Modi greets BRICS leaders against backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathaswamy temple
According to a Tamil Nadu government website, the historic shrine was under the care of a monk up to the 10th century A.D.
On September 12, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted BRICS leaders at the 18th BRICS Summit in Bharat Mandapam, with the iconic Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu serving as the backdrop. The leader of the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were present.
Modi explained to Xi Jinping the significance of the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva among the Char Dham shrines. India is hosting the summit, attended by leaders from 11 member countries, 10 partner countries, and various international organizations. The Ramanathaswamy temple, the only one among the Char Dham shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the south, holds great importance for both Saivites and Vaishnavites.
The temple's history dates back to the 15th century, with contributions from various rulers and wealthy individuals. The annual Kasi Rameswaram Yatra, a significant religious duty for Hindus, begins at Kasi and concludes with a visit to the Ramanathaswamy shrine.
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