Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the 1,000-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu, offering prayers before Lord Shiva and immersing himself in the spiritual ambiance heightened by music of Ilaiyaraaja and chanting by Odhuvars. He remarked on the emotional resonance of Shiva Darshan, describing it as deeply transformative.
Marking one millennium since the Brihadeeswarar Temple’s construction, Modi expressed gratitude for participating in the auspicious moment and prayed for the prosperity of 140 crore Indians, invoking blessings of Lord Shiva’s uplifting chant.
He encouraged attendance at the exhibition on 1,000 years of heritage and welfare, organized by the Ministry of Culture, celebrating ancestral roadmap to human progress. He also inaugurated a Tamil Gita album through Chinmaya Mission, lauding the initiative’s role in strengthening cultural pride.
Highlighting historical trade and diplomatic ties, Modi noted the Cholas’ connections with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Southeast Asia—remarking on his own recent Maldives visit. He asserted that Chola heritage is indelible, stating that devotion to Shiva underpinned their immortality. He honored Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola as stalwarts shaping India’s identity and aspirations.
Modi cited the Chola era as a golden age, noting the empire’s early democratic system—the Kudavolai Amaippu. He pointed out ancient concerns for water and ecological stewardship, recalling how Rajendra Chola transported sacred Ganga water to Ponneri Lake, symbolized by the phrase “Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham.”
In tribute, fresh Ganga water was brought again from Kashi to Tamil Nadu, with Modi acknowledging his deep bond with the river. He announced upcoming statues of Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola, reinforcing public appreciation of heritage.
Reflecting on national security, Modi referenced Operation Sindoor, applauding India’s decisive action and its message of zero tolerance to terrorism. He drew parallels with Chola humility—citing Rajendra Chola’s deliberately shorter temple gopuram—and underscored modern India’s parallel strength and values.
He concluded by connecting heritage to current nationalism, encouraging youth inspired by idols like APJ Abdul Kalam. Modi repeated the themes of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” and “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”—emphasizing that preserving legacy and progress go hand in hand.
The event—featuring dignitaries like Tamil Nadu’s Governor R. N Ravi and Union Minister L. Murugan—also included release of a commemorative coin marking Rajendra Chola I and acknowledgement of the festival’s historical and spiritual significance within Tamil Shaivism.
