Thiruvalluvar Statue: Famous Tribute to the Tamil Sage in Kanyakumari

Thiruvalluvar Statue is a colossal stone sculpture of Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil poet and philosopher who authored the Thirukkural, a classic work on ethics and morality. The statue is located on a small island near Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – converge. The statue was inaugurated in 2000 as a tribute to the sage and his teachings, as well as a symbol of the Tamil culture and heritage. Visit during Kanyakumari One day tour by cab

Location of Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue is located at Near Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702, India. It is about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the city center and 90 km (56 miles) from the nearest airport at Thiruvananthapuram. The statue is easily accessible by road, rail and sea from different parts of Kanyakumari and nearby areas.

Timing/Entry Fees Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 09:00 am and 04:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the statue, but visitors are requested to follow the rules and regulations of the statue authorities and respect the local customs and traditions. Visitors are also advised to avoid littering and damaging the statue environment.

How to Reach Thiruvalluvar Statue

There are many ways to reach Thiruvalluvar Statue from different parts of Kanyakumari and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:

By Road: Thiruvalluvar Statue is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from the statue. The statue road, also known as Vivekananda Kendra Road or Beach Road, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to the statue.
By Rail: Thiruvalluvar Statue can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kanyakumari and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kanyakumari, which is about 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the statue. Other nearby railway stations are Nagercoil, Tirunelveli and Thiruvananthapuram. From these stations, one can take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the statue.
By Sea: Thiruvalluvar Statue can also be reached by sea from Kanyakumari town. There are boat services that operate daily between 08:00 am and 04:00 pm, except during rough weather conditions. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes to reach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial or the Thiruvalluvar Statue, which are located near each other.

Things to Do/Must See Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue offers a historical and cultural experience for visitors who want to admire the majestic sculpture of Thiruvalluvar and his wisdom, as well as enjoy the scenic beauty of the sea and the sky. Some of the things to do and see at the statue are:

Watching the statue: Thiruvalluvar Statue is a magnificent sight that stands tall at 133 feet (41 metres), representing the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural. The statue is made of stone and concrete and weighs 7000 tons. The statue depicts Thiruvalluvar in a standing posture with his right hand pointing upwards, symbolizing his three books of Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth) and Inbam (Love). The statue also has intricate carvings of floral patterns and geometric designs on its base and pedestal.
Visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another attraction that is located near Thiruvalluvar Statue on a rock island. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who meditated on this rock in 1892 before his famous speech at Chicago. The memorial has a statue of Swami Vivekananda in a meditative posture, a meditation hall and a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari.
Enjoying the view: Thiruvalluvar Statue offers a panoramic view of both the sea on one side and the hills on the other side. Visitors can also see other attractions such as Kanyakumari Temple, Kanyakumari Beach, Gandhi Mandapam etc from here.
Exploring the surroundings: Thiruvalluvar Statue is located near other attractions and places of interest in Kanyakumari, such as:
- Kanyakumari Temple: Kanyakumari Temple is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is located on the shore near the confluence of the three seas. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum that houses an idol of the goddess, which is adorned with a diamond nose ring that sparkles in the sea.
- Kanyakumari Beach: Kanyakumari Beach is the southernmost tip of India, where the three seas – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean – meet. It is a popular tourist destination that offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset, as well as a glimpse of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kanyakumari. The beach is also known for its multi-colored sand and its proximity to other attractions such as Gandhi Mandapam, Vivekananda Rock Memorial etc.
- Gandhi Mandapam: Gandhi Mandapam is a memorial that was built in Kanyakumari to honour Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation and the leader of the Indian independence movement. The memorial is located on the same spot where one of the urns containing his ashes was kept for public viewing before being immersed in the sea. The memorial showcases the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the architectural and cultural aspects of Kanyakumari.

Significance of Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kanyakumari and India. Some of the reasons why Thiruvalluvar Statue is important are:

It is a historical site that showcases the life and legacy of Thiruvalluvar, who was one of the greatest Tamil poets and philosophers who authored the Thirukkural, a classic work on ethics and morality. He lived between 3rd century BC and 1st century AD and influenced many generations of thinkers and leaders with his wisdom and values.
It is a cultural site that reflects the pride and identity of the Tamil people and their language. The statue is a symbol of the Tamil culture and heritage, as well as a tribute to their contribution to the Indian civilization. The statue also represents the unity and harmony of India, as it stands beside the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which commemorates another great son of India.
It is a spiritual site that connects with the teachings and philosophy of Thiruvalluvar and his Thirukkural. The statue inspires visitors to follow his principles of Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth) and Inbam (Love) in their lives. The statue also has a serene and peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to meditate and contemplate.

FAQ’s

Q: Is photography allowed at Thiruvalluvar Statue?

A: Yes, photography is allowed at Thiruvalluvar Statue for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.

Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Thiruvalluvar Statue?

A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Thiruvalluvar Statue, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking, etc. There is also a souvenir shop where visitors can buy books, photos, CDs, etc. related to Thiruvalluvar and his Thirukkural.

Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Thiruvalluvar Statue?

A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Thiruvalluvar Statue, such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple, Kanyakumari Beach, Gandhi Mandapam etc.