Prime Minister releases commemorative coin of Rajendra Chola I

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin in honour of the Chola king. At the ancient Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district, Modi took part in the farewell festivities of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival on Sunday, July 27, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.

The Prime Minister offered prayers at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, also called the Brihadisvara Temple, which was constructed by Rajendra Chola I as a duplicate of his father Rajaraja Chola I's temple in Thanjavur. He was dressed in traditional Tamil garb, including a white veshti (dhoti), half-sleeved shirt, and angavastram (upper cloth).

The temple, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, is considered a masterpiece of Chola architecture and Saivite tradition.

Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with poorna kumbham honours before entering the temple premises.

He performed abhishekam for the presiding deity, Choleeswarar (Lord Shiva), using sanctified water brought from the Ganga in Varanasi.

The Prime Minister also offered deeparadhana (worship with lamps) and witnessed Tamil Shivaacharyas chanting Vedic hymns in Tamil as part of the traditional rituals.

He visited various shrines within the temple complex, including those dedicated to Goddess Durga, Parvati, and Lord Murugan, and spent considerable time admiring the intricate sculptures and bronze icons dating back to the Chola era.

He was particularly fascinated by the stone-carved statues, copper plates, and metal idols that reflect the richness of the Chola dynasty's cultural and spiritual life.

During the ceremony, odhuvars (temple singers) rendered sacred Saivite hymns, while renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja performed compositions from Thiruvasagam, the devotional verses of Tamil saint-poet Manikkavasagar.

The event also marked the millennial celebration of Rajendra Chola's legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, which showcased the Chola empire's naval prowess and far-reaching influence.

The Prime Minister also visited a thematic photo exhibition on 'Saiva Siddhanta and Chola Temple Arts' organised by the ASI, and interacted with scholars about the legacy of Rajendra Chola I, expressing deep appreciation for the dynasty's contributions to Indian history and architecture.

With inputs from agencies