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Commemoration of Rajendra Chola I
Context
The Ministry of Culture is celebrating the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I through the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival (23–27 July 2025) at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, marking 1,000 years of his Southeast Asian maritime expedition and the construction of the Chola capital temple.
Rajendra Chola I and Maritime Expansion:
- Rajendra Chola I ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, expanding the Chola Empire to parts of Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Southeast Asia, including Srivijaya (present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand).
- He launched a successful naval expedition to Southeast Asia, asserting Indian maritime strength, and promoting trade and diplomatic ties.
- He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his imperial capital after these conquests.
Chola Temple Architecture and Cultural Patronage:
- The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the “Great Living Chola Temples.”
- The temple showcases Dravidian architecture, intricate bronze iconography, and extensive inscriptions chronicling the Chola administration, military campaigns, and religious grants.
- The Cholas were ardent patrons of Shaivism, supporting the Nayanmars and Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy.
Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival:
- The festival commemorates Rajendra Chola’s birth star – Thiruvathirai (Ardra), which begins on 23rd July.
- The event integrates Bharatanatyam, Devaram chanting, and musical tributes, reflecting the Shaiva Bhakti tradition and classical Tamil art forms.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting exhibitions, guided tours, and heritage walks to promote awareness of Chola-era achievements.
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