This latest exhibition depicts the exhibits on Water, Shelter, Food and Herbal Medicines with a working model on rain harvesting and affordable houses.
Library : Over 30,000 books in many Indian languages on religion, philosophy, spirituality, Yoga, culture and other topcs of general interest and a Reading Room with around 100 periodicals to cater to the needs of the visitors.
Beach : Vivekanandapuram beach is sanctified with a Mandapam with Swami Vivekananda's life-size statue and Mananeeya Eknathji's Samadhi. It also has a beautiful beach garden and Sun-rise point. The view of Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the mid-sea at Sunrise remains an unforgettable lifelong experience.
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Something that’s etched in my memory and never fades are trips I have made to Kanyakumari. There’s something so Godly (using the word for convenience) about it. Now Kanyakumari is southern tip of India, located in Tamil Nadu, known for its Indian Ocean. Now the question remains as to why the trip to Kanyakumari makes it so memorable? Well let me say it depends on what you look at and also what you want. The sheer gigantic Ocean stands before one and proclaims… Lo, Behold I am the eternity. Of course it is not the ocean alone which gives one the feeling, but also the serene presence of The Vivekananda Rock, amidst the vast ocean, perhaps, the very symbol of Eternity. And the immortal presence of Goddess Kanyakumari in the temple near the Bay, offers real spiritual fervor to the seeker. Standing in the rock and watching the waves splashing over one’s face, one can only marvel at its beauty and inevitably ponder on how the city itself blends into its past, presence and future and there is also a point where all the three vanish and everything around vanish leaving only you and the Ocean.
kanyakumari 3
There are quite a few things to take care of while travelling to Kanyakumari. The first would be from where one travelling is and what route one is going to take. One route is through Kerala and the other through Tamil Nadu. Through Kerala, its very exotic, but only if there is a week’s leisure for one to consider, for there are places in Kerala which are by themselves a must visit and also if one is travelling during summer, it would be tedious unless they stay in one of the resorts amidst backwaters (I have Alleppy (in Cochin district) in mind here), for summer is too hot. Through Tamil Nadu, it would not be as tedious, for the distance is not much, (it takes Thirunalveli- Nagerkoil route), but again it depends on where they start from.
The best time to go there is either during rainy season or during spring, where one can find a clear blue sky to have a glimpse of the sunrise and sunset (They are the ones that this place is very famous for, though I did not have an opportunity to see it, having travelled there twice.) Most of them who have visited the place before would not agree with me if I say the rainy season is the best season to travel here, yet I say it because, Kanyakumari takes on such romantic turn – no sunsets, no sunrise, its all cloudy, raining all the time, the bay is closed. But if one can go and stand along with those fishermen, then its hard describing in words what Nature offers. I still feel those raindrops over my face… everything looks so serene and after the rainfall , when the shops open for a Short time, shopping in those rain-washed streets are treat by itself.
In and around Kanyakumari, there a lot of economical inns to make your stay. Vivekananda Kendra is one such place and it is also close to Bay. There are other Three Star inns as well which offer sea facing rooms. But that depends on personal choice. Locating one is never a problem in Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is also famous for its red soil- sometimes people sell it, Conch and seashells attracts shoppers, also bags (handmade) and yes the spices- Kanyakumari is the best place to get it from.
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) is the tip of the great India. It is also the meeting point of three oceans namely The Indian Ocean, The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. A two day trip is sufficient to cover the entire tourist locations in and around Kanyakumari. For those who are on a vacation in Kerala can very well see this place as it is only 80 kms from Trivandrum. Tourist can hire a taxi or can catch a bus run by Tamilnadu Road Transport Corporation to reach the destination. Kanyakumari is one of the best place to watch the sunset and sunrise, also it has several religious places . The major attractions in Kanyakumari are The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, The Kumari Amman Temple,Gandhi Memorial, Vivekanandapuram.
The most popular tourist attraction is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial ,a sacred monument build on two rocks located around 600 meters away from the mainland in the sea. It was build in honour of the great saint Swami Vivekananda.It is believed that Swami Vivekananda swam to this rock, meditated and attained enlightenment.
Here you could see the Rock Memorial in the background
Millions of tourist visit Kanyakumari every year. Boat services are available to reach the Rock Memorial. But often we find heavy rush for getting the tickets, so plan the trip in advance or get the help of locals to buy ticket well in advance. Boat will take you to the destination in 15 minutes. The sea at times may turn rough and hence all are asked to wear the life jacket.
One can spend around 2 hours on this monument. A spiritual mood prevails over the entire region. Have a look at the monument.
The monument consists of a large hall having several pictures and statues of Swami, a meditation room, a book stall. The book stall has a large number of books written by Swami mainly for the youth, I found the same very useful.
Sun dial is another interesting thing in Rock memorial. You can actually calculate the exact time by looking at the location of the sun and the shadow which it cast.
Just in front of the Rock monument on another rock there is a huge statue of Tiruvalluvar. The statue is 133 feet high. Boat will take you to this rock also. The statue is well lit with lights during night.
A small temple few meters away from the memorial is another attraction. The temple has foot prints of Devi Kanyakumari.
The three oceans meet at a point called ‘Sangam’ which can be seen from the Rock memorial. During evening the tides can be high and can be dangerous. Boat services will be available only on normal tide days, during high tide and rainy seasons the same will be stopped . It is advised to call the office to make sure that service is available.
This is another view of the Sangam from Vivekananda Rock memorial.
During after noon the entire rock over which the monument stands becomes so hot that its very difficult to walk over it. Path ways painted white with special heat resistant paint help us to move around the place.
A large number of hotels are mushrooming in Kanyakumari. Many of the promises which they make are only on paper. Getting a good place to stay is a tedious job in Kanyakumari, especially during season. The Vivekananda Kendra is a 100 acre spiritual centre set up by Eknath Ranade. It provides food and accommodation at nominal rates. But not many people know about this place.
Sunrise and sunset can be viewed from a small beach which is close to the campus. One can have a walk early morning and watch the sunrise. Hundreds of people can be seen during sunrise.
There are beautiful gardens, small forest areas, temples, art galleries etc inside the campus. Peacock sanctuary is another attraction, where one could find peacock freely moving around.
Our trip to Kanyakumari was a remarkable one, the most notable ones are our stay at Vivekananda Kendra and our visit to Rock Memorial.
Swami Vivekananda Inspire Wallpapers Download
5 Inspirational Quotes by Swami Vivekananda
- We believe that every being is divine, is God. Every soul is a sun covered over with clouds of ignorance; the difference between soul and soul is owing to the difference in density of these layers of clouds.
- “It is our own mental attitude which makes the world what it is for us. Our thought make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light. First, believe in this world, that”
- Tell the truth boldly, whether it hurts or not. Never pander to weakness. If truth is too much for intelligent people and sweeps them away, let them go; the sooner the better.
- If money help a man to do good to others, it is of some value; but if not, it is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better.
- We have to go back to philosophy to treat things as they are. We are suffering from our own karma. It is not the fault of God. What we do is our own fault, nothing else. Why should God be blamed?
Also See Other Links related Swami Vivekananda:
Brief History of Swamy Vivekananda, Sayings and Quotes of Swami Vivekananda in English and Telugu with Images
http://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/01/brief-history-of-swamy-vivekananda.html
What is Real Personality by Swami Vivekananda
http://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/05/what-is-real-personality-by-swami.html
Swami Vivekananda Inspire Wallpapers Download
http://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/04/swami-vivekananda-inspire-wallpapers.html
Secret of Concentration by Swami Vivekananda and 10 Tips to improve your concentration
http://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/03/secret-of-concentration-by-swami.html
