PM Modi Emphasizes India-Mauritius Spiritual Bond at Ganga Talao
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Synopsis
On March 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the spiritual ties between India and Mauritius by offering prayers at Ganga Talao. He also immersed holy water from Triveni Sangam during his visit for Mauritius' National Day celebrations, marking a significant spiritual and cultural exchange.
Key Takeaways
- Ganga Talao is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in Mauritius.
- PM Modi immersed holy water from Triveni Sangam during his visit.
- He received the GCSK award as the first Indian leader to do so.
- The visit symbolizes the deep-rooted cultural relationship between India and Mauritius.
- An Indian Navy contingent participated in the National Day parade.
Port Louis, March 12 (NationPress) Underlining the profound civilizational and spiritual ties between India and Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage at the revered Ganga Talao—recognized as the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination in the Indian Ocean archipelago—and also immersed the holy water brought from the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
"Visiting the sacred Ganga Talao in Mauritius truly touched my heart. The spiritual connection between our nations is palpable along its sacred waters, transcending borders and linking countless generations to their heritage," PM Modi shared on X.
Ganga Talao, also referred to as Grand Basin in Mauritius, is a sacred crater lake situated about 550 meters above sea level in the mountainous Southwest district of Savanne. A temple and various small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities adorn its shoreline.
Legend has it that a Hindu priest discovered the site around 1897. In the 1970s, another priest from India brought holy water from the Ganges and poured it into the lake, thus giving it the name 'Ganga Talao'.
"The offerings are a meaningful representation of the shared devotion, cultural closeness, and sacred bonds between India and Mauritius," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) remarked on X.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi participated in the National Day festivities of Mauritius as the Chief Guest for the second time, an honor he first received in 2015.
"I am honored to partake in the National Day celebrations of Mauritius! I wish the people of Mauritius ongoing prosperity and success as we strengthen the deep-rooted connections between our nations," PM Modi expressed on X post-event.
During the celebrations, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool awarded the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' (GCSK) to Prime Minister Modi—the first Indian leader to receive this prestigious accolade.
PM Modi dedicated this award to the unique friendship between India and Mauritius and to the 1.4 billion people of India and their 1.3 million brothers and sisters in Mauritius.
The Mauritius government announced its decision on Tuesday to confer the nation's highest honor, 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean', to Prime Minister Modi during his ongoing two-day State Visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam made the announcement right before PM Modi began addressing an Indian community event in Port Louis on Tuesday evening. Modi is the first Indian to receive this distinction.
This also marks the 21st international award conferred upon PM Modi by a foreign nation.
"This recognition is extremely fitting for you, Prime Minister. Since we became a republic, only five foreign dignitaries have received this title, including the 'Gandhi of Africa'—Nelson Mandela, who was honored in 1998. We are immensely privileged to have you among us today, and your presence amidst your very busy schedule is greatly appreciated," stated Ramgoolam amid enthusiastic applause.
During the National Day celebrations, a contingent from the Indian Navy also took part in the parade. Additionally, an Indian Naval Ship made a Port Call to coincide with the National Day festivities.
