During the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, against a grand backdrop of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathaswamy Temple. The event highlights India's blend of ancient heritage and modern diplomacy.
- PM Modi greeted BRICS leaders including Putin, Xi Jinping, and Pezeshkian.
- The summit featured a visual backdrop of the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple.
- Ramanathaswamy is the only Shiva temple among the Char Dham shrines.
- The event underscores India's strategic use of cultural soft power.
In a striking display of cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the leaders of the BRICS nations at the 18th Summit held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. As the leaders gathered for the family photo, the backdrop prominently featured the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple from Tamil Nadu, creating a profound visual link between India's ancient spiritual roots and its modern geopolitical role.
The Prime Minister received high-profile dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Notably, while welcoming President Xi, PM Modi took the opportunity to explain the deep historical and religious significance of the Rameswaram shrine.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that by integrating religious iconography into high-stakes diplomatic summits, India is effectively projecting its 'Soft Power.' This strategy aims to present India not just as an emerging economic giant, but as a civilization-state with deep-rooted values that command global respect.
The use of cultural symbols in international summits acts as a powerful non-verbal tool of diplomacy.
Historical and Religious Context: The Ramanathaswamy Temple holds a unique position in Indian spirituality. It is the only shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva among the Char Dham (four sacred sites), whereas the others—Dwarka, Puri, and Badrinath—are located in northern India. Furthermore, it is the only one of the 12 Jyotirlingas situated in South India.
According to the Puranas, the temple is where Lord Rama performed puja to expiate the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahmin. This makes Rameswaram a vital destination for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, the temple was under the care of a monk until the 10th century A.D. Subsequent renovations were carried out by various rulers and wealthy patrons, including the Ramanathapuram King Udayan Sethupathi in the 15th century and various zamindars in the early 20th century.
| Feature | Ramanathaswamy Temple | Other Three Dhams |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva | Lord Vishnu/Various |
| Region | South India (Tamil Nadu) | North India |
| Jyotirlinga Status | Southernmost Jyotirlinga | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi?
The summit was attended by leaders from 11 member countries and 10 partner countries, including the presidents of Russia, China, and Iran.
2. What makes the Ramanathaswamy temple unique among Char Dhams?
It is the only Char Dham shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, while the others are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
