The Thiruvalluvar Statue is one of the most iconic landmarks of India, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This majestic statue, which stands at a height of 133 feet, is a tribute to the Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. The statue is located on a small island in the middle of the Bay of Bengal, near Kanyakumari, where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal meet.
History
Thiruvalluvar is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets and philosophers in the Tamil language. He is believed to have lived in the 1st century BCE, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. His most famous work is the Thirukkural, which is a collection of 1,330 couplets that offer guidance on ethical and moral behavior.
The Thirukkural is divided into three parts: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (love). Each couplet is a concise and pithy statement on a particular aspect of life, and the entire work is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature. Thiruvalluvar's teachings have profoundly impacted Tamil culture and influenced generations of people in the region.
The Idea of the Thiruvalluvar Statue
The idea of building a statue in honor of Thiruvalluvar was first proposed in the 1970s by M. Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the time. However, it was not until the late 1990s that serious efforts were made to turn the idea into reality. In 1997, the Tamil Nadu government formed a committee to oversee the construction of the statue, and a competition was held to select the design.
The winning design was submitted by the Chennai-based sculptor, V. Ganapati Sthapati. Sthapati's design depicted Thiruvalluvar standing on a lotus pedestal, with one hand raised in blessing and the other holding a copy of the Thirukkural. The statue was to be made of 1,500 tons of granite, and its height was to be 133 feet to symbolize the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural.
The Construction Process
The construction of the Thiruvalluvar statue commenced in 1990 and concluded in 1999. Initiated by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 1975, the project saw the foundation stone being laid by Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1979. Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapathy, an esteemed architect, spearheaded the sculpting work. Opting for stone as the primary material, durability was prioritized over metal to ensure long-lasting quality.
The construction involved a dedicated team of approximately 150 workers who toiled for extended hours to bring the statue to life. Overcoming the challenge of incorporating a dance pose with a bend around the waist required meticulous planning, including the creation of a full-length wooden prototype.
The stonework was divided among three workshops, with high-quality granite sourced for the outer section. Notably, the statue features a 6-meter-high face, intricately carved from individual stones. Unveiled on January 1, 2000, by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of political leaders and foreign delegates. Despite the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the statue remained undeterred, thanks to its robust design capable of withstanding significant earthquakes. Serving as an enduring symbol of inspiration and cultural pride, the Thiruvalluvar statue stands tall as a testament to human craftsmanship and dedication.
Thiruvalluvar Statue Height - 133 feet.
The Unveiling Ceremony
The Thiruvalluvar Statue was unveiled on January 1, 2000, by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi. The unveiling ceremony was attended by a large number of people from Tamil Nadu and other parts of India.
The statue quickly became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The island on which the statue is located has been developed as a tourist destination, with amenities such as a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.
Tourism
Tourists can reach the statue by boarding ferries or boats that operate from the mainland to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. As they approach the statue, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Thiruvalluvar's majestic figure, carved out of stone and gracefully standing against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
Visitors can explore the surroundings of the Thiruvalluvar Statue, which provide breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the picturesque coastline. The serene and tranquil atmosphere creates a perfect setting for introspection and contemplation, allowing tourists to appreciate the wisdom and teachings of Thiruvalluvar.
The statue serves as a symbol of Tamil pride and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Its significance goes beyond its artistic appeal, as it represents the timeless values and teachings espoused by Thiruvalluvar. The statue has become a pilgrimage site for devotees and admirers of Thiruvalluvar, who come to pay their respects and seek inspiration from his profound wisdom.
In addition to its cultural and spiritual significance, Thiruvalluvar Statue tourism offers various amenities and facilities for visitors. The memorial complex includes a meditation hall, a museum showcasing the life and works of Thiruvalluvar, and well-maintained gardens where visitors can relax and soak in the tranquil ambiance.
Thiruvalluvar Statue tourism is not only a visual treat but also an educational and enlightening experience. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the life and teachings of Thiruvalluvar, his impact on Tamil literature, and his influence on ethical and moral values. The statue serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom that continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
Overall, Thiruvalluvar Statue tourism offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and spiritual exploration. It attracts tourists, scholars, and enthusiasts who seek to delve into the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu and appreciate the contributions of Thiruvalluvar, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Tamil culture and philosophy.
Thiruvalluvar Statue Timings
Here is the timing,
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
How To Reach Tiruvalluvar Statue
To reach the Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari, you have multiple transportation options available. Here is a description of how to reach the statue:
1. By Air:
The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is the Trivandrum International Airport, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kanyakumari. The distance between the airport and Kanyakumari is approximately 90 kilometers.
2. By Train:
Kanyakumari has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can board a train to Kanyakumari Railway Station from various parts of the country. Once you reach the station, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
3. By Road:
Kanyakumari is well-connected by road to nearby cities and states. You can reach Kanyakumari by private car, taxi, or bus. The National Highway 66 passes through Kanyakumari, making it easily accessible by road. Regular bus services are available from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, and Trivandrum.
4. Local Transportation:
From the main town of Kanyakumari, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The statue is located on a small rocky island known as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. To reach the statue, you need to take a ferry from the Kanyakumari shore. The ferry service operates at regular intervals throughout the day.
Upon reaching the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, you can climb the steps leading to the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The entire journey offers beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding landscapes, adding to the overall experience.
Note: It is advisable to check the local transportation schedules and availability before planning your visit to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
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