Celebrating 1,000 Years of Chola Maritime Legacy and Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival
Published on: July 27, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Chennai, India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace Tamil Nadu’s Gangaikonda Cholapuram tomorrow, July 27, to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Emperor Rajendra Chola I’s historic maritime expedition to Southeast Asia. The event, coinciding with the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, will mark the release of a commemorative coin honoring the legendary Chola king, whose naval conquests and architectural brilliance continue to inspire awe.
The grand celebration at the UNESCO-listed Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture, will highlight Rajendra Chola I’s remarkable legacy. The emperor, who ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, expanded the Chola Empire’s influence across South and Southeast Asia, establishing Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital. The temple, renowned for its intricate sculptures and ancient inscriptions, stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty’s cultural and administrative prowess.
The event, part of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival celebrating Rajendra Chola’s birth anniversary, will feature a cultural extravaganza. Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja will perform a special symphony concert, while the Archaeological Survey of India has curated an exhibition on Saiva Siddhanta and Chola temple arts. Prime Minister Modi will also participate in a maha abhishekam using holy Ganga water from Varanasi and offer prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple.
The village of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is abuzz with preparations, adorned with flags and garlands, as it welcomes the Prime Minister. Over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure security, with a roadshow planned from the helipad to the temple. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and other dignitaries will join the historic event.
This commemoration not only honors Rajendra Chola I’s maritime and architectural achievements but also underscores the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, immortalized by the 63 Nayanmars. The release of the commemorative coin symbolizes India’s commitment to preserving its glorious heritage while celebrating a millennium of Chola valor and vision.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/भारत-ने-रचा-इतिहास-चेन्नई/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/खेसरिया-में-चौंकाने-वाला/
