JYOTIRLINGAS CENTRAL TO TIES BETWEEN KASHI, TN: YOGI

VARANASI: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the jyotirlingas in Kashi and Rameswaram are central to the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

He was speaking at the KashiTamil Sangamam at in Varanasi.

“Adi Shankaracharya took forward this relationship established through Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shiva by setting up holy peeths (centres of spirituality) in all the four corners of India. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking forward this “Mahayagya” with full force,” he said.

“Kashi remains the centre of religion, culture and spiritual consciousness of India. Similarly, Tamil Nadu has been the centre of knowledge, art and culture since ancient times, which was expanded by Pandya, Chola and Pallava kings among others. All elements of Indian culture are equally preserved in Kashi and Tamil Nadu,” the chief minister said.

He went on to say that it is believed that among the two languages that emerged from the mouth of Lord Shiva, Tamil and Sanskrit are equally known for their rich literature.

Uttar Pradesh governor Anadiben Patel, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan and other political personalities were present on the occasion.

More than 2500 delegates from across the country took part in the event that was also marked by a grand exhibition highlighting the culture and tradition of Tamil Nadu.

There was another exhibition showcasing the struggle of freedom fighters and Tamil culture like Meenakshi Chittaranjan’s Bharatanatyam, folk music of Tamil Nadu, Irula and other tribal dances.

The delegates who arrived in Kashi will stay in Varanasi for two days and visit Hanuman Ghat, Subrahmanya Bharti’s residence, Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Sarnath archaeological site and museum.