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Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed devotees during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, commemorating 1000 years of the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Chola Empire's legacy.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Historical Background
- Founded by: Rajendra Chola I (son of Rajaraja Chola I) in 1025 CE.
- Reason for establishme2`nt: To commemorate his successful northern military campaign up to the Ganges River.
- Symbolic gesture: Brought Ganga water and poured it into a reservoir — Chola Gangam — as a mark of conquest.
Political Importance
- Capital of the Chola Empire: 1025–1279 CE.
- Controlled a vast territory — from the Tungabhadra river in the north to Sri Lanka in the south.
- Served as a strategic centre for administration, military command, trade, and culture.
- Palace known as Chola-Keralan Thirumaaligai (per Vira Rajendra’s inscriptions) — emphasized pan-regional rule.
Architectural Features
- Gangaikonda Cholisvaram Temple:
- Built in Dravidian architectural style.
- Modeled after Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, but graceful and intricate rather than massive and bold.
- Unique Features:
- Jalasthambam or “Liquid Pillar of Victory”
- Exquisite stone carvings, refined vimana (temple tower).
- Sculptures of Nataraja, Chandesanugrahamurti, and Ardhanarishvara display Chola artistic finesse.
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the “Great Living Chola Temples”.
Epigraphic & Literary Sources
- Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates: Record Rajendra’s northern expedition and the founding of the city.
- Karanthai Plates, Kalingattuparani, Muvar Ula: Literary texts and inscriptions detail the grandeur and cosmopolitan nature of the capital.
Cultural Significance
- A hub for Tamil literature, Shaivism, temple rituals, and royal patronage of the arts.
- Centre for Chola bronze sculpture tradition and religious syncretism.
- Reinforced divine kingship and temple-centered administration.
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Aadi Thiruvathirai (also known as Aadi Ardra)
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