PM MODI AT ADI THIRUVATHIRAI FESTIVAL from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

PM MODI AT ADI THIRUVATHIRAI FESTIVAL

Why in News?

• On July 27, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in and addressed the grand finale of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival held at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu.
• The occasion was of exceptional historical and cultural significance as it commemorated the 1,000th anniversary of two major events:
• The legendary maritime expedition undertaken by Rajendra Chola I to Southeast Asia.

• The commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a pinnacle of Chola architecture.
• This event served as a powerful platform to celebrate and reassert India’s rich Shaivite and Chola heritage, while also reinforcing the government’s broader narrative of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development and Heritage) and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL & ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival is a major celebration within the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, observed during the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August).
• It is devoted to Lord Shiva, particularly in his form as Nataraja, representing the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction (Ananda Tandava).
• This star festival is closely linked to the birth star (Thiruvathirai or Ardra) of Rajendra Chola I, the illustrious Chola ruler, who was born on July 23.

COMMEMORATIVE IMPORTANCE IN 2025 The 2025 edition of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival held added importance as it marked:

• 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I’s successful naval expedition to Southeast Asia, including modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, symbolizing India’s ancient maritime strength and cross-cultural engagement.
• The beginning of construction of the grand Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built to celebrate the emperor’s northern victories and establishment of a new capital.

GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM TEMPLE

• The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple was built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE), the son of Raja Raja Chola I, one of South India’s greatest emperors.
• This temple was constructed to commemorate the Chola conquest of northern territories and the symbolic bringing of the sacred Ganga water to the South.

• Architecturally, the temple stands as a brilliant example of Chola artistry, renowned for its intricate sculptures, bronze idols, inscriptions, and harmonious proportions.
• The temple is often referred to as the “Brihadeeswarar Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram”, complementing the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, which was built by Rajendra’s father.
• While the vimana (temple tower) of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is slightly shorter than its Thanjavur counterpart, it is noted for being more ornate and graceful, demonstrating Rajendra’s deference and filial piety.
• The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective recognition of the Great Living Chola Temples

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM PM MODI’S SPEECH Tribute to Chola Dynasty

• The Prime Minister paid glowing tribute to the enduring legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I, emphasizing that their contributions form an integral part of India’s national pride and historical consciousness.
• He announced that grand statues of both Chola rulers would soon be installed in Tamil Nadu, serving as modern icons of historical awareness for future generations.

The Chola Era as a "Golden Age"

• PM Modi referred to the Chola period as one of India’s “golden eras”, not just in terms of military conquests, but also for democratic traditions, artistic advancements, temple architecture, water management, and governance.
• He cited the Kudavolai system, an ancient Tamil method of electoral governance, as a democratic innovation that pre-dated even the Magna Carta in Britain.
• The Prime Minister praised Rajendra Chola for his ecological foresight, particularly his decision to bring Ganga water to Tamil Nadu and create the Chola Ganga Lake (modern Ponneri Lake), calling it a “liquid pillar of victory”.
• The ritualistic blending of water from the Ganga and Kaveri symbolized civilizational continuity and reverence for India’s sacred rivers.

National Unity and Civilizational Identity

• PM Modi highlighted how the Chola rulers unified India through language, culture, and faith, laying the foundation for India’s civilizational integrity.
• He noted that the government is reviving these ancient bonds through initiatives like:
  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam – celebrating North-South cultural ties.
  • Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam – reconnecting Tamil migrants from Gujarat with their roots.
• The installation of the Sengol (sacred Tamil symbol of transfer of power) in the new Parliament was recalled as a gesture of civilizational continuity.

Shaivism and Tamil Philosophical Heritage

• The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Shaivism in shaping India’s spiritual and cultural ethos, with Tamil Nadu being a historic center of Shaiva Bhakti.
• He invoked the wisdom of Tirumular, especially the principle “Anbe Sivam” (Love is Shiva), positioning it as a universal message relevant to global peace and India’s philosophy of “One World, One Family, One Future.”
• The Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam during India’s G20 Presidency was cited as a symbol of India’s scientific and cultural legacy.

Preservation and Repatriation of Heritage

• PM Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to cultural heritage under the policy of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’.
• Since 2014, over 600 ancient artifacts and idols stolen from India have been successfully repatriated, including 36 from Tamil Nadu.
• He highlighted international recognition of India’s cultural symbolism, referring to the naming of the Chandrayaan-3 South Pole landing site as “Shiv-Shakti Point.”

Chola Inspiration for Modern India

• Drawing parallels between the Chola era and modern India, PM Modi underlined the need for:
  • A strong defense force, inspired by the Chola Navy.
  • Robust maritime trade and connectivity.
  • Sustainable development and ecological awareness.

• He mentioned Operation Sindoor, a military action reportedly involving retaliatory strikes across the Line of Control, as a symbol of India’s strength and resolve against terrorism.
• He likened Rajendra Chola’s humility (building a temple tower lower than his father’s) to New India’s growth — proud, yet rooted in values and service to humanity.

Cultural Initiatives and Exhibitions

• PM Modi launched the Tamil Gita Album by the Chinmaya Mission, describing it as a creative bridge between Bhagavad Gita philosophy and Tamil culture.
• He encouraged citizens to visit the exhibition on 1,000 years of Chola history organized by the Ministry of Culture, showcasing Chola achievements in governance, trade, art, and public welfare.

ABOUT RAJENDRA CHOLA 1

• Reign: 1014–1044 CE.
• Known for expanding the Chola Empire to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Southeast Asia (Srivijaya Empire).
• Founded the new imperial capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
• Demonstrated environmental and religious foresight by bringing Ganga water to the South and building the Ponneri Lake.
• Strengthened naval capabilities, administrative decentralization, and local self-governance through inclusive policies.
• His reign is considered one of the most prosperous and globally connected periods in Indian history.

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