Ariyalur: A wave of emotions started flowing at Rajendra Cholan’s Mupperum Utsav and Aadi Thiruvadhirai Mahotsav organized in the historic town of Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu when India’s great musician Padma Bhushan Ilaiyaraaja took the stage with his music troupe and filled the atmosphere with devotion by singing bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself was present in this program, who has come to Tamil Nadu on a two-day visit.
The stage was immersed in devotional music, PM Modi also played the damru
The program started with the performances of Kalakshetra’s Bharatnatyam dance group, which also included the recitation of traditional Tevaram Thirumurai. After this, the stage was taken over by the great musician Ilaiyaraaja, who first presented the popular and spiritual song “Om Shivoham” from the film “Naan Kadavul” with his band.
After this, he sang the song “Nama Shivaya Vaazha… Nathan Thaal Vaazha”, which deeply touched the audience. He presented many hymns from Tiruvasagam and Shiva Purana from the stage, which he has composed himself. Hearing these songs, Prime Minister Modi himself stood up and started applauding, and later, while sitting on the stage, he enjoyed the music by playing the damru with his hands.
The program concluded with the story of the great saint Manikkavachakkar
After the musical program, Ilaiyaraaja narrated the story of Saint Manikkavachakkar and his devotion to Lord Shiva, in which he described how Manikkavachakkar kept doing penance waiting for God. This story moved the devotees present.
The Prime Minister worshiped in the temple, received special prasad
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and had darshan of Brihadeeswarar Shivalinga in the form of Linga and duly worshiped. He was presented with a full Kumbh and Prasad by the temple administration. 3 km long road show, welcome by a huge crowd
A grand 3 km long road show was organised on the arrival of Prime Minister Modi. From Ponneri helipad to the temple site, PM Modi greeted the public from an open vehicle. Thousands of BJP workers and common citizens were present all along the way who welcomed the Prime Minister with slogans of ‘Modi-Modi’.
A confluence of culture, devotion and modern India
Prime Minister Modi described this occasion as dedicated to Tamil culture and the spiritual heritage of India. He described Ilaiyaraaja’s performance as “full of spiritual energy” and said that this programme has further strengthened the cultural bridge between North and South India.
