PM Modi Pays Tribute to Rajendra Chola I at Aadi Thiruvathirai Fest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, marking the birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. 

Prime Minister Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.

The Prime Minister visited Tamil Nadu on 26 and 27 July 2025, following his two-day visit to the Maldives. 

In Tamil Nadu, he laid the foundation and inaugurated various development projects in the state.

Development Project in Tamil Nadu 

• On 26 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building at the Tuticorin Airport.
• He inaugurated North Cargo Berth–III of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Chennai. The V.O. Chidambaranar Port is one of India's 12 major ports, previously known as Tuticorin Port. It is the southernmost major port of India.
• He also inaugurated various road and rail projects in the state.
• He laid the foundation stone for an inter-state transmission system to evacuate electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 (2x1000 MW) to Tuticorin.

Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the valedictory function of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival on 27 July 2025.

• The festival marks the birth anniversary of the Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I.
• The event also marked the millennial celebration of Rajendra Chola’s maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, showcasing the Chola empire’s naval prowess and far-reaching influence.
• Prime Minister Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I to honour his contributions to Indian history, architecture, and maritime legacy.
• Prime Minister Modi also offered prayers at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, also known as the Brihadisvara Temple. 
• The temple was built by Rajendra Chola as a replica of his father, Rajaraja Chola I’s, temple in Thanjavur.
• The temple is a heritage monument and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• The temple is considered a masterpiece of Chola architecture and Saivite tradition.

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