Kashi Tamil Sangamam

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Context (PIB | IE | TH): During his two-day visit to Varanasi, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 was inaugurated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
It is the second edition of the initiative, to be held from December 17 to December 31.
The first edition was organized as a part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahostsav” celebration in 2022.
It celebrates the historical and civilisational connection between India’s North and South.
Multi-language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai, and other classic Tamil literature were also launched at the event.
The Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train was also flagged off by the PM.
BHU and IIT-Madras are knowledge partners for the event.

Tirukkural

Tirukkural is a classic Tamil text written by Thiruvalluvar.
The literal meaning of Tirukkural is “Sacred Couplets”.
Tirukkural addresses various aspects of life, including ethics, governance, love, and spirituality.
Thirukkural is divided into three main sections: Aram (Virtue), Porul (Wealth), and Inbam (Love).

It is an “anti-love plot,” a sequel to the first Tamil epic Silappadikaram.
It is based on the story of the dancer and later turned Buddhist nun Manimekalai.
It is believed to be written by a Buddhist grain dealer and Tamil writer Cittalai Sattanar.
It provides information on the life, culture, and society of the Tamil regions (India and Sri Lanka) of the Sangam period.

As per the Brahmanda Purana, King Dasharath of Ayodhya is believed to have visited Kanchipuram to seek blessings from Amba Kamakshi.
Story of King Parakrama Pandya of Madurai in the 15^th century constructing the Shiva temple of Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, links Kashi to the South.
Pandyas had built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi in southwestern Tamil Nadu, also linked to a visit to Kashi.
Trade links between the silk cities of Varanasi and Kanchipuram were also culturally significant for people-to-people contact.