Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Modi Showcases Ramanathaswamy Temple Heritage at BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders at a meeting in Delhi.
A picture of the Ramanathaswamy Temple was used behind the leaders.
Modi explained the temple’s importance to Chinese President Xi Jinping and others.
The temple is in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.
It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Many Hindus visit it as an important pilgrimage site.
Hindu stories say that Lord Rama prayed there after defeating Ravana.
India used the temple presentation to share its history and culture with other countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi against a backdrop depicting Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Modi explained the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance to Chinese President Xi Jinping and other BRICS leaders.
The temple in Rameshwaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and four Char Dham sites.
Hindu tradition links the temple to Lord Rama, who is believed to have worshipped Shiva there after defeating Ravana.
The presentation was described as cultural diplomacy highlighting India’s civilisational heritage, traditions and a more representative Global South.
The temple’s sanctum was reportedly built in the 12th century, while its 126-foot East Rajagopuram was completed between 1897 and 1904.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- What
- Modi presented the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ramanathaswamy Temple during the 18th BRICS Summit.
- When
- On a Saturday during the 18th BRICS Summit; one article identifies the visit as occurring in September 2026.
- Where
- At Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, using a backdrop depicting the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The presentation showcased India’s religious and civilisational heritage and supported messaging about cultural diversity and the Global South.
- Temple location
- Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, on Pamban Island
- Principal deity
- Lord Shiva
- Religious status
- One of India’s 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and one of the four Char Dham sites
- Traditional association
- Hindu tradition says Lord Rama worshipped Shiva there after defeating Ravana
- Summit venue
- Bharat Mandapam, Delhi
- Temple construction
- The sanctum sanctorum was reportedly built in the 12th century by Parakiramabaghu, King of Ceylon
- East Rajagopuram
- The 126-foot, nine-tiered tower was completed between 1897 and 1904
- Diplomatic theme
- The presentation was described as cultural diplomacy and a display of India’s civilisational heritage
