PM Modi Commemorates Chola Anniversary at Brihadisvara Temple: A Celebration of Cultural Unity

By NRIGlobe Staff
July 27, 2025

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) around the world, the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu, on July 27, 2025, resonates deeply as a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring global influence. The event, marking the 1000th anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I’s maritime expedition and the temple’s construction, was a powerful reminder of the Chola dynasty’s contributions to Indian history, architecture, and global connectivity—values that NRIs hold dear as they bridge their Indian roots with their lives abroad.

A Historic Visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu culminated in a grand ceremony at the UNESCO-listed Brihadisvara Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture built by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century. The temple, located in Ariyalur district, stands as a testament to the Chola empire’s architectural prowess and devotion to Shaivism. Modi, dressed in traditional Tamil attire—a white veshti, half-sleeved shirt, and angavastram—offered prayers at the temple, spending three minutes in silent meditation at the sanctum sanctorum. He also brought sacred Ganga water from Varanasi for a maha abhishekam to Lord Brihadeeswarar, symbolizing the cultural unity between North and South India. For NRIs, this gesture underscored the interconnectedness of India’s diverse regions, a sentiment that resonates with those who strive to maintain ties with their homeland.

The Prime Minister’s visit coincided with the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which marks Rajendra Chola’s birth anniversary and the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, immortalized by the 63 Nayanmars. The event was attended by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and other dignitaries, with 25 Shaivite mutt heads sharing the stage, highlighting the spiritual significance of the occasion. Renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja performed hymns from Thiruvasagam, composed by Tamil saint-poet Manikkavasagar, adding a soulful dimension to the festivities. For NRIs, such cultural performances evoke nostalgia and pride in Tamil Nadu’s artistic legacy, often celebrated at community events abroad.

Commemorative Coin and Statues: Honoring the Chola Legacy

A highlight of the event was the release of a ₹1,000 commemorative silver coin honoring Rajendra Chola I, designed in response to a request by R. Komagan, Chairman of the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust. The 40-gram coin, engraved with an image of the emperor on horseback against a backdrop of a ship, celebrates his naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, which extended Chola influence to modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. For NRIs, particularly those in Southeast Asia, this acknowledgment of the Chola’s maritime legacy serves as a reminder of India’s historical connections with their adopted countries, fostering a sense of shared heritage.

Modi also announced the installation of grand statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu, a move that resonated with NRIs who see such initiatives as a way to preserve India’s historical narrative for future generations. The Prime Minister’s visit included a tour of a thematic photo exhibition on Saiva Siddhanta and Chola Temple Arts, organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He expressed fascination with the temple’s intricate stone carvings, bronze icons, and copper plates, which reflect the Chola dynasty’s cultural and spiritual richness. For NRIs, these artifacts are a source of pride, often showcased in global museums and cultural festivals, connecting the diaspora to India’s ancient glory.

Cultural Unity and Modern Aspirations

In his address, Modi emphasized the Chola empire’s role as a “golden era” in Indian history, highlighting its contributions to democratic traditions through the Kudavolai Amaippu system and its naval prowess, which he described as an “ancient roadmap” for a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He urged the nation to draw inspiration from the Cholas’ military and economic achievements to strengthen modern India’s defense and global outreach. For NRIs, this message aligns with their aspirations for a strong, globally respected India that honors its heritage while embracing progress.

Modi’s remarks also underscored the Chola rulers’ role in weaving India into a “thread of cultural unity.” By referencing his recent visit to the Maldives and the Chola’s historical trade ties with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, he highlighted India’s ancient global connections, a point of pride for NRIs who navigate multicultural identities. The Prime Minister’s call to preserve India’s heritage through initiatives like Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi (Development and Heritage) resonates with the diaspora’s efforts to promote Indian culture through community centers, temples, and festivals worldwide.

A Personal Connection for NRIs

For the global Tamil diaspora, the Brihadisvara Temple and the Chola legacy hold special significance. Many NRIs trace their roots to Tamil Nadu and take pride in the Chola empire’s contributions to art, architecture, and governance. The temple’s towering 55-meter vimana and intricate sculptures are not just architectural marvels but symbols of a shared cultural identity. Modi’s participation in the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, complete with traditional rituals and hymns by odhuvars (temple singers), evokes memories of festivals celebrated in Tamil communities abroad, from Toronto to Singapore.

The Prime Minister’s roadshow from the helipad on the dry bed of the Cholagangam lake to the temple, greeted by enthusiastic crowds, further amplified the event’s festive spirit. For NRIs, such images—shared widely on social media—bring a sense of connection to Tamil Nadu’s vibrant cultural life. The government’s efforts to spruce up Gangaikonda Cholapuram, including plans for a sound and light show and temple restoration, align with the diaspora’s calls for greater preservation of India’s heritage sites, which they often visit during trips to India.

A Call to Action for the Diaspora

Modi’s visit also included a nod to contemporary issues, with a reference to Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strike in May 2025 against terror camps in Pakistan, signaling India’s commitment to security. For NRIs, this blend of cultural celebration and national strength reinforces their pride in India’s global standing. The Prime Minister’s encouragement to visit the ASI’s exhibition on Chola history and his emphasis on educating future generations about the Chola legacy resonate with NRIs who organize cultural workshops and history classes in their communities.

As NRIs reflect on this historic event, it serves as a call to action to deepen their engagement with India’s heritage. Whether through supporting temple conservation, promoting Tamil literature, or celebrating festivals like Aadi Thiruvathirai, the diaspora can play a vital role in preserving the Chola legacy. For those planning visits to India, Gangaikonda Cholapuram’s Brihadisvara Temple is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of a dynasty that shaped India’s past and inspires its future.

Related posts:

India Commemorates Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s 10th Death Anniversary with Nationwide Tributes Whataburger’s 75th Anniversary: A Texas-Sized Celebration of Burgers, Nostalgia, and Community Shree Swaminarayan Temple and Cultural Center Opens in Murfreesboro, Tennessee: A Beacon of Dharma Vance Urges Elon Musk to Rejoin MAGA Before 2026 Midterms: A Call for Unity Amid Trump Feud