As the final phase of campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draws to a close, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on yet another spiritual odyssey, this time to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu — Kanyakumari. Upon arriving on May 30, the PM will engage in deep meditative practices until June 1 on the very rock where Swami Vivekananda once meditated. PM Modi's journey to the helm of spirituality following the electoral bid isn't unprecedented; he previously retreated to the historic Pratapgad in 2014 and immersed in contemplation at the Kedarnath cave in 2019.
The anticipation of the voting for the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha election on June 1 is palpable. With campaign activities concluding on May 30, PM Modi will wrap up his final rally at Hoshiarpur in Punjab, before heading to Kanyakumari. There, he shall visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, situated about 500 meters offshore, and embark on a 24-hour meditation stint at the Dhyana Mandapam, with preparations already underway by the local administration.
132 years ago, Swami Vivekananda also embarked on spiritual fortitude here
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is the site where 132 years ago, Swami Vivekananda arrived after a swim, and meditated for three days. Reflecting upon his profound realizations about the spirit of Bharat Mata here, the memorial also witnessed the contemplation of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for two hours.
Source: aajtak
Why does this rock hold significance?
The sojourn to this rock had a significant impact on Swami Vivekananda's life and vision, akin to Gautama Buddha's connection to Sarnath. After touring across India, Vivekananda's penance on this rock inspired visions of an invigorated India. PM Modi's meditation here echoes his commitment to materializing Swami Vivekananda's vision for the nation's future.
The Cape of Kanyakumari holds not only historical but also a mythological significance. According to legends, it was here that Goddess Parvati stood on one foot to practice austerity for Lord Shiva. This southernmost tip of India is also where the Eastern and Western coastal lines converge, marking the union of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. Now a bustling tourists' spot, the visit of PM Modi to Kanyakumari symbolizes a message of national unity.
Source: aajtak
PM Modi's 2014 spiritual expedition
After the political fervor of 2014's election winded down, PM Modi paid homage to the historical Pratapgad fortress, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj claimed victory over Afzal Khan. The Prime Minister's moments of solitude, be it amidst the serenity of mountain peaks or the symphony of ocean waves, have often been symbolic of larger societal messages. His visit garnered significant attention.
Source: aajtak
PM Modi's Kedarnath cave retreat in 2019
The bond between PM Modi and Kedarnath goes beyond five decades. Back in 1968, seeking spiritual enlightenment from Vadnagar, PM Modi traversed through various locations and reached Garud Chatti near Kedarnath. In 2019, immediately after the election campaign, PM Modi revisited Kedarnath, meditating in the cave overnight, turning into an international sensation. This cave, perched at the height of 12,000 feet above sea level, equipped with Wi-Fi, phone access, and a bed setup, became the center of attention after PM's meditation session.
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Where Swami Vivekananda meditated, PM Modi followed suit
In 2015, PM Modi arrived in Kolkata, visiting the Belur Math and meditating in the same room once used by Swami Vivekananda himself for his spiritual exercises.
Source: aajtak
This year's visit to Dwarka by PM Modi
This year, in February, PM Modi ventured underwater to witness the submerged city of Dwarka in Gujarat. Images surfaced of him in a diving helmet and saffron robe, seated cross-legged on the ocean floor. PM Modi expressed that the vision of Dwarka reinforced his resolve for a developed India.
