Ariyalur (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu and described it as a 'deeply spiritual experience.'

Terming the place one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion, PM Modi said he prayed for the well-being of the people of the country.

In a post on 'X', Prime Minister said, 'Prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It was a deeply spiritual experience at one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion. I prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the people of India.'

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949482326611910768

PM Modi was on a two-day trip to Tamil Nadu, where he attended several programs, including releasing a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I at the valedictory function at the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival on the occasion of the Chola king's birth anniversary at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur.

The Prime Minister 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.

'Overwhelmed by the affection shown by my sisters and brothers of Tiruchirappalli earlier this morning! We will always work for their well-being and ensure this great city scales new heights of progress,' he said in a post on X.

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's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on July 23, making this year's festival all the more significant.

The Prime Minister, addressing a rally at Ariyalur, highlighted the Chola Empire's role in bolstering ancient India's economy and military, describing it as a historical blueprint that serves as an 'ancient roadmap' for modern India.

PM Modi also emphasised that for India to build a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), it must draw inspiration from the Chola Empire's powerful navy by strengthening its defence forces and exploring new opportunities.

'The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today. Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which he further strengthened. The Chola Empire is like an ancient roadmap for developed India. It tells us that if we have to make 'Viksit Bharat,' then we have to strengthen our navy and defence forces and explore new opportunities. Today, India is embracing the philosophy of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi. Modern India takes great pride in its rich history and cultural legacy. Over the past decade, we have worked tirelessly in mission mode to protect and preserve India's heritage,' PM Modi said. (ANI)