Why in News?
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu recently unveiled India's first glass bridge over the sea, linking the Thiruvalluvar Statue with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
The Glass Bridge connecting Thiruvalluvar Statue with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Key Highlights of the Bridge
- Dimensions: 77 meters long and 10 meters wide, offering stunning sea views.
- Enhanced Experience: A pedestrian bridge eliminating the need for ferry trips between landmarks.
- Investment: Built at ₹37 crore, boosting Kanyakumari's tourism infrastructure.
- Vision: Aligns with efforts to enhance tourism and modernize local amenities.
- Durability: Designed to withstand marine conditions, ensuring safety and longevity.
- Attraction: A new landmark providing a scenic, safe route between the two monuments.
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About the Thiruvalluvar Statue
- Located in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on a rock near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
- Officially named the "Statue of Wisdom" by the state government.
- Height: Total height is 133 feet (41 meters) including the pedestal, with the statue itself being 95 feet (29 meters) and the pedestal 38 feet (12 meters).
- Weight: The statue weighs 7000 tonnes.
- Design: Crafted by sculptor V. Ganapathi Sthapathi in Indian architectural style, with a hollow interior.
- Inauguration: Unveiled on January 1, 2000, by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi.
About Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Located 500 meters from the mainland in Kanyakumari, on a rock in the sea.
- Built in 1970 to honor Swami Vivekananda, who represented India's spiritual heritage at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago.
- The rock is believed to be the site of Vivekananda's enlightenment.
- It is also associated with goddess Kanyakumari's prayer to Lord Shiva, with her footprint preserved on the rock.
- The memorial features a blend of architectural styles, including the Sripada Mandapam and Vivekananda Mandapam.
- A life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda stands at the memorial.
- The rock is surrounded by the Laccadive Sea, where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea meet.
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