Prime Minister Modi Prays at Sri Rangam Temple in Tamil Nadu

He wore traditional Tamil attire, including a clean ‘veshti’ (dhoti) and an angawastram (shawl), and prayed with folded hands in the Lord Vishnu temple. Afterward, he took blessings from the temple elephant and was presented with a ‘Sadari’ (Crown) by the temple priests, symbolizing Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

During his visit, PM Modi also prayed at various enclosures dedicated to Vaishnavite saint-guru Sri Ramanjuacharya and Sri Chakkarathazhwar. The main deity of the temple, known as Ranganathar in Tamil, is highly revered.

The Srirangam temple is an ancient Vaishnavaite temple in TamilNadu, dating back to the Sangam age. It has been expanded and built upon by various dynasties throughout history, including the Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara empire. Situated on an island at the confluence of the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, the temple is often referred to as ‘Boologa Vaikuntam’ or ‘Vaikuntam on earth,’ as Vaikuntam is the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu.

Upon his arrival in Sri Rangam, PM Modi waved at the people and BJP workers who had gathered to greet him. He stood on the running board of his car, balancing himself by placing one hand on the partially opened door, while folding his hands in a gesture of ‘Vanakkam’ (greeting) as the crowd chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to welcome him.

Later, PM Modi will also visit the Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram to offer his prayers.