Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari (Entry Fee, Timings & History)
Another well-liked destination on a Kanyakumari tour is the enormous statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, which stands on a platform 38 feet high. In commemoration of Saint Thiruvalluvar, who is unquestionably one of the finest Tamil poets and philosophers, the Tamil Nadu government erected this statue.
Constructed on a 38-foot pedestal, this stone monument represents the Thirukkural’s 38 chapters of morality and entices every visitor with its flawless carving. When the pedestal height is taken into account, the Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue is approximately 133 feet long. Thirukkural’s 133 chapters are represented by the height of 133 feet. Saint Thiruvalluvar wrote Thirukkural and many more wonderful works. The statue is symbolic of various great verses and teaching of this ancient classic of Sangam Literature.
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The excellent teachings of Saint Thiruvalluvar are symbolized by this statue, which also has tremendous historical value. In the midst of the immense expanse of the ocean and the spiritual atmosphere, this monument that touches the sky represents wealth and the idea that joys can be achieved and relished when the foundation of virtue is strong and firm.
History of Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari
Morarji Desai, the prime minister at the time, laid the cornerstone for the Thiruvalluvar statue in 1979. But the sculpture and installation began in 1990. The year 1999 saw the completion of the construction. On January 1st, 2000, Dr. M. Karunanidhi, the state chief minister of Tamil Nadu at the time, officially opened it.
About 500 sculptors were hired to create this magnificent statue, which was the idea of Dr. Ganapati Sthapati. The Pattumala Kuppam, Sirudhamoor, and Ambasamudram hills provided the stone for this statue. This stone sculpture is made to survive earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Architecture of Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari
The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a magnificent 133-foot structure that weighs 7000 tons in total. This statue, which was created by Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, enthralls every visitor with its superb creative quality.
One could compare the Thiruvalluvar Statue’s small waist bend to the dancing position of Lord Shiva’s avatar, Nataraja. The detail on the 19-foot-tall face of Saint Thiruvalluvar is another unique feature of this statue. Every facial feature, including the mouth, eyes, forehead, and ears, has been meticulously carved by hand. These are supported by ironwood and palmyra tree stubs and are each composed of separate stones. While creating it, around 18000 ironwood poles were tied to 2 truckloads of ropes so as to reach the top of Thiruvalluvar statue.
The statue is positioned atop the three-tiered Athara Peedam pedestal. The Alankara Mandapam mandapam encircles the pedestal. Ten statues of elephants encircle this mandapam. The ten directions that King Dasaratha may charioteer are represented by these elephants. Lord Rama’s father was King Dasaratha. To allow people to ascend to the pedestal and reach the statue’s feet, 140 steps have been built inside the mandapam. A few couplets from Thirukkural have been etched on the pedestal’s exterior edges.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue’s right hand is pointing with three fingers toward the sky. This represents the Aram, Porul, and Inbam stanzas of Thirukkural.
Timings of Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari
The visiting timing of Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue is from 9 AM to 4 PM. The charge for ferry services from the shore to the statue are Rs.20 per person.
Time Required :Â 2-3 hrs
Entry Fee :Â Ferry Ride to the statue: INR 20
