The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a grand monument dedicated to Thiruvalluvar, a celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher. It is located on a small island near Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, India. The statue stands as a symbol of Tamil culture, literature, and philosophy.
Thiruvalluvar is believed to have lived around 2,000 years ago and is best known for his masterpiece work called the “Thirukkural.” The Thirukkural is a classic Tamil text that consists of 1,330 couplets or Kurals, which cover various aspects of life, ethics, morality, and virtue. His work is considered a literary and philosophical treasure, and Thiruvalluvar is revered as a saintly figure in Tamil Nadu.
The statue was erected on a rocky islet known as Swami Rock, which is a few hundred meters off the coast of Kanyakumari. The statue is an awe-inspiring structure made of stone and stands at a height of approximately 133 feet (40.6 meters) including its pedestal. The 133 feet represent the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural.
The pedestal itself is designed to resemble a lotus, and the statue of Thiruvalluvar is depicted in a standing posture, holding a copy of the Thirukkural in one hand and making a gesture of blessing with the other. The construction of the statue was completed in the year 2000 to commemorate the turn of the millennium and to honor the great Tamil poet.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue has become a prominent tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, drawing visitors not only for its artistic and architectural significance but also for its cultural and historical importance. The statue’s location on the island provides stunning views of the surrounding seas, making it a picturesque spot for both locals and tourists to visit and appreciate the legacy of Thiruvalluvar and his contributions to Tamil literature and philosophy.