Thiruvalluvar Statue
Kanyakumari, India
- Capture photos of the statue and surroundings.
- Climb to the base for panoramic views.
- Learn about Thiruvalluvar and Thirukkural.
- Take a ferry to the statue island.
Known for:
Description:
The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a majestic stone sculpture of the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural. Standing tall at 133 feet (40.5 meters), it's a breathtaking sight and a symbol of Tamil culture. The statue is located on a small island near Kanyakumari, accessible by ferry. The 38-foot pedestal represents the 38 chapters of virtue in the Thirukkural, and the 95-foot statue represents the 95 chapters dealing with wealth and love. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal from the ferry and the base of the statue.
History:
The idea for the Thiruvalluvar Statue was conceived in 1979, but construction faced numerous delays due to political and logistical challenges. The project was finally completed and unveiled on January 1, 2000. The statue was sculpted by Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, a renowned temple architect. The construction involved the use of over 5000 tonnes of stone. The monument serves as a tribute to Thiruvalluvar's timeless wisdom and his contribution to Tamil literature and philosophy. It has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Kanyakumari, attracting tourists from all over the world.