The iconic Brahadeshwarar Temple in Thanjavur town is a symbol of religious integrity of India, said Vatican's Ambassador to India Rev Fr Salbetore Tennacchio on Saturday.
The Vatican envoy to India was here in Thanjavur on Saturday after attending the Velankanni car festival on Friday. During his visit, he handed over the Chaise blessed by Pope Benedict XVI from the Holy Seer in Vatican to Bishop of Thanjavur Rev Fr Devadoss Ambrose.
Earlier, before entering the temple complex, Deputy RDO K Ganeshwaran and S Guruswamy invited the envoy on behalf of the Thanjavur district administration. Along with the Bishop, the envoy was told about the cultural and social heritage of the temple complex.
Praising the Chola ruler Raja Raja Chola, Fr Tennacchio said, “The temple is simply amazing and indeed a marvellous structure. It showcases the religious and cultural significance and is also a symbol of religious integrity.” However, the envoy was denied entry through the side entrance into the sanctum sanctorum.
Earlier, he was directed by the temple officials to use the side entrance. An official on condition of anonymity explained, “We allow people of all religions when they are not in their religious attire. However, the envoy was in his religious attire.”
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