PM Narendra Modi visited Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district on Sunday to take part in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.
During the event, PM Modi released a commemorative coin to pay tribute to the emperor’s lasting contributions to Indian history.
The move follows a request from R Komagan, Chairman of the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust.
The coin honours Rajendra Chola I’s achievements in governance, temple architecture, and overseas military expeditions that helped expand the Chola Empire’s influence across Southeast Asia.
The Prime Minister flew in from Tiruchi International Airport and landed on a specially prepared helipad on the dry bed of the historic Cholagangam, also known as Ponneri, a vast artificial lake built by Rajendra Chola I over a thousand years ago to supply water to his capital.
From the helipad, PM Modi led a grand roadshow to the iconic Brihadisvara Temple. Thousands of residents lined the route, waving flags and chanting slogans in a festive atmosphere.
The town was adorned with flowers, traditional decorations, and Chola-era motifs to mark the occasion.
Rajendra Chola I established Gangaikonda Cholapuram, meaning ‘The city of the Chola who conquered the Ganges’, after he successfully led an expedition to the Gangetic plains.
He made it his capital and built the Brihadisvara Temple and Cholagangam lake as symbols of his vision and power.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit reflects the Central government’s focus on celebrating India’s ancient civilizational legacy and fostering regional pride.
By choosing Gangaikonda Cholapuram for this high-profile event, the government has signalled its commitment to preserving and promoting Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical richness.
Organisers expect the event to boost tourism and generate greater awareness about the Chola dynasty, especially among younger generations.
PM Modi’s visit and the coin release highlight Rajendra Chola I’s legacy and strengthen ties to India’s rich past.
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