PM Modi Announces Grand Statues for Chola Emperors at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM, India – July 27, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today proclaimed to raise great statues for his once revered Chola emperors Rajaraja I and his son Rajendra I in Tamil Nadu. The news came through Modi’s address during the closing ceremony of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, which celebrated the legendary maritime expedition of Rajendra I. He also celebrated the birth anniversary and millennium of Rajendra I.

The Prime Minister said that the legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India’s identity and pride, underlining their historical and cultural significance. According to him, these statues will stand as “modern pillars of the historical consciousness of India,” regrettably igniting the aspirational energy of this nation for development.

Glimpses of Chola Glory

The five-day Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival took place between 23rd and 27th July 2025 and was held to honor the illustrious Rajendra Chola I, who ruled between 1014 and 1044 CE. The celebration was specifically done in commemoration of 1,000 years since he made the momentous maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, as well as the commencement of construction of that famous temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

In his visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prime Minister Modi also offered prayers at the Lord Brihadeeswara temple while participating in a roadshow. He later released a commemorative coin in honor of Rajendra Chola I, recognizing the contribution of the ruler in creating a legacy that will be preserved by history.

Rajaraja I: Founder of Empire’s Zenith 

Rajaraja I reigns (985-1014 CE) at the apex of the empire. Much groundwork is laid for the great empire, which thereafter went on to reach its heights. He annexed the Pandya and Chera kingdoms such that most of South India was unified under Chola rule and saw a Chola dent along the northern part of Sri Lanka. His strategic military campaigns included the naval battle of Kandalur Salai, all of which established the prowess that Chola had over the seas.

Rajaraja also commissioned the huge Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, which is noted as the tall architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva, along with administrative reforms that included a land survey as well as restructuring the empire, which proved to be significant advantages for stability and wealth for the dynasty.

Rajendra I: Conqueror of Seas and Ganga 

Rajendra I, who took rule after his father, stretched the Chola Empire towards heights that were above any reached until then. His “Gangaikonda” expedition to the Ganges River did lead him to defeat Pala king Mahipala I. After this, he made Gangaikonda Cholapuram his new capital. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, constructed by him, stands testimony to this victory as well as the architectural prowess of the Chola.

The most ambitious venture was perhaps the naval expedition against the Srivijaya kingdom (modern-day Netherlands plus Malaysia) about 1025 CE. The expedition made it possible for the Chola to hold control over essential maritime trade routes within Southeast Asia, underlining both the might of the Chola navy and an extensive Tamil commercial operation.

Cultural and Economic Contributions 

Chola emperors, of which Rajaraja I and Rajendra I were prime examples, were patrons of art, architecture, and literature, fostering the golden age of cultural development in South India. Their wisdom with a strong naval force and an iron grip on trade routes translated into prosperity within the region and maximized the worldwide impact. Emphasis on Shaivism reiterated through Aadi Thiruvathirai initializes considerable depth in spirituality and culture during the Chola era.

Future Projections 

Statues like these reaffirm government commitment toward preservation and promotion of India’s heritage of history and culture. They will also highlight the contributions of southern dynasties to India’s collective identity and global outreach.

Reported by: Herohind News Desk