Latest news with #Shaivite
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chola kings' statues will be installed in TN: Modi
GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM(ARIYALUR): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that statues of emperors Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola I will be installed in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at an event at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur commemorating 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and marking the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at the temple, Modi said, 'While taking pride in the tradition of our Bharat, I take a pledge today that we will install grand statues of King Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola I in Tamil Nadu. These statues will become modern pillars of our historical consciousness.' In a 45-minute speech in Hindi, translated into Tamil, Modi spoke at length about the contributions of the Chola emperors and the Shaivite tradition to the country. Referring to the Chola era as one of the golden ages of India, he said,
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.
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Modi announces statues of Chola kings as BJP takes Shaivite route to cracking Tamil Nadu puzzle
Addressing the people gathered, Modi harked back to the installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building. A gold-plated, silver sceptre, the Sengol was earlier housed at the Allahabad Museum. Emissaries from the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam Matha, a Shaivite monastery, are believed to have had brought the Sengol to North India. Since then, the Sengol had been lying in the Allahabad museum for decades before it hit the headlines in 2023, when Modi, along with Hindu priests heading the 20 Adheenams in Tamil Nadu, installed it near the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair. On Sunday, participating in the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Tamil Nadu's Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, established by Rajendra Chola I in the then-capital of the Chola Empire, Prime Minister Modi said the statues would 'serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness'. Honouring Rajendra Chola I, he also released a commemorative coin at the temple, which is now celebrating its 1,000th anniversary. Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government will install statues of Raja Raja Chola, who ruled the Chola empire at its peak in the 10th and early 11th centuries, and his son Rajendra Chola I in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming years. 'During the inauguration of the new Parliament building, the saints from the Shaivite Adheenams led the ceremony spiritually. The sacred Sengol, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, has been ceremoniously installed in the new Parliament,' Modi said, emphasising that the Shaivite tradition in the state had played a key role in shaping the country's cultural identity. '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.' Political analysts in the state, however, say the PM's address is an extension of the BJP's efforts to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu. 'They (BJP leaders) have been trying to leverage the worship of Lord Vinayagar (Tamil Nadu's Ganesha) through the Vinayagar Chaturthi festival (also known as Ganesh Chaturthi) for a long time, and for the last couple of years, they have tried to leverage Murugan (Ganesha's brother and god of war and victory). Now, they have taken the Shaivite tradition and Lord Shiva to appease the people of Tamil Nadu and bring everyone under one umbrella as Hindus,' said A. Ramasamy, a political analyst and former head of Tamil department at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. However, BJP leaders in the state said that it was not about politics and that analysts are misreading intentions. Speaking to ThePrint, the BJP's former Tamil Nadu president, Tamilisai Soundararajan, said that the PM's visit demonstrated that history and legacy matter. 'Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was a historically important temple, built 1,000 years ago, and the Prime Minister visiting it was a symbol of celebrating the past, and it has nothing to do with politics. By the visit of the Prime Minister to a small district, like Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the city has got the light of the country, and [I] hope it regains its past glory,' she told ThePrint. 'C hola Empire advanced democratic tradition s' Stating that the history and heritage of the Chola Empire proclaim the true potential of India, the PM said, 'The legacy of Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India's identity and pride.' He also said that it was the Chola Empire, which implemented democratic election practices first, centuries before Britain's Magna Carta came into being. 'While historians speak of Britain's Magna Carta in the context of democracy, the Chola empire had implemented democratic election practices centuries earlier, through the Kudavolai Amaippu system,' he said, adding that the Chola Empire also advanced India's democratic traditions but had often been overlooked in global narratives. Under the Kudavolai Amaippu system, the names of contestants for membership of the village 'Maha Sabhas' were written on palm leaves, with the winner selected by a lucky lot drawn in front of all villagers. The Prime Minister also highlighted a belief that Rajendra Chola I transported Ganga water from North India to South India. 'While many are remembered for acquiring gold, silver, or livestock from other regions, Rajendra Chola is recognised for bringing sacred Ganga water. Rajendra Chola transported Ganga water from North India and established it in the South,' Modi said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the Union government's Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam programmes.'The Chola rulers have woven a thread of cultural unity across India. Today, our government is carrying forward the ideals from the Chola era,' the PM said. he also emphasised that the Shaivite philosophy would pave the way for meaningful solutions for several crises. Referring to the teachings of Tirumular, who wrote 'Anbe Sivam', meaning 'Love is Shiva', he said that 'had the world embraced this thought, many crises could resolve on their own'. India, he proclaimed, is currently advancing this philosophy through the motto, 'One world, One Family, One Future'. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Tamil Nadu on mission to get Blue Flag tag for 4 of its beaches. But Marina presents a unique challenge
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Day before Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, Modi in Tamil Nadu: Gave country new self-confidence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Operation Sindoor sent the unambiguous message to the world that 'there is no safe haven' for terrorists and other enemies of the country. The military operation, he said, ignited a 'new awakening' and 'self-confidence'. The PM's comments came a day before the Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin a 16-hour discussion on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor in which the military targeted terror infrastructure operating from Pakistan. The Rajya Sabha is set to discuss the matter on Tuesday. 'Operation Sindoor proved that for enemies of India, for terrorists, there is no safe haven. The world saw how India responds if someone attacks its security and sovereignty. When I came here from the helipad, the three to four 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,' he said from the sprawling grounds adjoining the Brihadisvara Temple in the ancient Chola capital of Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district. Modi spoke of the country's modern military might and the legacy of the Chola empire, linking India's contemporary strength to its civilisational roots. The PM, who attended the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival that commemorates the birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra I, said the 'names of emperors Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola I are synonymous with India's identity and pride'. He announced that grand statues of the monarchs would be built in Tamil Nadu and said they would become 'modern pillars of our historic awakening'. The PM released a commemorative coin featuring Rajendra Chola at the event, which also had live music renditions of Shaivite hymns and a performance by music maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Modi, dressed in traditional Tamil attire of white veshti, short-sleeve shirt, and angavastram, paid homage at the temple, lauding its 'exquisite architecture and sculptures'. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 'I have prayed at this historic temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of India,' he said. Citing ancient Tamil administrative systems, Modi said, 'Several people speak about the UK's Magna Carta while commenting on democracy. However, the Chola-era 'Kudavolai system' predated it.' The electoral method, he said, existed 'over 1,000 years ago'. 'The Chola kings significantly enhanced their diplomatic and trade relations with regions such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is just a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I am here.' Modi also spoke of spiritual unity, quoting the Shaivite philosopher Thirumoolar: 'Love is Shiva, and if the world adopts this idea today, most of the crises can be solved.' On Sunday morning, before the PM left for Gangaikonda Cholapuram, BJP and AIADMK supporters lined the streets at major junctions in Tiruchirapalli, waving flags and cheering as his convoy passed by. He arrived in the ancient Chola city, landing on the dry bed of the historic Chola Gangam lake. In the town, odhuvars (singers of devotional hymns) sang verses from the Thevaram, a collection of devotional poetry dedicated to Shiva. Crowds lined the route from the helipad to the temple, waving flags and chanting slogans. At the venue, separate enclosures were set up for Shaivite saints such as the Madurai Adheenam and the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam. Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening, flying into Tiruchirapalli International Airport from Thoothukudi after launching infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,900 crore. There, he was received by Governor R N Ravi, state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Minister K N Nehru, Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) leader G K Vasan, and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. This was the first face-to-face meeting between the PM and Palaniswami since the AIADMK and BJP renewed their electoral alliance in April.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM Modi links Shaiva philosophy to Chandrayaan-3 landing site during Aadi Thiruvathirai festival
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." Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Others Digital Marketing MCA Technology MBA Cybersecurity PGDM Public Policy Leadership Data Analytics Design Thinking Product Management CXO Healthcare Data Science Operations Management Artificial Intelligence others Finance Data Science Project Management healthcare Degree Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details 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 development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Laguna - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Recalling 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 form. He 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. Live Events 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 said. He 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 noted. During the event, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I. This 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.
