The Head pujari of Sri Ranganathaswamy Mandir, Sundar Bhattar, conveyed his immense joy on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the Mandir in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli on January 20.
Expressing happiness on the PM’s visit, Sundar Bhattar said, “All devotees of India are very happy that our PM is visiting Srirangam. Bhagwan Ranganatha is also happy about the PM’s visit. Our PM cares for everyone’s welfare, and so does Ranganatha, so it’s a blessed occasion for Srirangam.” He further asserted that it was the first time a Prime Minister was visiting the Mandir.
“Before this, no Prime Minister has come to Srirangam, this is the first time a PM is visiting here. We all are very proud of his visit. Cannot express my happiness in words,” Sundar Bhattar said.
Located in Srirangam, Trichy, the Mandir is one of the most ancient complexes in the country and is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Puranas and the Sangam era texts. It is famous for its architectural grandeur and its numerous iconic gopurams.
The main deity worshipped here is Sri Ranganatha Swamy, a reclining form of Bhagwan Vishnu. Vaishnava scriptures mention the connection between the murti worshipped in this Mandir and Ayodhya.
It is believed that the image of Vishnu, which used to be worshipped by Sri Ram and his ancestors, was given by him to Vibhishana to take it to Lanka. On the way, this murti was fixed in Srirangam.
Sri Ramanujacharya, the great philosopher and saint, is also deeply associated with this Mandir’s history. Moreover, there are various important places in this temple – for example, the famous Kamba Ramayanam was first presented publicly by the Tamil poet Kamban in a particular place in this complex.
Apart from Srirangam, PM Modi will visit various significant Mandir in Tamil Nadu on January 20 and 21, as per Prime Minister’s office. This includes Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Mandir in Rameswaram and Kothandaramaswamy Mandir in Dhanushkodi.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to the revered Sri Ranganathaswamy Mandir holds great significance at a time when the nation is anticipating the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.
Pran Pratishtha of Bhagwan Ram’s murti is scheduled at the Grand Mandir in Ayodhya at 12:30 PM on January 22, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Elaborate arrangements are being made for the ceremony.
During the ceremony, a murti of Bhagwan Ram will be enthroned in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. Thousands of VIP guests have received invitations from the Ram Janmabhoomi Kshetra Trust for the ceremony.
(with inputs from ANI)
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