PM Modi's Spiritual Sojourn at Vivekananda Rock Memorial Stirs Controversy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed a 45-hour meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, paying tribute to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. His visit and the broadcast of the meditation stirred opposition from local political leaders who criticized the disruption caused to tourists and local businesses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, paying floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. Modi, clad in white, visited the 133-ft statue of Thiruvalluvar next to the rock memorial and placed a huge garland there as a mark of respect. He used a ferry service to reach and leave the statue complex.

After winding up his spiritual retreat, the Prime Minister departed via helicopter for Thiruvananthapuram before heading back to Delhi. Arriving on May 30, he had initially prayed at the Bhagavathy Amman temple before commencing his stay at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where he participated in meditation and performed 'Surya Arghya' at sunrise, dressed in saffron.

Modi's visit to Kanyakumari for meditation prompted criticism from opposition leaders, including those from Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, who argued that the meditation broadcast affected local businesses and tourism. DMK's Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai expressed disapproval, the latter questioning the authenticity of Modi's meditation amidst media presence.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)