Aadi Thiruvathirai 2025: Honouring Rajendra Chola I with Grand Festival

To mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, the Ministry of Culture has been organizing the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival along with its Anniversary Festival to be held between 23-27 July 2025 at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries will be present as the grand finale is held on 27 th July. It is a commemoration of one-thousand years since the Southeast Asian expedition of Rajendra Chola, and the starting of construction of the temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Cultural performances, heritage walks, ASI exhibits and a musical recital by Ilaiyaraaja will highlight traditions of the Chola era. The festival latterly honors Shaiva Bhakti, Tamil culture and the Chola Empire legacy, which lasted many centuries.

Context

• The festival marks the historical and cultural success of one of the greatest emperors in India, Rajendra Chola I. 

• It celebrates his visionary departure from the maritime and construction of the imperial capital, and his building of the UNESCO World Heritage temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

The Festival and Cultural Events

• Dates: 23rd to 27th of July 2025

• Venue: Gangaikonda Cholapuram at Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu

Daily Events (23th- 26th July)

• Bharatanatyam and devotional music concert dances

• Students singing Devaram there at South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur

• ASI walks and tours Heritage walks

• Exhibitions on:

  • Chola Shaivism

  • Temple architecture

  • Chola bronzes and inscriptions

Historical Significance of Rajendra Chola I

Shaiva Siddhanta Tamil Bhakti Tradition

• Festival aligns with Thiruvathirai (Ardra) star, the birth star of Rajendra Chola

• Celebrates Nayanmars, the 63 saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism

• Focuses on Shaiva philosophy, Tamil devotional literature and spiritual background

Chola Architectural Existence

• The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is a culmination of Dravidian temple structure

• Features include:

  • Granite sculptures

  • Intricate inscriptions

  • Chola bronze idols

Goals of the Festival

• It is the 1,000th anniversary of the Chola maritime mission

• Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy should be highlighted

• Naming contribution of Rajendra Chola I and Nayanmars

• Publicise Chola temple architecture and Tamil arts

• Encourage national identity in the Indian civilisation heritage

Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) 

• Succession: The son of Rajaraja Chola I; came in 1014 CE in his place.

• Name: He is titled Gangaikonda Chola (The one who brought the Ganga).

• Capital Shift: Created a new capital in Gangaikondacholapuram.

Major Conquests

• North India: conquest of defeated Pala king, Mahipala; introduced Ganga water to the south.

• Sri Lanka: Rajaraja had begun conquest; his success was completed and the King Mahinda V. was taken into custody.

• South India: Rested Pandyas and Ceras; made his son a Viceroy.

• Western Chalukyas: They crushed Jayasimha II on the battlefield of Maski.

• Eastern Chalukyas: assisted Rajaraja Narendra in regaining Vengi.

• Abroad (1025 CE): defeated Srivijaya Kingdom (Sumatra, Malaya, Java); took control of the capital Kadaram.

Naval Strength

• Powerful navy to be employed on overseas campaigns and the control of trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

• Dominated strategic sea stations in the vicinity of Malacca Strait.

Legacy

• Patron of culture: Constructed the magnificent Gangakkondacholeswaram Temple.

• Management: Used sons in old age as leaders in the armed forces.

• Imperial Peak: Empire in a time of territorial and Naval triumph.

• Diplomacy: Participated in diplomatic work with China and Southeast Asian kingdoms.

Conclusion

The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival of 2025 cannot be discussed as mere cultural celebration, but rather as the national collective memory of a sight, artistic and spiritual heritage of Rajendra Chola I and Chola dynasty. This Tamil and Indian civilisational heritage has tremendous historic background and modern value as it is observed with the presence of the Prime Minister.