Ariyalur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome in Tamil Nadu on Sunday as thousands turned up to greet him during his roadshow in Tiruchirappalli and at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, where he participated in the valedictory function of the ‘Aadi Thiruvathirai’ festival commemorating Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I’s birth anniversary.
Dressed in traditional Tamil attire, white veshti, shirt and angavasthram, PM Modi struck a strong cultural chord with the people. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site, he offered prayers for the well-being of 140 crore Indians and lauded the Tamil land for its deep spiritual and historical legacy. “I am privileged to worship at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara. This land, enriched by Rajaraja Chola’s devotion and Ilaiyaraaja’s Shiv Bhakti, creates a divine atmosphere,” he said.
The prime minister also praised legendary Tamil music composer Ilaiyaraaja, who performed a special 20-minute concert during the event. “When I hear ‘Om Namah Shivaya,’ I get goosebumps,” PM Modi said, evoking applause from the crowd. “As MP from Kashi, I feel spiritually connected to this land through Shaivism.”
The PM released a commemorative coin in honour of Rajendra Chola I, underlining the Chola empire’s influence across Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the Maldives. “It is a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday and today I am here, paying tribute to a ruler who built strong regional ties centuries ago,” he said.
