Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Visits Kollur Mookambika Temple, Offers Special Prayers
Udupi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay undertook a significant visit to the revered Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur on Friday, where he participated in special prayers and was formally welcomed by the temple committee. The Chief Minister’s visit commenced with his arrival at Mangaluru International Airport, from where he proceeded to Kollur by road. Upon reaching the temple precincts, he was extended a warm reception by the members of the temple management committee.
During his visit, Chief Minister Vijay had the distinct opportunity to have darshan of Goddess Mookambika and participated in a special puja. To ensure the smooth conduct of his high-profile visit, arrangements were meticulously put in place to regulate the flow of other devotees.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Vijay arrived at Mangaluru International Airport on a special flight from New Delhi. He was formally welcomed on behalf of the Karnataka government by Minister U.T. Khader, who presented him with a book on Swami Vivekananda and a floral bouquet. In his remarks, Minister Khader conveyed that Chief Minister Vijay expressed his appreciation for the people of Karnataka and Mangaluru. He further noted that discussions concerning the Mekedatu issue took place between the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in New Delhi, with a commitment to collaborative efforts on the matter.
A substantial number of Chief Minister Vijay’s admirers gathered along the Mangaluru–Udupi–Kollur route to greet him. As his convoy passed, supporters enthusiastically waved and cheered, and Chief Minister Vijay acknowledged them from his vehicle.
At the temple, chief priest Ramachandra Adiga performed the ritualistic sankalpa, and other temple priests tied a sacred thread on Chief Minister Vijay’s wrist. The Chief Minister arrived at the temple at approximately 3:30 pm and received a traditional Poornakumbha welcome from Kundapur Assistant Commissioner Rashmi, Temple Management Committee President Babu Hegde, and Chief Priest Ramachandra Adiga.
As a profound offering to the deity, Chief Minister Vijay presented a silver sword to Goddess Mookambika. The temple administration and priests extended a traditional welcome to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. He spent approximately 30 minutes within the temple premises, engaging in special prayers.
During his visit, Chief Minister Vijay also offered prayers to Stambha Ganapathi and witnessed the Deeparadhane within the sanctum sanctorum. According to the chief priest, Chief Minister Vijay silently offered his prayers and sought the blessings of the goddess without articulating any specific prayer request.
Following the reception of prasadam, Chief Minister Vijay walked a short distance, waving to the assembled devotees. As he departed from the temple, he garnered attention by personally taking the driver’s seat and operating his own vehicle, rather than relying on a chauffeur.
Temple authorities also presented Chief Minister Vijay with the historic golden sword previously donated to Goddess Mookambika by the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and revered leader, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). Chief Minister Vijay reportedly viewed the sword with considerable interest and enquired about its historical significance.
In anticipation of the Chief Minister’s visit, hundreds of fans had congregated near the temple. Given the high-profile nature of the visit, elaborate security arrangements were implemented in and around the temple premises. Additional police personnel were deployed, and stringent security measures were enforced along the travel route and within the temple area. The significant gathering of supporters at the temple premises celebrated Chief Minister Vijay’s visit and enthusiastically welcomed the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
