PM Modi offered prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple
PM Modi Celebrates Chola Legacy – On July 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a deeply symbolic and culturally resonant journey to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu, marking a day that will be etched in the annals of India’s civilizational pride. The occasion was the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, one of the greatest emperors of the Chola dynasty. Modi’s visit was not just ceremonial, it was a powerful reaffirmation of India’s ancient roots and Tamil Nadu’s enduring contribution to the nation’s identity.
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Spiritual Reverence at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Dressed in traditional attire, PM Modi offered prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Rajendra Chola. The temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture, stands as a testament to the Cholas’ artistic and engineering brilliance. Modi performed abhishekam using Ganga water brought from Kashi, symbolizing the ancient act of Rajendra Chola transporting the sacred river’s water to the South—a gesture that once unified the subcontinent spiritually and culturally.
The Prime Minister was welcomed with Poorana Kumbham honours and participated in rituals amid Vedic chants and Saivite hymns, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual energy. Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja’s Thiruvasakam symphony added a divine touch to the proceedings.
Honoring the Chola Emperors
In a landmark announcement, PM Modi declared the construction of grand statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu. These statues, he said, would serve as modern pillars of India’s historical consciousness, honoring the emperors who expanded India’s maritime influence and cultural footprint across Southeast Asia.
Modi emphasized that the Chola legacy is synonymous with India’s identity and pride, citing their contributions to naval power, democratic governance, and ecological foresight. He highlighted the Kudavolai system, an ancient electoral practice, as evidence of India’s democratic traditions long before the West’s Magna Carta.
Ganga Meets Kaveri: A Symbolic Unity
One of the most poignant moments of the day was Modi’s ritual of pouring Ganga water at the temple, echoing Rajendra Chola’s historic act. The PM referred to the phrase “Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham”, noting that the water was once channeled into the Chola Ganga lake, now known as Ponneri Lake.
This act symbolized Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, reinforcing the idea of cultural unity across regions. Modi, elected from Kashi, expressed his emotional connection to Mother Ganga, calling the ritual a sacred endeavor that bridges North and South India.
Tamil Heritage on the Global Stage
Modi’s visit also spotlighted Tamil Nadu’s rich Shaivite tradition, which he described as a cornerstone of India’s cultural identity. He praised the Nayanmar saints, Adheenams, and Tamil literary contributions that shaped spiritual and social thought. The PM recalled how the Sengol, a symbol of Tamil dharma, was installed in the new Parliament building, and how an idol of Lord Nataraja now graces Bharat Mandapam, where world leaders gathered during the G20 summit.
He also noted that India’s lunar landing site on the Moon’s South Pole was named “Shiv-Shakti”, further extending the influence of Shaiva philosophy beyond Earth.
Operation Sindoor and Chola Strategy
In a subtle yet strategic nod, PM Modi linked the military brilliance of the Cholas to modern India’s defense posture. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said India’s response to threats mirrors the Chola Empire’s naval dominance and strategic foresight, reinforcing the idea that ancient wisdom continues to guide contemporary policy.
A Message of Unity and Vision
Throughout his address, Modi reiterated that the Chola kings had woven India into a thread of cultural unity, and that his government is carrying forward that vision through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam.
He concluded by urging citizens to take pride in India’s heritage and to draw inspiration from the Cholas to build a developed, united, and culturally vibrant India.
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