Government of India, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, celebrates the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola -1 and commemorates the 1000th years of his Maritime Expedition in South East Asia and commencement of construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple with the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival that starts on July 23rd onwards to the 27th.
The festival will be marked with a variety of cultural performances in the evening of 23rd onwards, including the Kalakshetra artists and the Devaram Thirumurai by the students trained under the support of the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, under the Ministry of Culture.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is hosting a Thematic exhibitions on Chola Shaivism and temple architecture Heritage Walk & Guided Tours, going to be another rare experience.
The Prime Minister is expected to grace the function on July 27th forenoon, in the presence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu R.N. Ravi, Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Parliament Affairs L Murugan and other dignitaries and senior officials. A booklet on Devaram songs published by Sahitya Akademi to be released during the occasion. On the 27th, the Kalakshetra will be presenting a Bharatanatyam group recital and a team of traditional Othuvars will chant Devaram Thirumurai. The culmination of the event will be a musical presentation led by Padma Vibhushan Ilaiyaraaja and troupe.
Rajendra Chola (1014-1044 CE), one of the greatest emperors under who’s reign Chola empire reached its zenith, made exemplary contribution to the realms of architecture, art and trade. GangaikondaCholapuram temple was constructed by Rajendra Chola in the capital city of GangaikondaCholapuram (1035 CE) after he defeated the Pala King and took the title Gangaikonda. It continued to be the capital for over 250 years. Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is a treasure house of most exquisite sculptural panels, Chola bronzes and inscriptions and is a World heritage monument.
The tradition of bhakti espoused by the 63 Nayanmars (Shaivite saints/Bhaktas) during the 6-8 th century also received a huge boost with the support of Cholas culminating into a strong and unparalleled Tamil Bhakti Literature heritage. Incidentally, the nakshatra of Rajendra Chola’s birth (Thiruvathirai – Ardra) commences this year on 23rd July.
The objectives of the program are:
(i) To highlight the rich philosophical heritage of Shaiva Siddantha and the role of Tamil
(ii) To celebrate the contribution of Nayanmars to Shaivism
(iii) To celebrate the contribution of Rajendra chola and the Cholas to Shaivism
