Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari | Timings, Ferry Ride, Architecture

Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Overview

Dedicated to the accomplished philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, this beautiful statue finds itself on a small island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar was the author of a legendary work in the world of Literature, Tirukkural, the classic Tamil text. In his devotion, the work for the statue started in 1990 and continued till 1999, during the year in which the figure finally got completed.

This monument stands tall at a mighty height of 133 feet and is perched upon a 38-foot pedestal. The pedestal's height represents the 38 chapters of virtue in Thirukkural. Full of symbolism and cultural significance, this destination is awe-inspiring, and a must-visit. V. Ganapati Sthapati sculpted the statue, and it was unveiled on January 1, 2000. Surrounded by the waters, the statue is settled at an ideal location, and a short ferry ride can quickly help you reach the masterpiece. The premises of the statue also has a temple which a quaint spot for meditation.

Architecture of Thiruvalluvar Statue

As mentioned earlier, this statue stands at an imposing height of 133 feet, including the platform it stands on. The three-level platforms here are called the Atharapeedam, and it consists of the Alankara Mandapa. This mandapa is embellished with statues of elephants, which impart this location a regal aura. The head of the Thiruvalluvar statue stands as high as 200 m above the sea level. Built in the traditional Indian architectural style the statue is hollow from scalp to toe. The platform is 38 feet, and rest of the statue remains of 95 feet. It weighs near about 14 million pounds.

Another unique thing about the Thiruvalluvar statue is that every detailing on the face from eyes to the mouth has been carved manually. Each is made of separate stones, supported by the ironwood and Palmyra stubs. During the time it was being built, some 18000 ironwood poles were tied tightly to two truckloads of strong ropes to reach the top of Saint-poet Thiruvalluvar's statue.

Symbolism of Thiruvalluvar Statue

The waist of the Thiruvalluvar Statue is slightly bent which is similar to Nataraja, the dancing pose of Lord Shiva. Furthermore, the elephants at the mandapam are the symbols of 10 directions given by King Dashratha to his charioteer. The 38 feet platform represents the 38 sections of Virtue in the book of Aram. The massive work of art is a significant symbol which connotes that both Love and Wealth when earned can be enjoyed if they have virtue as their foundation.

The remaining 95 feet of the statue is symbolic of the chapters of the Porul and Imbal respectively. It is a representation of the Kural book's both second and third part namely, Wealth and Love. The right hand with three fingers pointing towards the sky is a symbol of three cantos of the excellent text; Aram, Porul, and Inbam meaning, Virtue, Wealth, and Love. Therefore, this statue is a physical embodiment of Thiruvalluvar's teachings.

How To Reach Thiruvalluvar Statue

Situated 400 m away from the seashore of Kanyakumari the statue is accessible by the ferry service. It is located near Vivekananda Puram from where you take the ferry. The ferry stops at the Thiruvalluvar Statue on its way to Vivekananda Rock Memorial.