"Immersed us all in Shiv Bhakti": PM Modi praises Ilaiyaraaja at TN's Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple festival

Ariyalur (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in the valedictory function at the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival on the occasion of the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu Ariyalur.

PM Modi also showered praise for the music composer Ilaiyaraaja who performed in a 20-minute concert.

In a way, this is Rajraja land of faith. Ilaiyaraaja immersed us all in Shiv Bhakti. The month of Shravan, along with the efforts of Rajraja and Ilaiyaraaja, creates a wonderful environment. I am an MP from Kashi. When I hear Om Namah Shivaya, I get goosebumps, PM Modi said in his address.

He said that he prayed at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and for India continued progress.

The energy of Shiv (darshan) glimpse and Ilaiyaraaja music and the chanting of mantras - this is a spiritual experience which makes the soul overwhelmed with emotion. 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 India continued progress. I wish that everyone gets the blessings of Lord Shiva, PM Modi said.

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 have the opportunity to participate in this programme, the Prime Minister said.

PM Narendra Modi also released a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.

The Prime Minister donned the traditional attire a white veshti (dhoti), a white shirt, and an angavasthram worn around his neck. wore traditional attire. He was welcomed by the local pandits in the temple.

Earlier in the day, crowds thronged to see the Prime Minister as he held a roadshow in the Tiruchirappalli district.

His convoy received a warm welcome from the commoners gathered to witness his arrival.

The temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions.

The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars--the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Notably, Rajendra Chola birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on July 23, making this year festival all the more significant. (ANI)

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