Latest news with #AadiThiruvathirai
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi visits Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu: Here's why it deserves a spot on your travel list
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27, during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival marking Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary. Dressed in traditional attire, he participated in sacred rituals and received the Poorana Kumbham honour. His visit puts a spotlight on this Chola-era gem, an architectural marvel with rich history, spiritual depth, and timeless beauty that absolutely deserves a spot on your travel list. PM Modi visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27. A forgotten jewel of Tamil Nadu Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is no less majestic. Built in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious northern expedition and the bringing of Ganga water to the South, this temple is a stunning example of Chola architecture at its zenith. What makes it a must-visit Architectural Grandeur: The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. Spiritual significance: Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Cultural immersion: Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. A photographer's dream: The golden light on the laterite stones at sunrise or sunset makes it a stunning location for travel photography. How to get there Located in Ariyalur district, the temple is about 70 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam. The best way to reach is via road or by train to nearby towns, followed by a short taxi ride.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Op Sindoor showcased India's prowess: Modi
Gangaikonda Cholapuram (TN): PrimeMinister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message that there is no sanctuary for enemies and terrorists anywhere. PM Modi made these remarks while addressing the public during the valedictory ceremony of the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival, held in honour of King Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. Modi also said that Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message to the world that India will respond strongly to any threat against its security and sovereignty. The event was held at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, a UNESCO-recognised marvel built by Rajendra Chola I. 'Today's India prioritises its security. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed that if anyone threatens India's sovereignty, the country will respond in their own language. This operation has instilled a new sense of confidence and ignited a spirit of unity across the nation. There is no haven for India's enemies and terrorists anywhere in the world," the PM said. Offering prayers at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara, Modi said, 'I prayed for the well-being of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of the nation. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.' He announced that grand statues of Chola emperors Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola will be erected in Tamil Nadu to commemorate their contributions to Indian history and culture. He said the Chola Empire represented a golden era of India, with achievements in architecture, governance, diplomacy, trade, and cultural integration. 'The Cholas established strong political and trade ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I stand here in the land once ruled by these visionary kings,' he remarked.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
PM Modi links Shaiva philosophy to Chandrayaan-3 landing site during Aadi Thiruvathirai festival
ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi Emphasising that India's heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are no longer confined to its geographic borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled that when India became the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole, the designated lunar site was named "Shiv-Shakti" and is now recognised globally. Speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, held to mark the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I, the Prime Minister said, "India's Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping the nation's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects in this cultural development, and Tamil Nadu continues to be an important centre of vibrant Shaivite heritage." He highlighted the legacy of the Nayanmar saints, their devotional literature, Tamil contributions, and the influence of the Adheenams. He said these traditions sparked a new chapter in India's spiritual and social his recent meeting with the Dikshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the Prime Minister said they had presented him with a sacred offering from the temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Nataraja said the Nataraja symbol reflects both India's philosophy and scientific foundations. The Prime Minister added that a similar Ananda Tandava idol of Lord Nataraja adorns Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where global leaders had gathered during the G-20 summit in 2023. PM Modi said the world is facing instability, violence, and environmental crises, and that the Shaivite philosophy could offer meaningful solutions. Referring to the teachings of Tirumular, he said, "Anbe Sivam," meaning "Love is Shiva," could help resolve many global problems if widely accepted. He added that India is advancing this philosophy through the motto 'One World, One Family, One Future.'He said modern India takes pride in its heritage. "Today, India is guided by the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,' and modern India takes pride in its history," the Prime Minister also said that efforts have been made to recover India's cultural artefacts. "Since 2014, more than 600 ancient artefacts have been repatriated from various countries around the world," he said, adding that 36 of these items belonged to Tamil Nadu. "Many valuable heritage items, including Nataraja, Lingodbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanarishwara, Nandikeswara, Uma Parameshwari, Parvati, and Sambandar, are once again adorning the land," he the event, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola year's celebration also marks 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a major example of Chola architecture. Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) was among India's most powerful rulers. His empire expanded across South and Southeast Asia. He built the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple after his military campaigns and made the town his capital. The temple served as a centre of Shaiva worship and administration for over 250 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its sculptures, bronzes, and inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti movement, supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars--the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), began on 23rd July this year, making the festival even more special.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
PM Modi's BIG statement on Op Sindoor; says it proved India's enemies, terrorists have no...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. (ANI Photo) Gangaikonda Cholapuram, (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday 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. Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, also proved that for enemies and terrorists targeting India, there is no safe haven, PM Modi said in his address at an event here to honour the Tamil emperor Rajendra Chola-I. The event marks the birth anniversary of the Rajendra Chola-I which is celebrated as the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' (the birth star of the king is Thiruvathirai in the Tamil month of Aadi) festival. Also, it commemorates 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola's legendary maritime expedition to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture. 'The world saw how India responds if someone attacks its security and sovereignty,' he said about the military strikes at chosen targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Further, he said: 'Operation Sindoor proved that for enemies of India, for terrorists, there is no safe haven. When I came here from the helipad, the 3-4 km distance suddenly became a roadshow, and everyone was praising Op Sindoor. It has created a new awakening, a new self-confidence across the country. The world has to realise India's strength.' Modi further 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.' The honour for the iconic Tamil kings follows Modi's several Tamil-centric initiatives including the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and multi-language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai and other classic Tamil literature. 'The Chola emperors had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same vision of the Chola era. Through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, we are strengthening these centuries-old bonds of unity,' the PM said. Further, Modi said several people spoke about UK's Magna Carta while commenting on democracy. However, the Chola-era 'Kudavolai system' predated it by centuries, he said. Clearly, the prime minister continued with his Tamil pitch by invoking the rich legacy of Chola kings and their patronage of Saivite spiritualism. The PM said: 'Our Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping India's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy. Even today, Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive.' The PM said operation Sindoor has raised a new confidence in the people of India and the whole world is witnessing it. On the legacy of Rajendra Chola, he said, out of deep respect, the temple gopuram was built lower than that of his father's Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Despite his achievements, Rajendra Chola exemplified humility. 'Today's New India embodies this same spirit—becoming stronger, yet rooted in values of global welfare and unity', the Prime Minister said. Noting that July 27 marks the death anniversary of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, Modi remarked that in order to lead a developed India, the country needs millions of youth like Kalam and the Chola kings. Listening to the rendition of spiritual hymns by Odhuvamurthys (Saivite gurus) and a Shiva-chant concert by music maestro Ilaiyaraja, the PM said the the spiritual atmosphere deeply moved the soul. Amid chants of Vedic and Saivite Thirumurai, Modi prayed at the Lord Shiva temple here, built by Rajendra Chola-I to mark his victories and the founding of a new city Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow here on Sunday soon after his arrival to preside over the function to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola. 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. 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. 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). The prime minister arrived in Tuticorin on July 26 night and inaugurated, laid foundation stones for projects worth about Rs 4,900 crore. On Sunday, he presided over the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival's grand finale here, which commenced on July 23. The event is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Culture/the ASI which maintains the Chola-era Lord Shiva temple here. Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district is near Kumbakonam in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu. After completing his 2-day engagements in Tamil Nadu, the prime minister left for Delhi on July 27 from Tiruchirappali, where he stayed on Saturday night. (Only the headline has been reworked by staff. Copy comes from an agency feed)
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Deeply spiritual experience: PM Modi after offering prayers at Brihadisvara Temple in Tamil Nadu
Ariyalur (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu and described it as a "deeply spiritual experience."Terming the place one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion, PM Modi said he prayed for the well-being of the people of the a post on 'X', Prime Minister said, "Prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It was a deeply spiritual experience at one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion. I prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the people of India." Prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It was a deeply spiritual experience at one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion. I prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the people of India. - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2025 PM Modi was on a two-day trip to Tamil Nadu, where he attended several programs, including releasing a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I at the valedictory function at the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival on the occasion of the Chola king's birth anniversary at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur. The Prime Minister was welcomed by the local pandits in the temple. Earlier in the day, crowds thronged to see the Prime Minister as he held a roadshow in the Tiruchirappalli district."Overwhelmed by the affection shown by my sisters and brothers of Tiruchirappalli earlier this morning! We will always work for their well-being and ensure this great city scales new heights of progress," he said in a post on temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars--the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Notably, Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on July 23, making this year's festival all the more Prime Minister, addressing a rally at Ariyalur, highlighted the Chola Empire's role in bolstering ancient India's economy and military, describing it as a historical blueprint that serves as an "ancient roadmap" for modern Modi also emphasised that for India to build a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), it must draw inspiration from the Chola Empire's powerful navy by strengthening its defence forces and exploring new opportunities."The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today. Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which he further strengthened. The Chola Empire is like an ancient roadmap for developed India. It tells us that if we have to make 'Viksit Bharat,' then we have to strengthen our navy and defence forces and explore new opportunities. Today, India is embracing the philosophy of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi. Modern India takes great pride in its rich history and cultural legacy. Over the past decade, we have worked tirelessly in mission mode to protect and preserve India's heritage," PM Modi said.
