Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.
The temple, built nearly a thousand years ago by Rajendra Chola to mark the zenith of Chola power, served as the backdrop to a ceremony steeped in Tamil heritage and Shaivite devotion.
Honouring an Empire That Shaped India’s Identity
The Prime Minister lauded the Chola dynasty as a symbol of India’s civilizational pride, highlighting how Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola represent India’s maritime strength, architectural grandeur, and cultural depth. He pointed out that a confident India’s spiritual and strategic strength is reflected in the Cholas’ legacy.
Known for its unique Brihadeeswara Shiva shrine, the temple complex, which formerly extended diplomatic missions and commerce channels throughout Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia, is a monument to the Chola Empire’s global ambition.
A Coincidence of Continents: From Maldives to Tamil Nadu
PM Modi noted a significant coincidence, having just returned from an official trip to the Maldives the day before the event. The comment gave the cultural story a geopolitical backdrop while quietly reaffirming the Chola Empire’s global influence, which contemporary India still maintains through regional involvement and diplomacy.
Music, Faith, and the Spirit of Shiva
The music of Ilaiyaraaja, whose spiritual compositions gave the temple a Sawan-season atmosphere, added to the event’s devout zeal. PM Modi acknowledged the emotional power of cultural icons in binding national consciousness, especially in sacred spaces like Cholapuram.
Connecting the Past and Present: A National Security Message
Before shifting his focus to India’s contemporary fight against terrorism, PM Modi invoked the country’s traditional spiritual strength. India has shown that its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens are not negotiable, he said, citing Operation Sindoor.
The military operation, launched recently by Indian defence forces, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, sending a strong international message about India’s counter-terrorism policy and willingness to act decisively.
One Nation, Many Anchors
The event became more than a festival—it was a convergence of heritage, faith, diplomacy, and national defense. By honouring Rajendra Chola I, a ruler known for his expansive vision and cultural patronage, PM Modi placed India’s past and present in one cohesive narrative: an India rooted in pride, yet reaching globally.
