NEW DELHI: After an intense and spiritually profound 45-hour meditation session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his retreat at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu’s Kanniyakumari. This retreat, spanning from May 30 evening to June 1 evening, saw the Prime Minister deeply engaged in contemplation at the Dhyan Mandapam, the hallowed site where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have envisioned ‘Bharat Mata’.
A Tribute to Thiruvalluvar
Following his meditation, PM Modi paid floral tributes to the renowned Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar. Clad in white, he visited the towering 133-foot statue of Thiruvalluvar adjacent to the memorial. The Prime Minister made his way to the statue complex by ferry and placed a large garland as a mark of respect before returning to the shore.
Spiritual and Symbolic Significance
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located on a small islet off the Kanyakumari shoreline, is revered for its spiritual ambiance and breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. PM Modi’s meditation here, particularly at the Dhyan Mandapam, echoes the spiritual undertakings of Swami Vivekananda and holds deep nationalistic symbolism. This site also aligns with mythological accounts of Goddess Parvati’s meditation while awaiting Lord Shiva, further enriching its spiritual heritage.
Message of National Unity
Kanyakumari, situated at the southernmost tip of India, is a significant geographical and cultural landmark. It is where the Eastern and Western coastlines converge, and where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea meet. PM Modi’s visit to this location is seen as a powerful gesture of national unity, emphasizing the symbolic confluence of different regions and cultures of India.
Concluding the Election Campaign
Prime Minister Modi’s spiritual retreat followed the end of his vigorous election campaign. On Thursday, he concluded his campaign in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur, marking the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Over a span of 75 days, PM Modi participated in approximately 206 election events, including rallies and roadshows, and conducted around 80 interviews with various news and media platforms.
A Pattern of Spiritual Introspection
PM Modi is known for his inclination towards spiritual introspection at the end of election campaigns. This recent visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is in line with his previous retreats to Kedarnath in 2019 and Shivaji’s Pratapgarh in 2014. These spiritual journeys highlight his practice of seeking inner peace and reflection after intensive political engagements.
Political Reactions
While PM Modi’s spiritual activity has been widely noted, it has also faced criticism. Former Bihar Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the meditation as a “photo shoot,” suggesting that it was a mere publicity stunt rather than a genuine spiritual endeavor.
PM Modi’s 45-hour meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari is a blend of spiritual introspection and symbolic national unity. By meditating at a site steeped in spiritual and cultural heritage, the Prime Minister not only honored Swami Vivekananda’s legacy but also sent a message of unity across India’s diverse regions. This spiritual retreat, coming at the conclusion of a rigorous election campaign, underscores PM Modi’s pattern of seeking contemplation and peace before embarking on the next phase of his leadership journey.
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