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    Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits an exhibition at Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Photo: PTI

    Modi in TN: PM praises Chola empire’s military legacy; announces statues for Chola kings

    PM visited Gangaikonda Cholapuram to attend Aadi Thiruvathirai festival that marks the birth anniversary of iconic Chola king Rajendra Chola-I

    The Federal
    27 July 2025 9:39 AM IST  (Updated:2025-07-27 15:33:24)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (July 27) said Operation Sindoor showed the world the way India would respond if its sovereignty was attacked and that the cross-border military offensive has created a new self-confidence across the country.

    At his address at Tamil Nadu’s Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Modi said Operation Sindoor also proved that for enemies and terrorists targeting India, there is no safe haven.

    Modi was in the village to preside over the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival that marks the birth anniversary of the iconic Chola king Rajendra Chola-I.

    Also read | Will Modi’s ‘Chola gamble’ earn rich dividends?

    ‘Chola kings synonymous with India’s pride’

    During his address, Modi said the names of emperors Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola-I are synonymous with India's identity and pride and announced that grand statues would be built for them in Tamil Nadu. These statues will be "modern pillars of our historic awakening," he added.

    The prime minister also praised the military prowess and administrative dexterity of the Chola kings, while noting that the legacy left behind by them has provided a road map for the country to become a developed nation.

    Further, Modi said several people spoke about the UK's Magna Carta while commenting on democracy. However, the Chola-era 'Kudavolai system' predated it, he said. The system followed during the Chola era was over 1,000 years ago, he said.

    PM dons traditional attire, performs puja

    Earlier in the day, the prime minister performed puja at the Chola-era Lord Brihadeeswara temple. Amid chants of Vedic and Saivite Thirumurai, Modi prayed at the temple and brought a 'kalasam' (metal pot) with traditional decorations, which is believed to contain water from River Ganga regarded as sacred.

    On his arrival, the Modi was received by temple priests with traditional temple honours, the "poorana kumbham".

    Also read: With Modi's TN visit, why Rajendra Chola will get the spotlight back

    Clad in veshti (dhoti), white shirt, and angavasthram worn around the neck, Modi circumambulated the inner corridor of the temple, a part of the great living Chola temples, a UNESCO heritage site. He also offered prayers by conducting a "deeparathanai."

    The prime minister also visited an exhibition organised by the Archaeological Survey of India on Chola Shaivism and architecture.

    Grand welcome

    Earlier on Sunday, the prime minister held a roadshow soon after his arrival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

    During the roadshow, the prime minister stood on the running board of his vehicle and waved at the people who lined up on both sides of the road.

    Also read: Battle for Chola legacy: DMK, BJP jostle to claim Tamil pride in Thanjavur

    Workers of the BJP and AIADMK enthusiastically gathered on roadsides and they showered flowers and petals on Prime Minister Modi all through the 3-kilometer road show route; the flags of the BJP and AIADMK fluttered.

    Commemorative coin

    The prime minister released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I, and attended the launch of the Tamil Gita album, facilitated by the Chinmaya Mission, remarking that the initiative energises the nation's resolve to preserve its heritage. The PM also released a booklet on "Thirumurai recital," (recital of Saivite hymns).


    Live Updates

    2025-07-27 04:09:43
    • 27 July 2025 2:59 PM IST

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      "The Chola kings significantly enhanced their diplomatic and trade relations with regions such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is just a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I am fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in this programme..." says PM Modi. 


    • 27 July 2025 2:54 PM IST

      Names of Raja Raja Chola, Rajendra Chola synonymous with India's identity, pride: PM Modi

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    • 27 July 2025 2:50 PM IST

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      “...I am privileged to be present and worship at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara. I have prayed at this historic temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and for the continued progress of India. I wish that everyone gets the blessings of Lord Shiva...,” says PM Modi.

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    • 27 July 2025 2:36 PM IST

      Modi releases commemorative coin

      The prime minister released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola-I. 


    • 27 July 2025 2:33 PM IST

      Why does Tamil Nadu celebrate Aadi Thiruvathirai festival?

      • The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival is a significant cultural and religious event celebrated annually in Tamil Nadu, India, particularly at the Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
      • The festival, held during the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August), is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE).
      • The festival commemorates Rajendra Chola I’s contributions, including his maritime expedition to Southeast Asia (c. 1025 CE) and the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.
      • It celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, supported by the Cholas and embodied by the 63 Nayanmars (Tamil Shaivite saint-poets).
      • It highlights Tamil Nadu’s cultural and architectural heritage, particularly Chola-era temple architecture and Shaivism.
      • The festival typically spans several days, with the 2025 edition scheduled from July 23 to July 27.
      • During the festival, devotees perform rituals, including abhishekam (ritual bathing of deities) and adorn the idol of Rajendra Chola with silk robes and flower garlands.
      • Traditional Othuvars recite sacred Tamil Shaivite hymns from the Devaram, a collection of devotional poetry.
      • Events feature Bharatanatyam recitals by institutions like the Kalakshetra Foundation, folk dances, and musical concerts, such as those by maestro Ilaiyaraaja (e.g., a Tiruvasagam performance in 2025).
      • The Archaeological Survey of India also organises displays on Chola Shaivism, temple architecture, and guided tours of historical sites.
      • Organised by the Tamil Nadu Department of Tourism and the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, the festival draws thousands of visitors, fostering community bonding and cultural pride.
      • It includes amenities like special bus services, drinking water, and sanitation, with local holidays (e.g., July 23, 2025, in Ariyalur district) to encourage participation.

    • 27 July 2025 2:29 PM IST

      ‘Modi Modi’: How PM was received at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

      Chants of ‘Modi Modi’ filled the air when the PM reached Gangaikonda Cholapuram to participate in the birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola-I. An elated Modi was seen waving at the crowd.

    • 27 July 2025 2:13 PM IST

      Who was Rajendra Chola-I?

      Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE) was a prominent Chola dynasty king from South India, succeeding his father, Rajaraja Chola I. He is renowned for expanding the Chola Empire to its greatest extent, establishing dominance over South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. His key achievements include:Military Conquests: Rajendra consolidated Chola control over South India by defeating the Cheras, Pandyas, and Western Chalukyas. He completed the conquest of Sri Lanka, capturing its northern regions and making it a Chola province.

      Naval Expeditions: He launched a remarkable naval campaign around 1025 CE, conquering parts of the Srivijaya Empire (modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia), including Kedah and other coastal regions, securing Chola influence over Indian Ocean trade routes.

      Ganga Campaign: Rajendra led a northern expedition, reaching the Ganges River, earning the title Gangaikonda Chola ("the Chola who conquered the Ganges"). He founded the city Gangaikonda Cholapuram as a new capital to commemorate this.

      Administration and Culture: He strengthened the Chola administration, promoted trade, and patronized Tamil literature and temple-building, including the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

      Legacy: Rajendra’s reign marked the Chola Empire’s peak as a maritime and economic power, with influence extending across South and Southeast Asia.

      He died in 1044 CE, succeeded by his son, Rajadhiraja Chola. Rajendra I is celebrated as one of India’s greatest emperors for his military prowess and cultural contributions.

    • 27 July 2025 2:08 PM IST

      Prayers at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple

      Modi watches as devotees sing bhajans at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.

    • 27 July 2025 1:59 PM IST

      Warm welcome for PM

      PM Modi was accorded a warm welcome during his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu. 

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