PM Modi Unveils ₹1000 Coin Celebrating the Legacy of Rajendra Chola I

The Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled a ₹1000 commemorative coin to celebrate the '1000 Years of Naval Expedition of Emperor Rajendra Chola I' during his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district on July 27, 2025.

The event was attended by the Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri R.N. Ravi, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, along with other dignitaries.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu today. Bowing before the almighty Lord Shiva, he reflected on the profound spiritual energy experienced during the divine Shiva Darshan in the sacred land of Raja Raja Chola, accompanied by the soul-stirring music of Shri Ilaiyaraaja and the sacred chanting of the Odhuvars. Shri Modi remarked that the spiritual atmosphere deeply moved his soul.

Highlighting the significance of the holy month of Sawan and the momentous occasion marking 1,000 years since the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Shiva Temple, the Prime Minister expressed his privilege in being present at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswarar during such a historic moment. He performed worship at the revered temple, praying for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of the nation. He expressed his hope that Lord Shiva’s blessings reach every individual, invoking the sacred chants in His honour.

Shri Modi encouraged all to visit the special exhibition on 1,000 years of history, curated by the Union Ministry of Culture, showcasing the ancestral roadmap for human welfare and prosperity. He also attended the launch of the Tamil Gita album, an initiative by the Chinmaya Mission, stating that such efforts energize the nation’s resolve to preserve and celebrate its cultural heritage. He congratulated everyone involved in the initiative.

The Prime Minister also noted the Chola Empire’s far-reaching trade and diplomatic relations, extending to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. He pointed out the meaningful coincidence of having returned from the Maldives just the day before and now participating in this celebration in Tamil Nadu.

Quoting scriptures that those who meditate on Lord Shiva attain immortality, Shri Modi said that the Chola heritage, built on steadfast devotion to Shiva, has itself become immortal. “The legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India’s pride and identity,” he said, adding that the heritage of the Chola Empire showcases the limitless potential of India. He emphasized that this legacy continues to inspire the national vision of building a developed India and paid tribute to Rajendra Chola the Great for his enduring impact. With the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival having been recently celebrated, Shri Modi noted that today’s grand celebration marks its conclusion and congratulated everyone who contributed to its success.

Calling the Chola era one of the golden periods of Indian history, the Prime Minister highlighted its military prowess and advanced governance. He stressed that while the world often references Britain’s Magna Carta in discussions on democracy, the Chola Empire had already introduced democratic practices centuries earlier through the Kudavolai Amaippu system. He also drew attention to the global discourse on water management and ecology, observing that India’s ancestors were ahead of their time in these areas. Unlike rulers known for conquests of wealth, Shri Modi emphasized that Rajendra Chola is remembered for bringing the sacred Ganga water from the North and installing it in the South.

He concluded by referencing the inscription “Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham,” which commemorates the transportation of Ganga water to the Chola Ganga Lake, now known as Ponneri Lake — a symbol of Rajendra Chola’s vision and legacy.

This commemorative coin marks the 16th release of the year 2025, minted by the India Government Mint, Mumbai, and stands as the fourth ₹1000 denomination coin in the history of Republic India’s coinage. The bookings of Proof and UNC sets are expected to open soon on the India Government Mint’s website and will be updated under the current and upcoming bookings section.