Ariyalur, July 27 -- Emphasising that India's heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are no longer confined to its geographic borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled that when India became the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole, the designated lunar site was named "Shiv-Shakti" and is now recognised globally.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, held to mark the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I, the Prime Minister said, "India's Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping the nation's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects in this cultural development, and Tamil Nadu continues to be an ...