PM Modi Welcomes Global Leaders at Bharat Mandapam with Ancient Temple as Backdrop

The 12th-century Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, served as the visual backdrop and cultural centerpiece when Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders at Bharat Mandapam for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, highlighting India’s civilisational history to the Global South. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is counted among the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in the Hindu belief system and features over 1,200 intricately carved stone pillars in its outer corridor, which was displayed in the image at Bharat Mandapam.

Dignitaries Walked Red Carpet Spot

As dignitaries walked the red carpet to the spot where PM Modi welcomed them, there were murals depicting ‘yogasanas’. The temple's rich history dates back to the 10th century, when it was under the care of a monk. In the 12th century, Parakiramabaghu, the King of Ceylon, built the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Three hundred years later, Ramanathapuram King Udayan Sethupathi and a Vaisya from Nagoore built its western tower and compound walls.

Read More: UAE and Iran Find Consensus in BRICS Declaration Amid West Asia War

Subsequently, between 1897 and 1904, the 126-foot-high nine-tiered East Rajagopuram was completed. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram consecrated the shivalingam here after returning from Lanka. The temple's cultural significance extends beyond its architectural beauty, as it represents India's ancient heritage, wisdom, and advanced civilisation.

Against This Backdrop That Days

It was against this backdrop that the day’s first handshake happened between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders spending some time looking at the 3D backdrop, and PM Modi explaining the site to the Chinese President. Tamil Nadu is also where Modi had hosted Xi during his last India visit in 2019.

The BRICS Summit has been a platform for cultural diplomacy, with artists from BRICS member countries creating murals depicting the Summit logo at the centre, flanked The theme of the G20 Presidency, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, translates to ‘the whole earth is one family’ and reflects India's commitment to global cooperation and unity.

Also Read: Saiyyad Khan Acquitted After Assault in Bhopal Court

The choice of Ramanathaswamy Temple as the backdrop for the BRICS Summit was a deliberate attempt The temple's 3D image was displayed at Bharat Mandapam, providing a visual representation of India's ancient history and wisdom.

Earlier, during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, a replica of the Konark Wheel from Odisha’s Sun Temple served as the primary backdrop for Modi’s welcome handshakes with global leaders. The Konark Wheel is an iconic symbol of ancient Indian heritage and wisdom.

The choice of the Konark Wheel was a deliberate attempt The theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to ‘the whole earth is one family’, reflects India's commitment to global cooperation and unity.