PM Participates in Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, Honors Chola Legacy at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
"I have prayed at this historic temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians"
PM Modi Participates in Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, Honors Chola Legacy at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
PM Modi Latest News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu.
Dressed in traditional attire, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the temple and addressed a large gathering on the occasion.
According to ANI, PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu. On Sunday, he held a roadshow in Tiruchirappalli district. He had arrived in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) on the evening of July 26 to begin his visit.
PM Modi’s Address at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Speaking at the festival, PM Modi said, "I am privileged to be present and worship at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara. I have prayed at this historic temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and for the continued progress of India. I wish that everyone receives the blessings of Lord Shiva."
He also praised the Chola dynasty for their visionary diplomatic and trade relations, "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 fortunate to participate in this programme."
The Prime Minister, who also serves as the MP from Kashi (Varanasi), mentioned the symbolic presence of Gangajal brought from Kashi to the temple.
"I am happy that Gangajal has been brought here from Kashi once again. I am the people's representative from Kashi, and I have a connection with Maa Ganga. These works of the Chola kings, and these events related to them, give new energy, new power, and new momentum to the 'Mahayagya' of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'."
Highlighting the spiritual and philosophical relevance of Shaivism, PM Modi said, "Today, when the world is struggling with problems like instability, violence, and environmental crises, Shaiva principles show us the path to solutions. Love is Shiva, and if the world adopts this idea today, most crises can be resolved. India is taking this idea forward in the form of One World, One Family, One Future."
Calling the Chola Empire an “ancient roadmap for a developed India,” PM Modi remarked, "The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us today. Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which Rajendra Chola further strengthened. The Chola Empire is like an ancient roadmap for a Viksit Bharat. It tells us that to build a developed India, we must strengthen our navy, defense forces, and explore new opportunities."
The Prime Minister also referenced Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s defense capabilities, "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."
He also released a commemorative coin honoring Rajendra Chola I at the event.
Operation Sindoor to Be Discussed in Parliament
In the ongoing Monsoon Session, the Lok Sabha is set to hold a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor on Monday, a long-standing demand of the Opposition. PM Modi is expected to intervene in the debate.
The Opposition has been questioning the sudden ceasefire announcement following the conflict between India and Pakistan, and the repeated claims of foreign mediation by the US, which India has officially refuted.
The Monsoon Session was last adjourned on Friday due to persistent protests by the Opposition, who were also demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in Bihar, ahead of the state elections later this year.
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