Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined the valedictory function of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival marking the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I at the UNESCO-listed Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, praising the Chola civilisational legacy, India’s cultural resurgence, and the country’s security posture.

He also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I, appeared in traditional attire — a white veshti (dhoti), white shirt and angavasthram. The Prime Minister’s participation came a day after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met him at Tiruchirappalli airport, a politically significant encounter after the BJP–AIADMK renewed their electoral tie-up in April this year.

“I am the MP from Kashi, and when I hear ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, I get goosebumps. The extraordinary energy of Shiva’s darshan, Shri Ilaiyaraaja’s music and the chanting of mantras — this spiritual experience overwhelms the mind,” the Prime Minister said in his address.

He added that he prayed at the historic shrine “for the well-being of 140 crore people across the nation and for the continued progress of our country. May Lord Shiva bless everyone abundantly… Har Har Mahadev!”

The Chola template for a ‘Viksit Bharat’

Calling the Chola era a “golden” chapter in Indian history, the Prime Minister underlined its military strength, administrative innovation and cultural flowering. “The Chola kings significantly enhanced their diplomatic and trade relations with regions such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, I just returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I am fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in this programme,” he noted.

“The history and heritage of the Chola Empire stand as a testament to India’s immense potential and serve as a beacon of inspiration for the country’s vision of progress. This legacy fuels our journey toward building a Viksit Bharat. With this inspiration in mind, I offer my humble tribute to the great Rajendra Chola,” he said.

“The history and legacy of the Chola Empire are symbols of India’s true capability. It inspires the dream of India with which we are moving towards the goal of a developed nation,” he added.

‘Operation Sindoor’ and a hard security doctrine

Pivoting to national security, he asserted: “Today’s India considers its security paramount… During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed that if anyone attacks India’s security and sovereignty, India knows how to respond in their own language… This operation has made it clear that there is no safe place in the world for India’s enemies and terrorists.”

PM Narendra Modi further stressed: “The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today.  Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which Rajendra Chola 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, defence forces and explore new opportunities…”

Saivite continuum: From Sengol in Parliament to Shiv Shakti Point

Linking Tamil Saivite tradition to modern milestones, the Prime Minister recalled that during the inauguration of the new Parliament building, “Our saints from the Shaivite Adheenams spiritually led that historic ceremony… The ‘Sengol’, associated with Tamil culture, was installed in Parliament. Even today, when I remember that moment, I am filled with pride.”

He added that the Saivite tradition “transcends Earth”, noting that the Chandrayaan‑3 Vikram lander’s touchdown site was named Shiv Shakti Point.

Rajendra Chola Transported Ganga Jal From North And Consecrated It In South: PM Modi

Calling the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple an “architectural marvel admired worldwide”, Modi said Rajendra Chola transported Ganga Jal from the north and consecrated it in the south — water that was offered in the Chola Ganga Jheel, now known as Ponneri Jheel. He said the temple, famed for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes and ancient inscriptions, continues to be a living monument to Tamil Shaiva Bhakti, celebrated by the 63 Nayanmars. Notably, Rajendra Chola’s birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on 23 July, making this year’s festival especially significant.

“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,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “After 2014, more than 600 ancient artifacts and statues have been brought back to India. Out of these, 36 are from Tamil Nadu.”

PM Modi’s latest Tamil Nadu visit also carried political undertones. AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami met the Prime Minister at Tiruchirappalli airport on Saturday night — their first interaction since the BJP–AIADMK alliance was renewed earlier this year. The meeting comes even as the AIADMK maintains it will secure a majority in the 2026 Assembly election and form the government on its own, while the BJP has said it will be part of the government if the NDA wins.