PM Modi Celebrates Chola Legacy at Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival in Gangaikonda Cholapuram
On July 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the grand valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district. The event, marking the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I, also commemorated 1,000 years of his maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the establishment of the iconic temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural grandeur and cultural significance.
Dressed in traditional Tamil attire—a white veshti (dhoti), shirt, and angavasthram—PM Modi offered prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple, also known as Gangaikonda Cholisvaram, amid Vedic chants and Saivite Thirumurai hymns. He performed a deeparathanai and brought a kalasam (metal pot) containing sacred Ganga water from Varanasi, symbolizing the Chola emperor’s historic conquest of the Gangetic plains. The Prime Minister spent three minutes in silent meditation at the sanctum sanctorum and circumambulated the temple’s inner corridor, appreciating its intricate Chola-era sculptures and bronzes.
The festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture from July 23 to 27, highlighted the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition and the contributions of the 63 Nayanmars, the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. A key highlight was the release of a commemorative coin honoring Rajendra Chola I, fulfilling a request by R. Komagan, Chairman of the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust. The coin celebrates the emperor’s contributions to governance, architecture, and maritime expeditions that extended Chola influence across South and Southeast Asia.
PM Modi also attended a cultural program featuring a 20-minute symphony concert by music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, who performed hymns from Thiruvasagam, composed by Tamil poet Manikkavasagar. Additionally, 44 odhuvars recited Saivite hymns, and the Archaeological Survey of India showcased an exhibition on Chola Shaivism and architecture, which the Prime Minister visited.
The event saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and VCK President and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan. The temple town was adorned with BJP, AIADMK, and VCK flags, reflecting a rare convergence of political symbols. Over 2,000 police personnel ensured tight security, with a ban on drones and aerial vehicles enforced.
PM Modi’s visit began with a grand roadshow from a helipad on the dry bed of Cholagangam (Ponneri), a historic man-made lake built by Rajendra Chola I. Crowds lined the streets, chanting “Modi-Modi” and waving flags. In his address, the Prime Minister praised the Chola Empire’s golden era, emphasizing its role in promoting India as the “Mother of Democracy.” He connected the event to his representation of Kashi, noting the symbolic offering of Ganga water as a bridge between India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The visit also underscored the Central government’s commitment to preserving Tamil Nadu’s cultural legacy. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently announced a ₹20 crore project to restore the Cholagangam lake and ₹7.25 crore for tourism development at the site. PM Modi’s participation in the festival, coupled with his inauguration of ₹4,800 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Thoothukudi the previous day, highlighted efforts to boost regional connectivity and historical awareness.
The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, aligned with Rajendra Chola I’s birth star Thiruvathirai (Ardra), celebrated the Chola dynasty’s contributions to Shaivism, temple architecture, and classical arts. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, completed in 1035 CE, stands as a testament to the emperor’s vision, having served as the Chola capital for over 250 years. The event is expected to enhance tourism and inspire younger generations to connect with India’s ancient civilizational heritage.
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