Syllabus:
GS1: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Context: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu.
More on the News
- The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival is organised by the Ministry of Culture.
- The celebrations were held marking the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I and commemorating the 1000th years of his Maritime Expedition in South East Asia and the commencement of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.
- The Prime Minister said that the economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration for modern India.
- The Prime Minister noted that India progressed swiftly in all directions through commercial advancement, utilization of maritime routes and the promotion of art and culture during the Chola Empire which serves as an ancient roadmap for building a new India.
Rajendra Chola I
- Rajendra I, often referred to as Rajendra the Great, was a Chola Emperor who reigned from 1014 to 1044.
- He transported Ganga water from North India and established it in the South.
- He is recognised for bringing sacred Ganga water, while many kings are remembered for acquiring gold, silver, or livestock from other regions.
- Rajendra invaded Sri Lanka in 1018 C.E. to finish the task begun by his father of conquering the island.
- They also defeated the kings of Malaya, Java, and Sumatra.
- He completely overran the Pandyas and Cheras and included them in his empire.
- In 1022 CE, he led an expedition to the north, crossed the Ganga following the same route that was taken by the great conqueror Samudragupta and defeated the Pala ruler, Mahipal I and the Western Chalukyas.
- To commemorate this occasion, he assumed the title of Gangaikondachola and established a new capital named Gangaikondacholapuram near the mouth of the river Kaveri. He built a Shiva temple here and excavated a tank called Chodagarg.
- He was a great patron of learning and was known as Pandita-chola.
About Shiva Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
- The temple of Gangaikondacholapuram was built by Rajendra Chola, the son of Rajaraja Chola.
- It was clearly intended to surpass the earlier Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur, built by his father.
- Constructed around 1030 CE, just about 20 years after the Thanjavur temple and in a similar architectural style, it shows more intricate details and grandeur.
- This reflects the wealth and power of the Chola Empire during Rajendra’s reign.
- Unlike the Tanjore temple, which has a tall and straight tower showing strength, the Gangaikondacholapuram temple has smoother curves and softer lines, reflecting confident power and a focus on beauty and elegance.
- The temple is the venue for the annual Aadi Thiruvadhirai festival. “Aadi” is the name of the Tamil month, and “Thiruvadhirai” is a star (nakshatra) associated with Lord Shiva and believed to be Rajendra Chola’s birth star.
- As part of the tradition, the festival features therukoothu (street plays) that depict the achievements of Rajendra I. A statue of the king is also honoured by dressing it in new silk robes.