Uttar Pradesh

• 17 Feb 2025

Kashi Tamil Sangamam

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated the third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. The unique event highlights India’s cultural foundations and emphasizes the emotional and creative bond shared between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

 

Key Points 

• Inspiration and Vision: 
  • The Sangamam is inspired by the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat (One India, Excellent India)’. 
  • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister highlighted that the event is part of a grand spiritual and cultural initiative aimed at advancing this vision. 
  • The event is integrated with the grand Maha Kumbh 2025 celebrations, elevating the centuries-old tradition and strengthening the vision of uniting India through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. 
• Significance of Kashi, Kumbh, and Ayodhya: 
  • This edition holds special significance as the first to be held after the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 
  • Delegates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the divinity of Kashi, Kumbh, and Ayodhya. 
  • The CM emphasized Kashi’s historical significance as a centre of India’s cultural heritage and spirituality and praised the legacy of Tamil literature. 
  • The event reconnects participants with this invaluable heritage. 
• Theme of '4S': 
  • This year’s Sangamam is centered around the theme of ‘4S’, uniting India’s Saint tradition, Scientists, Social reformers, and Students. 
  • The theme draws inspiration from Maharishi Agastya, believed to be the sage who bridged north and south India. 
  • The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has become an effective platform for dialogue between the people of north and south India. 
• Music, Heritage, and Devotion: 
  • The Union Education Minister stated that the celebration weaves together music, heritage, and devotion on the banks of the Ganga. 
  • He emphasized that development and heritage must go hand in hand. 
• Union Government Initiatives: 
  • Initiatives such as the establishment of the National Digital Repository of the Indian Knowledge System to digitize ancient texts and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for research were highlighted. 
  • The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustaka Yojana, which will translate textbooks into 22 Indian languages, creating a "digital Maha Kumbh" for students. 

Kashi Tamil Sangamam Significance 

• The ancient connection between Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) and Tamil Nadu dates back to the 15^th 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 — but when he tried to continue his journey, the cow carrying the lingam refused to move. 
• Parakrama Pandya understood this to be the Lord’s wish, and installed the lingam there, a place that came to be known as Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. 
• For devotees who could not visit Kashi, the Pandyas had built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in what is today Tenkasi in southwestern Tamil Nadu, close to the state’s border with Kerala.