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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi soaks in spiritual experience on his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram
The spirit of bakthi hung in the air and Prime Minister Narendra Modi soaked in the spiritual experience during his more than two-hour visit to the Brihadisvara temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on Sunday. Sporting a traditional Tamil attire of white dhoti (veshti) and half-sleeve shirt with an angavastram (upper cloth), Mr. Modi offered prayers at the Shiva temple built by Rajendra Chola I, which is famous for its imposing architecture and exquisite sculptures. He was received with poorna kumbam honours. He performed aarathi to the presiding deity. Devotional renderings by maestro Ilaiyaraaja and a group of Odhuvars were held. The Odhuvars rendered the Thevaram hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, Thodudaiya Seviyan, Pithaa Piraisoodi Perumaney, and Muthaitharu Pathith Thirunagai from the Thirupugazh in praise of Lord Murugan. This was followed by the performance of the troupe led by Mr. Ilaiyaraaja. Singer Madhu Balakrishnan rendered the Om Sivahom. The maestro with his mesmerising voice rendered the Namah Shivaya Vaazhga Naadhanthaal Vaazhga and Poovar Senni Mannan of Saint Manickavasagar. The performances drew standing ovations from the Prime Minister. Moved by the spiritual atmosphere, Mr. Modi acknowledged it while speaking at the valedictory of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at the temple complex. Greeting the audience with 'Vanakkam Cholamandalam' (salutations to the Chola region), Mr. Modi appreciated the performances of Mr. Ilaiyaraaja and the Odhuvars. He handed over a pot of Ganga water from Kasi to the Sivachariars at the temple. The celebration of Ganga in the land of the Cauvery is also a legacy of the Chola Empire, he observed, and expressed happiness that he had once again brought Ganga water to Tamil Nadu. He viewed a thematic photo exhibition on 'Saiva Siddhanta and Chola Temple Arts', put up by the Union Ministry of Culture. Impressed by the achievements of the Cholas, he urged the people to visit the exhibition without fail. Mr. Modi released a Tamil musical album on Bhagavad Gita brought out by Chinmaya Mission and a publication on Thevaram brought out by Sahitya Akademi. He also held a roadshow on the way to the temple.
New Indian Express
08-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Five lakh witnessed Tiruchendur temple consecration: Minister P Sekar Babu
THOOTHUKUDI: Chants of "arohara" reverberated on the Tiruchendur sea shore during the consecration of Subramaniys Swamy temple, which was performed from 6.22 am on Monday. After this, theertham was sprayed on devotees using drone-mounted sprinklers. A grand yaga salai comprising 76 homa kundams had been built and 108 Odhuvars, including 12 women, recited hymns from the Thirumurai. Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department Minister P Sekar Babu said around five lakh people had converged on the town to witness the consecration. Besides him. "We expect more devotees to come to offer worship and required facilities are in place for them," he added. Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan, collector K Elambahavath, and former union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, also participated. According to Sekar Babu, the temple complex has been renovated at the cost of Rs 400 crore. This includes Rs 200 crore contributed by Shiv Nadar Foundation and the rest funded by the government. A few works are pending and they would be completed by October 2025, he said. The Tiruchendur consecration is the real conference of devotees, whereas an event held in Madurai recently was a sanghi conference, he added. The temple was last consecrated on July 2, 2009.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Thousands witness Meenakshi Sundareswarar celestial wedding in Madurai
MADURAI: Several thousands of devotees watched the celestial wedding of goddess Meenakshi and lord Sundareswarar that was solemnised by priests in mithuna lagnam between 8.35 am - 8.59 am on Thursday. The ceremonies started at 4 am with Odhuvars singing hymns from the Thirumurai. The processional deities of lord Pavala Kanivai Perumal and lord Subramaniya Swamy from Thiruparangundram temple arrived at the thirukalyana mandapam around 6 am following which the deities of goddess Meenakshi and lord Sundareswarar were brought to the mandapam in a procession at 8.15 am. As the celestial wedding took place, married women changed their mangalsutra. After the wedding ceremony, the deities remained in the mandapam till Thursday evening for devotees to have darshan. Ministers P Moorthy and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and other dignitaries from Madurai participated in the event.
