Kashi Tamil Sangamam | 22 Dec 2023
The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, which aims to celebrate the historical and civilizational connections between North and South India.
- The event is a month-long celebration of art, music, handloom, handicrafts, cuisines, and other distinctive products from Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.
- The ancient connection between Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) and Tamil Nadu dates back to the 15th century when King Parakrama Pandya, ruler of the region around Madurai, traveled to Kashi to bring back the lingam for his temple.
- While returning, he stopped to rest under a tree. When he tried to continue his journey, the cow carrying the lingam refused to budge from its spot.
- Parakrama Pandya understood this to be the Lord’s wish and installed the lingam there, a place that today is known as Sivakasi.
- The Pandyas also built the Kasi Viswanathan Temple which is known as Tenkasi in southwestern Tamil Nadu.