President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (18 March) visited the historic rock memorial of Swami Vivekananda off the coast of Kanyakumari, during a brief sojourn to the shore town.

The President was ferried in a launch of the Poompuhar Shipping Corporation to the monument established on a rock about 500 meters from the mainland in 1970.

'Visiting the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a memorable experience for me. I marvel at the greatness of the late Eknath Ranade ji who was behind the building of the spiritually charged complex,' Murmu said after going around the impressive structure.

'I feel blessed to have a feel of the great ennobling mission of Swami Vivekananda in this place. I appreciate the devotion of the people who are spreading the message of Swamiji through the activities of Vivekananda Kendra,' the President, said while recording her impression on the visitors' book.

On December 24, 1892, Vivekananda after arriving at Kanyakumari, swam across to reach the rock in the mid-sea and meditated for three days. The monument was raised to honour the saint.

Murmu visited the Dhyana mandapam inside the memorial and sat in meditation for some time.

She also visited the statue of renowned Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar who is known for the Thirukkural.

Earlier, the President was received by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, State IT Minister Mano Thangaraj, Kanyakumari district collector PN Sridhar and other officials, on her arrival at the Government guest house helipad, Kanyakumari, from Kerala.

During her previous visit to the state in February, she had visited the Madurai Meenakshi temple and participated in Shivaratri celebrations organised at Coimbatore by the Isha Foundation.

Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu's Six-Day Visit To Kerala, Tamil Nadu And Lakshadweep Begins Today

(With inputs from PTI)