Ariyalur: Emphasising that India’s heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are no longer confined to its geographic borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 recalled that when India became the first country to land near the Moon’s South Pole, the designated lunar site was named “Shiv-Shakti” and is now recognised globally.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the ‘Aadi Thiruvathirai’ festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, held to mark the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I, the Prime Minister said, “India’s Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects in this cultural development, and Tamil Nadu continues to be an important centre of vibrant Shaivite heritage.”
He highlighted the legacy of the Nayanmar saints, their devotional literature, Tamil contributions, and the influence of the Adheenams. He said these traditions sparked a new chapter in India’s spiritual and social development.
Recalling his recent meeting with the Dikshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the Prime Minister said they had presented him with a sacred offering from the temple, where Bhagwan Shiva is worshipped in his Nataraja form.
He said the Nataraja symbol reflects both India’s philosophy and scientific foundations. The Prime Minister added that a similar Ananda Tandava idol of Bhagwan Nataraja adorns Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where global leaders had gathered during the G-20 summit in 2023.
PM Modi said the world is facing instability, violence, and environmental crises, and that the Shaivite philosophy could offer meaningful solutions. Referring to the teachings of Tirumular, he said, “Anbe Sivam,” meaning “Love is Shiva,” could help resolve many global problems if widely accepted. He added that India is advancing this philosophy through the motto ‘One World, One Family, One Future.’
He said modern India takes pride in its heritage. “Today, India is guided by the mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,’ and modern India takes pride in its history,” the Prime Minister said.
He also said that efforts have been made to recover India’s cultural artefacts. “Since 2014, more than 600 ancient artefacts have been repatriated from various countries around the world,” he said, adding that 36 of these items belonged to Tamil Nadu. “Many valuable heritage items, including Nataraja, Lingodbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanarishwara, Nandikeswara, Uma Parameshwari, Parvati, and Sambandar, are once again adorning the land,” he noted.
During the event, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I.
This year’s celebration also marks 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola I’s maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a major example of Chola architecture.
Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) was among India’s most powerful rulers. His empire expanded across South and Southeast Asia. He built the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple after his military campaigns and made the town his capital. The temple served as a centre of Shaiva worship and administration for over 250 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its sculptures, bronzes, and inscriptions.
The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti movement, supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars–the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Rajendra Chola’s birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), began on 23rd July this year, making the festival even more special.
