Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen Vivekanandapara in Kanyakumari for a meditation visit ahead of the Lok Sabha election results. The visit is scheduled for three days, from May 30 to June 1.
This isn't the first time Modi has chosen a place for meditation during a crucial time in his political journey. In 2019, during the last phase of the Lok Sabha election campaign, he visited Kedarnath in Uttarakhand and meditated for 15 hours, which garnered significant attention.
The choice of Vivekanandapara for meditation has sparked curiosity and discussion on social media. Vivekanandapara is a small rock located 500 meters offshore from Vavathurai Beach in Kanyakumari. It holds historical and spiritual significance as the place where Swami Vivekananda, in 1892, swam across the sea to meditate. Legend has it that he meditated there for three days and received enlightenment. After traveling across India for about four years, he formulated his Tatvasamhita at Kanyakumari.
In 1963, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee, led by RSS leader Eknath Ranade, was formed to preserve the area as a memorial to Swami Vivekananda during his birth centenary. The memorial was inaugurated by President VV Giri in 1970.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often drawn inspiration from Swami Vivekananda's teachings and has been actively involved with the Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Vivekananda. Modi has mentioned that he models his life on the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
"Swami Vivekananda had a grand vision for India. He would be pleased to see his dreams for the country being realized step by step," Modi said at the 125th anniversary of the Ramakrishna Mission.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Modi's frequent visits to South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, have been widely reported. His decision to meditate at Vivekanandapara is seen in the context of his engagements and visits to the region.
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