A visit to Cape Comorin is incomplete without visiting the Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari. The statue is dedicated to Saint Thiruvalluvar, a celebrated poet believed to have lived hundreds of years ago. If you are planning to visit the statue, here are a few things to know:
About Thiruvalluvar
Not much is known about the birthplace or time of this great saint. Scholars place his date of birth based on the diction and grammar used in Thirukural, his widely cherished work. Based on linguistic analysis, people place his birth anywhere between 31 BCE to 500CE. The Tamil Nadu Government recognized 31BCE as Valluvan Varudam or the Year of Valluvar, considering it to be his birth year. There are opposing views about his religion as well.
Similarly, there’s a lot of confusion about Thiruvalluvar’s birthplace. Some believe he was born (at least lived in) Mylapore, Chennai, and later moved to Madurai. The Tiruvalluva Malai, an anthology based on Thirukural, claims Madurai as his birthplace. Yet another research by a Thiruvalluvar scholar places Thirunayarnarkurichi, a village in the Kanyakumari district, as his birthplace. It is believed that the local Kani tribespeople still evokes the blessings of Thiruvalluvar when praying for rain. Regarding his religion, people of almost every faith have claimed him. He is generally believed to be a Jain or Hindu, while some claim he is a Buddhist. During the 19th century, a Christian missionary claimed Thiruvalluvar to be a Christian influenced by Alexandrian teachers.
He was believed to be married to Vasuki and worked as a weaver. Irrespective of his origin and life, there’s no doubt that everyone, irrespective of religion, region, or caste, respects and reveres him.
About Thiruvalluvar Statue
Thiruvalluvar statue history is fascinating, to say the least. The foundation stone for the statue was laid down in 1979 by then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai. However, work did not commence on the statue until 1990. Construction was completed in 1999 and inaugurated by the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, D. Karunanidhi, in 2000.
The statue is special because of its design which can withstand earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural calamities. The Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari is over 133 feet tall to represent the 133 chapters of Thirukural. There are different elements to the statue – the pedestal on which the statue stands is 38 feet long to represent the 38 chapters on aram or virtue, and the height of the statue from the hair lock to feet is 95 to represent oral and album, i.e., wealth and love.
Together, it signifies that wealth and love must sit on the pedestal of virtue. The statue is set to hold a palm leaf manuscript in one hand and three fingers pointing to the sky in the other hand, indicating virtue, wealth, and love.
You can visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari through the Poompuhar Ferry Service operated by the government. The ferry service starts at 8 am and ends at 4 pm.
Contact us for more details about the statue, including the Thiruvalluvar statue entry fee. And if you’re looking for hotels in Kanyakumari, call us. Whether you’re looking for hotels near the Thiruvalluvar Statue or other places in Kanyakumari, Visit us to choose Hotel Comorin Grand to make your stay safe and comfortable.
