Indian Heritage Showcased to Global Leaders at Bharat Mandapam as PM Narendra Modi Highlights Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple at BRICS Summit During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders against a grand backdrop featuring the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple of Tamil Nadu. Bharat Mandapam, located at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, once again served as the historic venue where global diplomacy seamlessly blended with India’s rich cultural heritage. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the world’s most influential leaders for the prestigious 18th BRICS Summit, a highly captivating and magnificent backdrop immediately drew the attention of all attendees. This striking background displayed a grand image of the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple, situated in the sacred island town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. By showcasing this magnificent monument on a prominent global stage, India highlighted its ancient spiritual legacy, remarkable architectural brilliance, and deep-rooted traditions to the international community. This symbolic presentation effectively allowed the nation to project its rich cultural identity with immense pride before the global audience. Global Leaders Welcomed Amidst India's Spiritual Heritage The two-day 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday (September 12 and 13), has brought together heads of state, top diplomats, and representatives from member nations as well as partner countries. Within the reception area of Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally extended a warm and gracious welcome to the arriving global dignitaries. The grand image of the Rameswaram temple’s iconic corridor and temple complex served as the artistic backdrop for these interactions. While greeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Prime Minister shared insights about the historical and cultural significance of this sacred shrine. The same traditional hospitality and cultural briefing were extended to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Notably, Prime Minister Modi was observed briefly explaining the spiritual and historical context of the temple to Chinese President Xi Jinping, using this diplomatic forum to foster a deeper understanding of India's classical heritage among the visiting leaders. The Sacred Legacy of the Jyotirlinga on Pamban Island Situated on the scenic Pamban Island in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple holds a highly revered position in the hearts of millions of devotees. It is recognized as one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, drawing vast numbers of pilgrims from all corners of the country and abroad every year. Beyond its profound spiritual importance, the temple stands as a monumental symbol of ancient Indian art, devotion, and centuries-old history. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the epic Ramayana, adding a layer of divine mystery and historical depth to its existence. According to Hindu beliefs, this is the precise location where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to seek blessings before launching his historic campaign to cross the ocean and conquer Lanka. Consequently, the shrine represents a harmonious intersection of faith, bridging different traditions of devotion and serving as an enduring symbol of spiritual transformation and national unity. Architectural Marvels and the Spiritual Purifying Power of the 22 Kunds The structural design, geographic setting, and scale of the Ramanathaswamy Temple make it exceptionally fascinating to researchers and visitors alike. Built on an island surrounded by the sea, the temple is world-famous for its massive, elongated corridors. These corridors feature hundreds of beautifully carved and decorated pillars that stand as a testament to the master craftsmanship and architectural vision of ancient Indian builders. Another intriguing and highly significant feature of this temple complex is the presence of 22 holy water tanks, known as kunds. There are deep spiritual beliefs associated with the waters of these 22 wells. Devotees believe that bathing in these designated water bodies is a vital ritual that helps in cleansing sins and achieving inner peace. It is widely held that this ritualistic bathing leads to spiritual purification and a complete renewal of mind and soul. By featuring this ancient and sacred monument during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India has successfully presented its timeless heritage and architectural mastery to a distinguished international audience. What this means for you Showcasing a grand heritage site like the Ramanathaswamy Temple at a global summit is bound to have a highly positive impact on India's tourism sector and its cultural representation. • Boost to Tourism: Featuring the temple at a high-profile summit like BRICS will significantly increase international tourist curiosity about Rameswaram. This will directly benefit local businesses, hospitality, and overall tourism in Tamil Nadu. • Strengthened Cultural Pride: Presenting historical landmarks to global leaders fosters a deep sense of pride among Indian citizens. It encourages the younger generation to learn about and preserve the nation's rich heritage. • Infrastructure Upgrades: Anticipating a surge in spiritual tourism, the government is highly likely to invest more in upgrading roads, railway networks, and civic amenities around Pamban Island. This will improve the overall travel experience for future pilgrims and travelers. • Rise in Digital Engagement: As the images of the summit background spread across global social networks, online searches for Indian history and architecture will see a substantial rise. This will help project India’s soft power more effectively on digital platforms. Why this happened The deliberate selection of the Ramanathaswamy Temple as the reception backdrop reflects India’s focused approach toward cultural diplomacy. • Practice of Cultural Diplomacy: India has a tradition of using major international gatherings to highlight its regional diversity and ancient landmarks. Highlighting this temple allows the nation to showcase South India's architectural brilliance to the world. • A Symbol of National Unity: The temple's association with the epic Ramayana serves as a historic bridge connecting northern and southern traditions of the country. Displaying this monument highlights the integrated cultural fabric of India. • Highlighting Civilizational Depth: Introducing heads of state to India’s ancient living heritage is a key strategy to showcase civilizational longevity. Prime Minister Modi’s personal interactions with leaders regarding the background underscored the deep value India places on its historical roots. Questions & Answers 1. Where is the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted? The two-day 18th BRICS Summit is being hosted at the Bharat Mandapam, located at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. 2. Which temple was featured in the backdrop during the welcome of BRICS leaders? The grand backdrop featured the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple located in the sacred town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. 3. What is the mythological and religious significance of the Ramanathaswamy Temple? It is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Rama established and worshipped a Shivling here before launching his campaign to conquer Lanka. 4. Which global leader did PM Narendra Modi briefly explain the backdrop's significance to? Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen briefly explaining the spiritual and historical context of the temple to Chinese President Xi Jinping. 5. What is the significance of the water tanks inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple? The temple complex houses 22 holy water tanks or kunds. Devotees believe that bathing in these waters cleanses sins and leads to spiritual purification. https://trendkia.com/en/national/bharat-mandapam-men-vaishvika-netaon-ke-samane-pesha-hui-bharatiya-virasata-pm-narendra-modi-ne-dikhai-rameswaram-ke-ramanathaswam-31596 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.