PM Modi takes holy dip in Rameswaram amidst Ramayana-inspired temple tour | Checkout his sojourn

PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, where he participated in prayers. During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immersed himself in the sea at Agni Tirtham, a sacred site believed to cleanse one of sins. This visit precedes the upcoming consecration rituals at the Ram temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 22.

Rameswaram, known as a holy city, holds great significance in the Ramayana epic. The ritual of taking a holy dip at Agni Tirtham is regarded as a spiritual practice for purifying oneself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to this revered site aligns with the preparations for the consecration ceremonies at the Ram temple, underlining the cultural and religious connections across different sacred places in India.

PM Modi's Spiritual Sojourn

In the span of the past two weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has traversed from Maharashtra to Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Viewed as a strategic outreach to South India, where the BJP's electoral influence has waned, this tour is marked by a deep connection to the Ramayana narrative.

Panchavati's Kalaram Temple in Maharashtra

Commencing the 11-day ritual journey, PM Modi visited the Kalaram Temple in Panchavati, Maharashtra. This locale, where Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman spent a significant portion of their 14-year exile, holds historical and spiritual significance. Panchavati, translating to the 'land of five banyan trees,' saw PM Modi offering prayers at the Kalaram temple, surrounded by the verses of 'Bhavartha Ramayana' in Marathi.

Lepakshi's Veerbhadra Temple in Andhra Pradesh
Continuing southward, PM Modi reached Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh on January 16, visiting the Veerbhadra Temple. This location, linked to the Ramayana, plays a role in the epic's narrative involving the valiant Jatayu's fight against Ravan.

Sri Ramaswami Temple in Kerala's Thrissur
PM Modi's next destination was the Sri Ramaswami Temple in Thriprayar, Kerala. Although details regarding its connection to the Ramayana are limited, the temple is known for its unique worship practice, 'vedi vazhipadu,' commemorating Hanuman's return from Lanka after meeting Sita. The temple also features the performing art 'Chakyar Koothu,' reenacting the 'anguliyangam' episode in the Ramayana.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy, Tamil Nadu
In Trichy, Tamil Nadu, PM Modi visited the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Associated with the Ramayana, the temple comes into the narrative after Lord Ram's triumph over Ravan. It is believed that Lord Ram presented Vibhishan with an idol of the reclining Vishnu here.

Rameswaram's Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
Continuing his southward journey, PM Modi visited the Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. This pilgrimage destination, one of the Char Dhams and featuring among the 12 Jyotirlingas, is dedicated to Sri Ramanathaswamy, a form of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Ram, on his return from Lanka, sought atonement for killing a Brahmin (Ravan) and followed Lord Shiva's guidance to perform puja.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi
PM Modi will conclude his temple visits with a visit to the Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram. This temple, dedicated to Sri Kothandarama Swamy, is associated with Lord Ram's breaking of the Ram Setu and the coronation of Vibhishan.

Ayodhya Finale on January 22
Mirroring the sequence of events in the Ramayana, PM Modi's journey is set to culminate in Ayodhya on January 22. This final leg involves the 'pran pratishtha' of Lord Ram's idol, symbolising the triumphant return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan in Lanka.

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— With inputs from agencies