In the land of Cholas, PM Modi talks about India’s military prowess

Chennai: Operation Sindoor demonstrated to the world how India responds when its security and sovereignty are threatened, proving that no terrorist hideout is safe from India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.

He also said India’s military response to Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack -- which claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir -- has ignited a new sense of awareness and confidence among Indian citizens, prompting the world to recognize India’s strength.

Modi made these remarks while praising the military prowess of the legendary Chola kingdom of present-day Tamil Nadu, after offering prayers at the renowned Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola in memory of his father, Raja Raja Chola, who was responsible for the engineering marvel that is the Thanjavur Big Temple.

In a culturally and politically significant gesture, Modi brought water from the Ganges, which was used in the pooja performed at the temple. This act mirrored Rajendra Chola’s historic achievement in bringing Ganges water to consecrate Gangaikonda Cholapuram after conquering the Gangetic Plains. The Cholas were noted for their naval strength, governance, engineering skills, and water management.

Having read several books on the Chola dynasty, Modi dedicated a significant portion of his speech at the ASI-protected Brihadisvara Temple to praising the Chola kings and their contributions to India’s rich history. He said the Chola Empire serves as an ancient roadmap for building a new India with advanced naval and defence capabilities.

“Today’s India prioritises its security. During Operation Sindoor, the world saw how India responds to threats to its security and sovereignty. The operation proved that no hideout is safe for India’s enemies or terrorists. It has sparked a new sense of confidence throughout the country, compelling the world to acknowledge India’s strength,” he added.

Modi, who enjoyed a splendid 20-minute performance of Thiruvasagam -- a collection of hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva -- by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, also announced that statues of both Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola would soon be installed in Tamil Nadu.

Releasing a commemorative coin of Rajendra Chola, the Prime Minister showered praise on Tamil Shaivite mutts. The heads of 25 monasteries were present at the event, where Modi highlighted the significant role the Shaiva tradition has played in shaping India’s cultural identity.

“The Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy. That is why Tamil Nadu remains a vital centre of the living Shaiva tradition. The contributions of the great Nayanmar saints, their devotional literature, Tamil literature, and the revered Adheenams have ushered in a new era in both social and spiritual spheres,” he said.

Prime Minister’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram was part of the BJP’s efforts to make inroads into Tamil Nadu; therefore, Modi extended a warm welcome to the heads of 25 mutts following Tamil Shaivite traditions.

Although these mutts are not as influential as their counterparts in Karnataka, the BJP believes that continuous engagement will strengthen their alignment with the party.

Modi also emphasised his government’s pride in Indian history. Since 2014, over 600 ancient artefacts and statues have been repatriated to India from various countries, including 36 belonging to Tamil Nadu. “Today, treasures such as Nataraja, Lingodbhava, Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishwara, Nandikeshwara, Uma Parameshwari, Parvati, and Sambandar once again grace this land,” he added.

Speaking about Rajendra Chola, Modi noted that while many kings are remembered for acquiring gold, silver, or livestock from other regions, Rajendra Chola is celebrated for bringing sacred Ganga water from the north and establishing it in the south. “As the elected representative from Varanasi, I share a deep emotional connection with Mother Ganga,” Modi said.