A delegation of writers from Tamil Nadu, participating in the ongoing Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, embarked on a profound cultural and spiritual journey in Varanasi on Sunday morning. The group began their day with a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Ganga at the historic Hanuman Ghat.
Exploring the Sacred Ghats and Temples
At the ghat, scholars and acharyas provided the visiting writers with a detailed account of the rich history associated with the various ghats lining the river Ganga. Following the ritual bath, the delegation visited and offered prayers at several ancient temples situated on the ghat premises. They received comprehensive information about the history, divinity, architectural grandeur, and cultural heritage of these sacred sites.
The exploration continued at the residence of the legendary Tamil poet, Subramaniam Bharati, located at Hanuman Ghat. The writers met with members of Bharati's family, displaying keen curiosity to learn more about the poet's life and legacy. The group also toured a library near the poet's house, gathering significant insights from the collection available there.
Unveiling the Ancient Tamil-Kashi Bond
After visiting Bharati's house, the writers proceeded to the Kanchi Math, where they learned about its historical significance. The teachers within the group expressed visible excitement upon seeing a South Indian-style temple in the heart of Kashi, a testament to the long-standing cultural exchange.
Pandit Venkat Raman Ghanapathi emphasized that the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu is deep and centuries-old, far beyond the current fortnight-long Sangamam event. He pointed out that a mini Tamil Nadu thrives at Kashi's Hanuman Ghat, Kedarghat, and Harishchandra Ghat. He noted that not just a few, but thousands of families from various South Indian states reside here, symbolizing the sweet and enduring bond. At Hanuman Ghat alone, more than 150 houses belong to Tamil families, and in their lanes, a microcosm of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam occurs daily.
A Legacy of Knowledge and Culture
BS Subramaniam highlighted the spiritual and scholarly connections. He stated that Lord Shankara imparted the teachings of Advaita to Adi Shankaracharya in Kashi. A math of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is also established in the city, undertaking numerous works for the preservation and propagation of the Vedas and scriptures. Hundreds of individuals have emerged from this Peetham to protect Sanatan culture.
He added that students who complete their studies here go on to strengthen Sanatan culture across India and the world. The distinctive spires of Dravidian-style temples in Kashi make the deities they house immediately recognizable, further solidifying the tangible presence of southern architecture in the north.
This visit by the third batch of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 participants underscores the living, breathing connection between two of India's most ancient cultural heartlands, proving that this Sangamam is a celebration of a unity that has existed for millennia.
