(September 10, 2012) The Pope’s ambassador to India on Saturday visited a famous
Hindu temple in Thanjavur, an important centre of South Indian art and architecture
in Tamil Nadu state. Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, accompanied
by Bishop M. Devadass Ambrose of Thanjavur, appreciated the art, sculptures and architecture
of the 11th century Brahadeeswarar Temple, or the ‘Big Temple’ dedicated
to God Shiva. It is one of the World Heritage Monuments of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Archbishop Pennacchio later told reporters
that he was ‘impressed by the beauty of the temple’. He said the king who built the
temple remained a symbol of secularism and communal harmony. The Vatican representative
visited the Hindu temple after participating in the car procession of the Marian shrine
of Our Lady of Good Health on Friday at Velankanni, which comes under Thanjavur District
and Diocese. The shrine is celebrating its golden jubilee. The annual Velakanni festival
is a symbol of communal harmony as people from many faiths take part in it.